Garlic prawns are a staple in Australian cuisine, bringing together juicy, tender prawns with rich, buttery garlic flavours. Whether you're preparing a quick midweek meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe delivers a simple yet elegant dish. With the right tools, including the best kitchen knives and a sturdy chopping board wooden, meal preparation becomes seamless.
Why Garlic Prawns are a Must-Try Dish
Garlic prawns offer a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Packed with flavour and requiring minimal cooking time, they’re ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
"Seafood dishes like garlic prawns are loved for their fresh, bold flavours and quick preparation time, making them a go-to for home cooks looking to impress." – Australian Culinary Institute
For the best results, using a chef knife 20cm for precise slicing and a paring knife for deveining prawns ensures efficiency and safety in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Prawns:
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500g raw prawns, peeled and deveined
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon red chilli flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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¼ cup white wine (optional, for depth of flavour)
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Suggested Side Dishes:
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Steamed rice or crusty bread
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Fresh green salad
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Sautéed vegetables
Preparation & Cooking Time
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Prawns
1. Using a paring knife, carefully remove the prawn shells and devein them by making a shallow cut along the back.
2. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Season prawns with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
Pro Tip: A best knife for kitchen with a sharp blade helps make the deveining process smooth and precise.
2. Cooking the Garlic Prawns
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
3. Toss in the prawns and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Add the chilli flakes (if using), white wine, and lemon juice, then simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
5. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Pro Tip: Using a chopping board for kitchen with a chopping board juice groove helps prevent spills when cutting ingredients like garlic and parsley.
3. Serving and Garnishing
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Transfer the garlic prawns to a serving dish.
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Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the prawns.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Knife Skills for Perfect Seafood Prep
Having the right tools enhances both efficiency and precision when preparing garlic prawns:
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Best chef quality knives: Ideal for chopping garlic and herbs.
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Paring knife: Essential for deveining prawns and making small, delicate cuts.
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Chopping board wooden: Provides a sturdy base for preparing ingredients while preserving knife sharpness.
For premium kitchen knives, explore our premium kitchen knives at Ryda Knives AU.
Alternative Versions of Garlic Prawns
1. Creamy Garlic Prawns
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Add ½ cup of thickened cream after the wine and let it simmer for an extra 2–3 minutes for a rich, velvety sauce.
2. Spicy Garlic Prawns
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Increase the chilli flakes and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
3. Asian-Inspired Garlic Prawns
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Swap white wine for soy sauce and add ginger for an umami boost.
"Cooking is an art, and recipes are merely guidelines. Feel free to experiment with different flavours!" – Australian Home Cook Magazine
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Prawns
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Absorbs the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully.
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Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
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Grilled Vegetables: Adds a nutritious, smoky contrast.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storage:
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Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Do not freeze, as prawns tend to become rubbery upon thawing.
Reheating:
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Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water for 2–3 minutes.
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Microwave: Warm in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval.
Did you know? Keeping your knives sharp with a honing steel or whetstone set ensures better control when slicing delicate seafood.
Additional Cooking Resources
For more tips and seafood recipes, check out:
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Seafood Industry Australia – Learn about the best quality Australian seafood.
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Food Standards Australia – Food safety guidelines for handling raw seafood.
Final Thoughts
Garlic prawns are a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home. Whether you prefer the classic version, a creamy twist, or an Asian-inspired variation, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Having the best quality kitchen knives and a paring knife makes preparation effortless, allowing you to enjoy a smooth cooking process.
For top-rated knife sets, chef knives online, and kitchen knives professional, explore Ryda Knives AU. Investing in the best knife set Australia ensures precision in every cut and enhances your overall cooking experience.
So, grab your best kitchen knives, fire up the stove, and enjoy this irresistible garlic prawns recipe tonight!
