If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with flavor and celebrates the ocean’s bounty, the Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe combines the rich creaminess of garlic confit butter with the smoky essence of grilled prawns, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Each prawn is butterflied to soak up all the garlicky goodness, then kissed by the heat of the grill, making every bite irresistibly juicy and fragrant. Whether you’re firing up the BBQ for a summer gathering or simply craving an elegant seafood dinner at home, this dish is a fantastic way to impress your guests with effortless charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other flawlessly. Each component plays a special role in enhancing the texture, flavor, and vibrant appearance of the dish.
- 12 large raw prawns (shell-on, deveined, butterflied): The star of the recipe, fresh prawns provide a succulent and tender seafood base that’s perfect for grilling.
- 1/2 cup garlic confit (about 8–10 cloves): Slow-cooked garlic delivers a mellow, caramelized sweetness that elevates the butter mixture magnificently.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Butter adds a luscious creaminess that coats the prawns in rich flavor when melted on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used both for simmering garlic and brushing the prawns, olive oil helps to keep everything perfectly moist and adds subtle fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Bright citrus notes cut through the buttery richness and lend freshness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds acidity to balance flavors and enhances the seafood’s natural taste.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Provides color contrast and a mild herbal brightness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out and harmonize all the natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Fresh lemon wedges allow diners to add an extra zesty lift when serving.
How to Make Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Confit
Start by gently simmering peeled garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat. This slow cooking process will take about 25 to 30 minutes, softening the garlic until it’s tender and golden. The result is a garlicky spread with a deeper, sweeter flavor than raw garlic. Once done, let the confit cool slightly and then mash it into a smooth paste, ready to be blended with butter.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with the mashed garlic confit. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated. This garlic confit butter will be the luscious sauce that clings to each prawn during grilling.
Step 3: Prep the Grill and Prawns
Next, preheat your BBQ or grill to medium-high heat; you want it hot enough to sear the prawns beautifully. Pat your butterflied prawns dry with paper towels, then brush both sides lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote an even char.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Place the prawns flesh-side down on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Then carefully flip them over. Immediately spread or dollop a generous amount of the garlic confit butter over each prawn’s flesh. Grill for another 2 to 3 minutes until the prawns turn opaque and develop a lovely smoky char. Timing is key here for juicy, tender results.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, remove the prawns from the grill and plate them right away with fresh lemon wedges on the side. For an extra indulgent touch, serve any remaining garlic confit butter alongside for guests to add more buttery goodness to their prawns.
How to Serve Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the prawns just before serving adds a vibrant, herbaceous aroma and a lovely splash of green. Lemon wedges aren’t just eye-catching; their bright juice adds an irresistible zing that perfectly balances the richness of the confit butter.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the prawns shine. Think grilled crusty bread to mop up all the buttery juices, fluffy rice to soak up the flavors, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to add textural contrast and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the prawns in a circle on a wooden platter with lemon wedges at the center and small bowls of extra garlic butter around the edges. Alternatively, serve them atop a bed of herb-infused quinoa or alongside a vibrant mango salsa for a tropical twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any of these irresistible prawns left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
While prawns can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them before cooking. Freezing cooked prawns can affect their texture, making them a bit rubbery once reheated. For convenience, consider making the garlic confit butter in advance and freezing it in ice cube trays for quick use.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe, gently warm them in a low oven or pan to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving, as this can dry them out quickly. Add a little extra garlic butter during reheating to refresh their luscious flavor.
FAQs
What is garlic confit and why use it in this recipe?
Garlic confit is garlic slow-cooked in oil until soft and sweet, mellowing out its sharp bite. Using it in this recipe infuses the prawns with deep, rich garlic flavor while keeping the butter silky, preventing any harsh garlic taste.
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns if fresh aren’t available. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before butterflying and grilling to get the best texture and flavor.
How spicy can I make this dish?
If you love a little heat, adding a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the garlic confit butter mix will give the prawns a delightful kick without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Is it necessary to grill the prawns, or can I use a pan?
Grilling enhances the prawns with smoky char and a slightly crispy edge that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. However, if a grill isn’t available, you can cook the prawns in a hot skillet; just be sure to get a good sear on both sides.
Can I prepare the garlic confit butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Garlic confit butter can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes the actual cooking faster and means you have a versatile, flavorful butter ready to elevate many dishes.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe is a fantastic, flavorful dish that feels both luxurious and wonderfully approachable. Its rich, garlicky butter blended with fresh lemon and grilled prawns is the perfect combination to brighten any meal. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and delight in sharing it as much as I do with friends and family. Trust me, once you experience these prawns fresh off the grill, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again.
Print
Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 25–30 minutes for garlic confit if making fresh)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Savor the delicious Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns, a perfect Mediterranean-inspired summer seafood recipe. Plump, butterflied prawns are grilled to perfection and generously coated with a rich garlic confit butter, enhanced with lemon zest, juice, and fresh parsley. This dish is simple to prepare but packed with bold flavors, ideal for outdoor grilling and serving with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Prawns
- 12 large raw prawns (shell-on, deveined, butterflied)
Garlic Confit Butter
- 1/2 cup garlic confit (about 8–10 cloves)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Confit: Gently simmer peeled garlic cloves in olive oil over low heat for 25–30 minutes until soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly, then mash into a smooth paste.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with the mashed garlic confit, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your BBQ or grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it is ready for cooking the prawns.
- Prepare Prawns: Pat the butterflied prawns dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill Prawns: Place prawns flesh-side down on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes. Flip the prawns and generously spread or dollop the garlic confit butter over each prawn.
- Finish Cooking: Grill the prawns for an additional 2–3 minutes until they turn opaque and have light char marks.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra garlic confit butter on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the garlic confit in advance and store it refrigerated for up to one week.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled bread, steamed rice, or a simple fresh green salad.
