Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
If you’re ready to ignite your taste buds with bold flavors and buttery goodness, then Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns are about to become your next obsession. Giant, succulent prawns get a golden sear in a sizzling pan of olive oil and butter, infused with fresh garlic, smoky Cajun spices, and a hit of lemon that makes the whole dish sing. It’s a knockout main course that’s both impressive and blissfully easy—perfect for a weeknight treat or a dinner party show-stopper! Grab some crusty bread, because you won’t want to waste a drop of that zesty, spicy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns are a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each one playing a starring role in making this dish so irresistibly delicious. Let’s celebrate how something so simple can deliver such big flavor!
- Tiger prawns (1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined, tails on): These big beauties provide sweet, meaty flavor and hold up beautifully to a quick sauté.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and helps the butter resist browning too quickly in the skillet.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Gives a luxurious, velvety sauce that clings to every prawn.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The flavor backbone—fresh garlic fills the whole kitchen with heady aroma and earthy zing.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings smoky, spicy, and herby notes that make the magic happen. Look for one with a blend of paprika, chili, and herbs.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends bold, woodsy smoke and a pop of rich color.
- Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens everything with tangy freshness and balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Scatters green, herby sparkle and lifts up the flavors at the end.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for squeezing over at the table—lemon takes these Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns over the top!
How to Make Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns
Step 1: Prep the Prawns
Start by making sure your tiger prawns are fully peeled and deveined, tails left on for drama and easy eating. Gently pat them dry with paper towels—this crucial step helps them sear instead of steaming, promising those wonderfully golden, slightly crisp edges you’re after.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and toss in the butter; as it melts, swirl things around until everything is bubbly and just beginning to brown. You want the pan hot so the prawns cook quickly and evenly—no slow starts allowed!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and give it just 30 seconds to bloom. Watch and smell—the fragrance tells you it’s ready. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, stirring constantly, so the spices toast and coat the garlic, turning deep orange-red and irresistibly aromatic.
Step 4: Cook the Prawns
Now for the star turn: Lay the tiger prawns in a single layer over the spicy, garlicky butter. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning only once. They’re done when they’re pink, opaque, and lightly charred at the edges with flecks of golden garlic clinging to each one—perfection!
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Herbs
Turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the prawns. Add the fresh chopped parsley, then gently toss everything together so the herbs and bright citrus swirl over every piece. Slide them immediately onto a serving platter and don’t forget the lemon wedges!
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns
Garnishes
A sprinkling of extra parsley and bright lemon wedges are a must—let each guest squeeze that fresh juice right before eating. For even more drama, a pinch of flaky sea salt or thinly sliced green onions makes a gorgeous finishing touch, adding crunch and pop.
Side Dishes
Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns are begging to be spooned over simple steamed rice, soaking up every last drop of buttery, spicy sauce. Or, tuck them next to grilled veggies for a riot of color and crunch. Crusty bread is essential for mopping up the skillet sauce—no drop left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve prawns family-style in the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. For a small plate or appetizer, skewer each prawn on a toothpick with a lemon slice, or pile them onto a toasted baguette for a seafood bruschetta. However you serve them, Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns are bound to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken a little as it cools, but the flavors will deepen and mellow nicely.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked prawns if you need to. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze till solid, and then pack into freezer-safe bags—this helps them keep their texture. Use within one month for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make prawns rubbery. Just warm through until heated (1–2 minutes) and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While tiger prawns are wonderfully meaty and perfect for this recipe, any large shrimp will work—just keep an eye on cook time as smaller shrimp cook faster. The Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns flavor will still shine.
What’s the best way to peel and devein tiger prawns?
Hold the prawn with the belly facing up, carefully remove the shell but leave the tail on for presentation, then use a small knife or prawn tool to make a shallow slit down the back and remove the vein. Rinse, pat dry, and you’re ready!
Is Cajun seasoning really spicy?
It depends on the brand or blend you use. Most have a nice kick but aren’t overwhelmingly hot. For those who love extra heat, a pinch of cayenne added to the Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns mix can turn things up a notch!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative (like vegan butter or more olive oil). The prawns will still have plenty of richness, and all the flavor from the spices and garlic.
How do I avoid overcooking the prawns?
This dish cooks fast, so stay close and turn them as soon as they’re pink and opaque—usually just 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooked prawns toughen quickly, so pull them off the heat as soon as they look done and still juicy.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns recipe that delivers serious flavor in record time! It’s a dish that feels both special and totally doable whenever a spicy seafood craving strikes. Don’t wait to give this one a try; the only regret you’ll have is not making extra for next-day leftovers!
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Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns are a flavorful and spicy seafood dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Succulent tiger prawns are cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice, creating a dish that is bursting with Cajun-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Tiger Prawns:
- 1 ½ pounds tiger prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat prawns dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic, add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook prawns on each side until pink and slightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over prawns, toss with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Pair these prawns with rice, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread to enjoy the delicious buttery sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 ounces prawns
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
