Garlic sauce for prawns is a rich, aromatic, and versatile sauce that turns simple seafood into a flavorful dish. It combines the sweetness of prawns with the bold taste of garlic, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. This sauce works well for pan-fried, grilled, or baked prawns and can also be used as a dipping sauce.
Making garlic sauce for prawns at home allows you to adjust the seasoning, creaminess, and level of garlic intensity to your preference. Whether you want a light and tangy version or a rich, buttery sauce, the process is quick and straightforward.
Key Takeaway:
- Fresh garlic and prawns deliver the best taste.
- Gentle cooking prevents garlic from turning bitter.
- Lemon juice balances the richness of butter or cream.
- Avoid overcooking prawns for tender texture.
- Pair with bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare a classic garlic sauce for prawns, gather the following:
- Fresh garlic cloves, peeled and minced (or turned into garlic paste)
- Butter or olive oil
- Fresh prawns (cleaned and deveined)
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: cream, fresh herbs, chili flakes
If peeling garlic feels time-consuming, you can speed up the process using the tips from how to peel garlic quickly.
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Rinse and pat dry the prawns. Remove the shell and devein them for better texture and taste.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning to keep the flavor sweet. If you want an extra smooth sauce, use a garlic press before cooking.
Step 3: Add the Prawns
Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in lemon juice, cream (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the garlic prawns with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. The bread will soak up the sauce beautifully, much like garlic bread complements pasta dishes.
Serving Ideas
- As a main dish over pasta, similar to recipes for garlic sauce for pasta
- With a side of garlic toast or fresh dinner rolls
- On a platter with salad and lemon wedges for a light meal
Tips for Best Results
- Always use fresh prawns for better flavor and texture.
- Adjust garlic quantity depending on how bold you want the flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Avoid overcooking prawns to prevent a rubbery texture.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Garlic Prawns – Add chili flakes or fresh chili for heat.
- Herb Garlic Prawns – Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro for freshness.
- Creamy Garlic Prawns – Increase cream content for a richer sauce.
For other seafood-friendly garlic sauces, see garlic sauce for steak or garlic sauce for chicken.
How to Store Garlic Sauce for Prawns
If you make extra sauce without prawns, cool it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, check how to freeze garlic or make a batch of garlic powder for quick flavoring in future dishes.
Garlic Sauce Texture Tips
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce liquid.
- For a smoother sauce, blend cooked garlic before adding prawns.
- For an oil-based sauce, skip cream and use extra olive oil.
Pairing Garlic Prawns with Sides
Garlic prawns go well with:
- Steamed vegetables and roasted garlic bread
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Light salads with vinaigrette
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without butter?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use olive oil and coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
1. How to make garlic sauce for prawns without cream
You can make a delicious garlic sauce for prawns without cream by relying on ingredients that naturally create richness. A popular method is to sauté fresh minced garlic in butter or olive oil until fragrant, then add chicken or vegetable stock for depth. To achieve creaminess, you can whisk in a little milk, coconut milk, or even mashed potato as a natural thickener. Some cooks also use cornstarch slurry to give the sauce a silky texture. The result is a flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to prawns without feeling heavy.
2. How to make garlic sauce for prawns without wine
If you prefer not to use wine, you can still prepare garlic sauce for prawns by replacing it with broth, lemon juice, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. Start by sautéing garlic in butter or olive oil, then deglaze the pan with a bit of stock instead of wine. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness and finish with parsley or chili flakes for extra flavor. This creates a lighter, more refreshing sauce that balances well with the natural sweetness of prawns.
3. What are prawns in garlic sauce made of?
Prawns in garlic sauce are typically made of just a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. The dish usually includes fresh prawns, garlic, butter or olive oil, lemon juice, and sometimes parsley or chili for extra zest. The garlic is lightly fried to release its aroma before being combined with the prawns, allowing the seafood to soak up the savory flavors. Depending on the recipe, some variations may add cream, broth, or wine, but the essence of the dish always revolves around prawns, garlic, and a rich, savory base.
4. What are the three ingredients in garlic prawns?
At its most basic, garlic prawns can be made with just three ingredients: prawns, garlic, and butter. This simple combination highlights the natural sweetness of prawns while allowing the bold, aromatic flavor of garlic to shine through. Butter ties everything together, creating a luscious coating that enhances the texture and taste of the seafood. While many recipes add extras like lemon juice, parsley, or chili flakes, the heart of garlic prawns lies in these three essential ingredients.
5. How to make a thick creamy garlic sauce?
To make a thick creamy garlic sauce, begin by sautéing minced garlic in butter until golden and fragrant. Add a bit of flour to form a roux, which will serve as the thickening base. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, or a dairy alternative until the sauce begins to thicken. For extra richness, you can stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which not only adds flavor but also gives the sauce a velvety texture. If you want a creamier yet lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. The key is to cook slowly and stir consistently until the sauce reaches a smooth, luscious consistency perfect for prawns.
