Name: Creamy Garlic Prawns (Shrimp)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 500 g peeled prawns/shrimp (large/jumbo best); 1 clove garlic (finely minced); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 15 g unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 15 g unsalted butter; 1/4 cup dry white wine (or more chicken stock); 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock/broth (low sodium); 1 cup heavy/thickened cream; 1/2 cup parmesan (finely grated); 2 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

Introduction to Creamy Garlic Prawns

What makes creamy garlic prawns a perfect dish for young professionals?

If you're a young professional juggling a busy schedule, creamy garlic prawns are a delightful answer to your dinner woes. In just 17 minutes, this dish transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering experience. The charming combination of garlic and creamy sauce complements the sweetness of large prawns, making for a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it's also incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking to impress a date or simply seeking nourishment after a long day, the creamy garlic sauce can elevate a dinner table, all while keeping meal prep accessible. Pair it with your choice of pasta, rice, or even a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Moreover, with minimal cleanup and cooking time, you'll be spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your well-deserved meal. It's also a great opportunity to hone your cooking skills while delighting your taste buds—what’s not to love? You might also want to explore complementary side dishes like garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete culinary experience.

For more tips on enhancing your weeknight dinners, check out this guide, which focuses on easy yet impressive meals!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Prawns

Creating the ultimate creamy garlic prawns dish starts with gathering the right ingredients. This recipe features succulent prawns nestled in a rich, flavorful sauce that is sure to delight. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Garlic Marinade

500g (1 lb) of peeled prawns/shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo prawns for that perfect bite and texture.
1 garlic clove: Finely minced, this is essential for that aromatic kick.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps in marinating.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of heat.
½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.

For Cooking the Prawns

15g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter: This helps achieve a lovely golden color on the prawns.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

2 garlic cloves: Finely minced for a doubly delicious flavor.
15g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter: Used to sauté the garlic and build the base flavor.
¼ cup chicken broth: A great alternative to deglazing with wine.
½ cup low sodium chicken or vegetable stock: For that wholesome depth.
1 cup heavy cream: This is your secret to a creamy consistency.
½ cup finely grated parmesan: Freshly grated is key for melting perfectly.
2 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.

These ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish that’s perfect as a main course or a starter! For more tips on choosing the freshest seafood, check out our guide to selecting prawns.

Preparing Creamy Garlic Prawns

Cooking up creamy garlic prawns is a delightful way to impress guests or simply indulge yourself on a weeknight. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish in no time! Let’s walk through the steps together, shall we?

Marinate the Prawns

Start by layering flavor into your prawns. In a medium bowl, combine:

500g peeled prawns
1 minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon of olive oil
½ teaspoon of black pepper

Toss everything together to ensure the prawns are nicely coated. If you have some extra time, allow the mixture to marinate for about 20 minutes. This marination will infuse the prawns with garlic goodness. Just before cooking, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt for that extra flavor boost.

Cook the Prawns to Perfection

When you’re ready to cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter’s melted and bubbling, add half of the marinated prawns. Cook them for about 1 minute on each side until they're pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining prawns. Remember to save any leftover garlic remnants in the skillet—they add fabulous flavor to your sauce!

Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now comes the fun part! In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Toss in an additional 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 30 seconds, just until golden and fragrant. Here’s where the magic happens—add ½ cup of chicken or vegetable stock. Stir and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the skillet; this is where your flavor is hiding!

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat for about 2 minutes until thickened. Finally, stir in ½ cup of finely grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Combine the Prawns with the Sauce

Add the cooked prawns back into the skillet and gently toss to coat them in that heavenly creamy garlic sauce. The prawns should be nice and warm, ready to be plated for your dining pleasure.

Plate Your Dish

For the finishing touch, serve your creamy garlic prawns over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside some crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

There you have it—a simple yet scrumptious dish that’s sure to satisfy! For more inspiration, check out this guide on how to perfectly cook prawns. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Variations on Creamy Garlic Prawns

Creamy Garlic Prawns with Vegetables

Want to add some color and nutrition to your dish? Stir-fry bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach in your skillet before adding the creamy garlic prawns. The vibrant veggies not only enhance the flavor but also provide a lovely contrast to the rich sauce. This easy modification turns your dish into a well-rounded meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Learn more about veggie pairings here.

Spicy Creamy Garlic Prawns

If you crave a little heat, why not spice things up? Incorporate red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha into the creamy garlic sauce. This will elevate the flavor, giving you that perfect punch of heat while still maintaining the creamy richness you love. For an extra kick, consider using spicy Cajun seasoning on the prawns during marination. Who said creamy can’t be exciting? Discover more ways to add spice to your dishes here.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Creamy Garlic Prawns

Cooking Creamy Garlic Prawns can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

Shrimp Quality: Always opt for large or jumbo prawns, as they deliver a juicier bite. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Flavor Boost: Instead of wine, try using chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice to deglaze the pan — this helps lift those flavorful bits stuck on the skillet.
Parmesan Perfection: Grate fresh parmesan yourself; pre-packaged versions can clump and not melt as beautifully.
Cream Sauce: For an extra creamy finish, let the sauce simmer to infuse those rich flavors before adding the prawns back in.

Prepare to impress with this delightful dish!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Prawns

When it comes to creamy garlic prawns, the serving possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your meal:

Pair with Pasta: Toss your creamy garlic prawns with al dente fettuccine or spaghetti for a rich, satisfying dish. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Spoon over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of jasmine rice to soak up that luscious sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Crunchy Bread: Serve with crusty bread for an inviting appetizer. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness.
Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp salad. A light arugula or mixed green salad with a vinaigrette can be refreshing.

Try these options next time you prepare your creamy garlic prawns, and enjoy a delicious, well-rounded meal!

Time Breakdown for Creamy Garlic Prawns

When you're in the mood for something delicious yet quick to whip up, this creamy garlic prawns recipe has your back. Here's a handy breakdown of the time required:

Preparation Time

5 minutes
In just a few minutes, you can have your ingredients ready to go—perfect for those busy weeknights!

Cooking Time

12 minutes
Once you start cooking, this delightful dish can be on your table in under 15 minutes. Talk about a speedy meal!

Marinating Time

20 minutes
Allow your prawns to soak up all that garlicky goodness. If you're short on time, even a quick 10-minute marinate works, but letting them marinate longer enhances the flavor.

Total Time

37 minutes
From prep to plate, you’ll be enjoying your creamy garlic prawns in just over half an hour—ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive surprise for guests.

If you're looking for easy-to-follow tips on marinating, or you want to dive deeper into variations of cooking prawns, exploring resources like the American Heart Association can also help! Enjoy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Creamy Garlic Prawns

Calories

Each serving of creamy garlic prawns packs a satisfying 490 calories. This makes it a hearty dish, perfect for a fulfilling meal without feeling overly heavy.

Protein

With an impressive 32 grams of protein per serving, this dish not only tastes great but also supports your dietary needs, making it ideal for muscle building and maintenance.

Sodium

Keep an eye on sodium intake, as this dish contains approximately 1499 mg per serving. If you're watching your salt, consider adjusting the amount of added salt or opting for low-sodium broth.

For more information on the importance of protein in your diet, check out resources from the National Institutes of Health or the World Health Organization.

FAQs about Creamy Garlic Prawns

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen prawns are a fantastic option. Just ensure they’re fully thawed before marinating. Place them in a colander over a bowl overnight in the fridge to let excess water drain, then pat them dry. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden color when cooking.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you're looking for a lighter option or simply don’t have heavy cream on hand, try using half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and cream. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream can add richness without compromising texture. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor profile of your creamy garlic prawns.

How do I know when prawns are cooked?

Cooking prawns is quite forgiving! They typically turn pink and opaque when done. A general rule is to cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on their size. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they reach that perfect pink hue.

For more guidance, check out this resource on seafood cooking times. Happy cooking!

Conclusion on Creamy Garlic Prawns

In conclusion, Creamy Garlic Prawns offer a deliciously satisfying way to elevate your dinner game. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Pair it with rice or crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Enjoy every bite!