Butter Prawn Recipe

Prawns: Fresh seafood that should be cleaned and deveined before cooking.

Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory base for the sauce.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to balance the sweetness.

Sugar: Enhances the overall flavor by adding a touch of sweetness.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add a bright and tangy finish to the dish.

When sautéing the garlic in butter, ensure the heat is kept at medium to prevent the garlic from burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish, which can overpower the delicate flavors of the prawns. Stir continuously and watch for the garlic to turn a light golden brown before adding the prawns.

• Butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a similar rich and creamy texture but with a higher smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.

• Butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat alternative while still adding a rich flavor to the dish.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the prawns without overpowering them.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor profile.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos provide a soy-free, slightly sweeter alternative with a similar depth of flavor.

• Sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral notes that can enhance the overall flavor.

• Sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness with a slight caramel flavor that pairs well with prawns.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more complex mineral flavor compared to regular table salt.

• Salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger, coarser grains that can enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

• Freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly earthy flavor that can blend well with the other ingredients.

• Freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity with a slightly different citrus flavor that can brighten the dish.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy acidity that can balance the richness of the butter and prawns.

• Allow the prawns to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy prawns.
• Transfer the butter prawns to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the prawns within 2-3 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the prawns in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long the prawns have been stored.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the prawns in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture.
• Reheat the butter prawns in a pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to refresh the flavors.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the prawns rubbery. Gentle reheating on the stove is recommended for the best texture.
• Serve the reheated butter prawns hot, and enjoy them as if freshly cooked.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan.
  3. Once the butter melts or the oil heats up, add the leftover prawns.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the prawns are heated through.
  5. If the prawns seem dry, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more butter to keep them moist.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the prawns in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are heated through.
  4. Optionally, you can add a small amount of butter or lemon juice before covering to enhance the flavor and moisture.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the prawns in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals if necessary, being careful not to overcook.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket and bring water to a boil.
  2. Place the prawns in the steaming basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes until the prawns are heated through.
  4. Optionally, you can add a slice of lemon or a bit of butter to the steaming water for added flavor.

• Pan: A medium-sized pan is essential for cooking the prawns and melting the butter.

• Spatula: Use a spatula to stir and sauté the garlic and prawns.

• Knife: A sharp knife is needed to mince the garlic.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons ensure accurate measurement of soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

• Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer helps extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Serving dish: A serving dish is used to present the cooked prawns attractively.

Prep ingredients in advance: Clean and devein the prawns ahead of time to save on prep work.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on chopping time.

Melt butter quickly: Cut the butter into smaller pieces for faster melting.

Measure seasonings beforehand: Have your soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper ready to go in small bowls.

Cook in batches: If your pan is small, cook the prawns in batches to ensure even cooking.

Use a hot pan: Preheat your pan to medium heat before adding the butter to speed up the cooking process.