Name: Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1½ lbs large raw prawns (butterflied, shells on or off); ¼ cup garlic confit (soft garlic cloves in oil); 3 tbsp garlic confit oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges

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If you’re craving a show-stopping seafood dish that bursts with rich, buttery flavor and a punch of aromatic garlic, then the Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe is your next must-try. This recipe transforms succulent prawns into an unforgettable grilled delight, with the garlic confit butter adding a stunning depth and silkiness that perfectly complements the smoky char from the BBQ. It’s vibrant, simple to make, and absolutely perfect for any gathering or a special weeknight treat.

Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something this delicious. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender prawns to the aromatic garlic confit and fresh lemon, building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly sing.

1½ lbs large raw prawns (butterflied, shells on or off): Choose fresh and large to get juicy, tender bites that grill beautifully.
¼ cup garlic confit (soft garlic cloves in oil): The star ingredient that brings mellow, sweet garlic richness without harshness.
3 tbsp garlic confit oil: Used to intensify that deep garlic flavor and add moisture for grilling.
4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Creamy base for the garlic butter that helps everything meld perfectly.
1 tbsp lemon juice: A zesty brightness to cut through the richness and lift the flavors.
1 tsp lemon zest: Adds fragrant citrus aroma, boosting freshness with every bite.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and herbaceous contrast that freshens the dish.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
Lemon wedges for serving: To squeeze over and add that final burst of vibrance.

How to Make Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Confit Butter Mixture

Start by mashing the garlic confit cloves with softened unsalted butter until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. This slow-cooked garlic is incredibly tender and mellow, melting perfectly into the butter. Then, stir in the garlic confit oil for extra garlicky richness, followed by the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This mixture will be your luscious basting sauce that brings all the prawns to life.

Step 2: Butterflying and Buttering the Prawns

Lay your large prawns open, flesh side facing up, on a tray. This butterflying technique ensures they cook evenly and absorb the butter flavor fully. Generously spoon or brush the garlic confit butter over each prawn, making sure the juicy flesh is coated well to lock in all those irresistible flavors during grilling.

Step 3: Preheat and Grill the Prawns

Heat your BBQ or grill to a medium-high temperature for that perfect sear. Place the prawns flesh side down first and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully and grill shell side down for another 2 to 3 minutes, continuously basting with any leftover garlic confit butter to keep them juicy and flavorful. The prawns are done when they turn opaque and develop a slight char, delivering a smoky punch alongside the garlic butter’s richness.

Step 4: Serve Hot and Fresh

Remove the prawns from the grill and serve immediately. The combination of smoky, garlicky, buttery prawns with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is genuinely unbeatable. Garnish with a little extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side to amp up the freshness.

How to Serve Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of bright green chopped parsley works wonders to add a lively herbal contrast against the deep flavors of the garlic butter. Lemon wedges are a must-have to add a zingy burst of citrus that awakens the palate and rounds out the indulgent richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these flavorful prawns with light, complementary sides such as a crisp garden salad, fluffy herbed rice, or grilled seasonal vegetables. These options provide just the right balance, allowing the prawns to shine as the centerpiece of the meal without overwhelming their delicious garlic-infused profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the butterflied prawns fanned out on a rustic wooden board or a large platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs scattered artistically. You could also serve them atop a bed of garlic buttered crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. It’s not just a meal—it’s a feast that invites smiles and second helpings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that grilling is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage will help retain much of that buttery garlic goodness.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this recipe as the texture of prawns can become rubbery once thawed and reheated. However, if you decide to freeze, do so immediately after preparing the prawns (before grilling), tightly wrapped in foil or vacuum-sealed for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and grill fresh to enjoy the best results.

Reheating

To gently reheat, use a low heat setting in a skillet or oven, adding a bit of butter or oil to keep the prawns moist. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry out the delicate seafood. Reheat just until warm—overcooking will toughen the prawns and dull the incredible garlic butter flavor.

FAQs

Can I make garlic confit at home for this recipe?

Absolutely! Garlic confit is simply garlic cloves slowly simmered in oil until soft and sweet. Making your own adds freshness and lets you control the flavor intensity perfectly for this Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe.

Should I leave the prawn shells on or off?

Both options work beautifully, but leaving the shells on can help lock in moisture and add a lovely charred flavor. Butterflying and removing the digestive tract ensures easy eating without sacrificing juiciness.

Can I add some spice to the garlic butter?

Yes! A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika stirred into the garlic confit butter adds a wonderful kick and depth, balancing the rich butter with a touch of heat.

Is this recipe suitable for outdoor grilling only?

While it shines on the BBQ grill with that smoky char, you can also cook these prawns on a grill pan or under a broiler indoors if weather or space is limited. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

How many prawns should I serve per person?

The recipe yields about 4 servings with 4 to 5 prawns each, which is perfect as a main course especially when paired with sides. For appetizers, you can certainly serve smaller portions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way the Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe comes together—simple ingredients that create an extraordinary dining experience. The marriage of smoky grill flavor with silky garlic butter is pure magic on a plate. Whether for a summer cookout or an impressive dinner, this recipe is destined to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. So go ahead and treat yourself and your friends to this sensational seafood dish—you won’t regret it!