Barbecuing prawns is a summertime favorite, bringing together fresh flavors with a hint of smoky char. There’s one recipe that elevates this classic: Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns.
These prawns are captivating with their richness and complexity, thanks to the garlic confit butter. The secret ingredient—anchovies—adds a depth of umami that complements the natural sweetness of the prawns. You’ll find yourself craving the way the subtle heat from the chili flakes melds with the luscious butter.
The ease of preparing these prawns might surprise you. I remember my first time working with butterflied prawns, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity.
As you butterfly them, the prawns open up beautifully, ready to soak in the flavors. The key is letting them absorb the garlic confit butter, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
Why trust this recipe? Because it’s a crowd-pleaser I keep coming back to.
The BBQ grill’s searing heat works magic, leaving the prawns with a perfect char while still moist inside. When you serve these prawns, expect an appreciative audience, eager to know your culinary secret. You’ll find that this delectable dish is more than just food; it’s an experience waiting to be shared.
Why You Will Love Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
If you’re passionate about seafood, these prawns are a must-try. The garlic confit butter adds a rich, flavorful twist that makes this dish stand out at any BBQ.
You get that perfect blend of tender prawn meat combined with the aromatic garlic butter.
Cooking these prawns is straightforward. The butterflied technique allows the prawns to cook evenly while absorbing flavors beautifully. This method also makes them quick to grill, ensuring you don’t have to spend too long by the BBQ.
Imagine the joy of biting into prawns that are beautifully charred yet succulent inside. This unique combination of textures is sure to delight your taste buds.
This dish can be easily customized.
You might want to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a hint of chili for some added zing. This adaptability means you can make it just right for your taste.
You’ll appreciate the simplicity behind these BBQ prawns. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a dish that impresses friends and family. It’s the perfect choice for relaxed outdoor gatherings.
The garlic confit butter pairs perfectly with the prawns, creating a deliciously decadent experience. Making your loved ones’ eyes light up with each bite is something you’ll enjoy.
How To Make Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
Creating Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns is a delightful process that involves preparing flavorful garlic butter and grilling prawns to perfection. This dish is rich in taste and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
To make these prawns, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what to gather:
- 1 pound of butterflied prawns or shrimp
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced or finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, a pinch for finishing
Having these ingredients on hand ensures you have everything needed to make the prawns flavorful and delicious.
Instruments
Ensure you have the right instruments to make preparation seamless:
- BBQ grill: For cooking the prawns evenly
- Food processor: Efficiently mixes the garlic butter sauce ingredients
- Grill skewer: To keep prawns flat while grilling
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining butter and garlic
- Spatula or brush: Applies the garlic butter to prawns
- Tongs: Essential for turning the prawns on the grill
These tools help streamline the cooking process, making it more organized and enjoyable.
Step By Step Instruction
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Begin by making the garlic butter mixture. In a food processor, combine the garlic, softened butter, olive oil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend until it forms a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Butterfly the Prawns:
Ensure prawns are clean and deveined. Gently butterfly them by slicing along the back without cutting entirely through. This allows for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
3. Season and Skewer:
Rub the prawns with a bit of sea salt and pepper. Skewer each prawn from head to tail, ensuring they stay flat.
4. Grill the Prawns:
Preheat your BBQ grill to medium heat. Place the skewered prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch them turn opaque pink with a slight char, which indicates they’re done.
5. Apply the Garlic Butter:
Use a spatula or brush to coat the hot prawns generously with the garlic butter mixture. The heat will melt the butter, ensuring rich flavor throughout.
Serve the prawns hot, and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking prawns to perfection requires attention and care. A few tips can really transform your garlic confit butter butterflied BBQ prawns.
Keep an Eye on Cooking Time
Prawns cook quickly, often in 2-3 minutes per side. Watch closely. They should turn pink with a slight char. Overcooking leads to a rubbery texture, so stay attentive.
Butterfly Like a Pro
Use a sharp knife to cut the prawns from the bottom up. This opens them up for even cooking and allows flavors to seep in. Removing the vein is a must for both taste and appearance.
Maximize Flavor
Use garlic confit butter generously. Dot it over the prawns before cooking. This will give them a rich, complex taste that elevates the dish.
Add a Flavor Boost
Consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or finely chopped chives. This gives an extra zing and pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter. Season with a touch of salt and pepper before grilling.
Heat Control
Preheat your grill or barbecue to high. The initial high heat is essential to sear and lock in juices. Later, reduce the heat slightly if necessary to prevent burning.
Ingredient Substitute
When making Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns, you might wonder if you can swap ingredients. Here are some ideas that could work well for this dish.
Butter: If you don’t have salted butter on hand, you can easily use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to taste. This allows you to control the saltiness of your prawns more precisely.
Garlic Confit: Regular minced garlic can be a simple substitute for garlic confit. To mimic the confit flavor, sauté the garlic in olive oil over low heat until soft and fragrant. This won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a close alternative.
Anchovy Fillets: If you can’t find anchovy fillets, consider using a splash of fish sauce. It will provide a similar umami punch without the anchovy.
Always feel free to customize the spice level.
If dried chili flakes are unavailable, try using a small amount of cayenne pepper or even a fresh chili, finely chopped.
Herbs: For fresh herbs like parsley, you could swap in cilantro or basil if you prefer a different flavor profile.
These substitutions allow you to make the dish with what’s available while retaining its delicious essence. Experiment within the recipe to suit your own tastes and ingredient availability.
What To Serve With Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
When you’re serving garlic confit butter butterflied BBQ prawns, crusty bread is a must. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter. You might find your guests reaching for a second slice.
Fresh avocado adds a creamy contrast. Slice it and season with a little salt and lime for an extra kick. The coolness pairs well with the bold flavors of the prawns.
For a more filling option, pesto pasta fits right in. Its rich flavor works well alongside the garlicky prawns. This is great if you want to offer a hearty side without overwhelming the main dish.
If you’re in the mood for vegetables, go with grilled asparagus. Lightly charred, it adds a nice crunch. It’s an easy way to bring some green to the table.
Focaccia bread is another excellent choice.
It’s a bit softer than crusty bread but still holds up well to the garlic butter sauce. This bread can also be flavored with herbs to complement the prawns.
Mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that balances the buttery prawns. They serve as a neutral base, allowing the prawn’s flavors to shine through.
Lastly, consider a simple Caesar salad. Crisp and refreshing, it adds a light touch to your meal, providing a necessary balance to the rich prawns.
Nutrition Fact
When you’re preparing Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns, knowing the nutritional content is useful. Here’s a breakdown for you:
- Calories: Approximately 270 per serving
- Protein: Around 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Total Fat: Roughly 24g (including saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: Minimal, generally low
- Cholesterol: On the higher side, as expected with prawns
- Sodium: Keep an eye on this, can be significant
- Added Sugar: Very low
Prawns are a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients. While enjoying the rich garlic butter sauce, be mindful of the fat and calories.
Pair it with a fresh salad to balance your meal.
If you’re conscious about your sodium intake, consider using unsalted butter or reducing added salt. The natural flavors will still stand out, and you can enjoy this dish with fewer health worries.
Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
Equipment
- BBQ grill
- food processor
- Grill skewer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound of butterflied prawns or shrimp
- 4 cloves of garlic minced or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of sea salt for finishing
- Optional: chili flakes or fresh herbs for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a food processor, blend garlic, softened butter, olive oil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Butterfly the Prawns: Clean and devein prawns, then slice along the back without cutting through, allowing for even cooking and better absorption of the garlic butter.
- Season and Skewer: Season prawns with sea salt and pepper, then skewer from head to tail to keep them flat on the grill.
- Grill the Prawns: Preheat BBQ to medium heat. Grill prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Brush or spoon garlic butter generously over the hot prawns to allow it to melt and infuse the prawns with flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the prawns hot, garnished with fresh herbs or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Calories: Approximately 270
- Protein: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Total Fat: 24g (including saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: Minimal, generally low
- Cholesterol: High (as expected with prawns)
- Sodium: Moderate (adjust with unsalted butter if desired)
- Added Sugar: Very low
