Butterflied tiger prawns, roasted until just tender with a generous coating of minced garlic and shallot-infused butter, make for an impressive yet straightforward main course. The high-heat roasting process allows the shell-on prawns to steam slightly in their own juices while the butter mixture caramelizes, creating a fragrant, golden crust that clings to the meat.
A light dusting of chili powder, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar balances the richness of the butter, cutting through the sweetness of the shellfish. By leaving the shells on during the bake, the prawns remain succulent and flavorful, ensuring each bite retains its natural texture and moisture.
These oven-baked garlic butter tiger prawns serve well as a weeknight centerpiece or a starter for a casual dinner. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped scallions provide the necessary brightness to round out the meal, making them a satisfying option when you want something that feels special but requires minimal hands-on time.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the rich, aromatic pairing of seafood and allium, you might want to try our classic take on garlic butter prawns for a simple weeknight win. For those who prefer a more delicate preparation, our baked red emperor parcels offer a cleaner way to infuse flaky white fish with that same decadent herb and butter profile.
Key Ingredients
- Tiger prawns: These large crustaceans are butterflied to hold the seasoned garlic butter mixture.
- Salted butter: The base for the rich sauce that coats and bastes the prawns while baking.
- Garlic: Ten minced cloves provide the bold, aromatic profile central to this dish.
- Shallots: Finely minced to add a subtle, sweet onion base to the butter mixture.
- Chili powder: An optional addition used to provide a gentle heat against the richness of the butter.
- Scallions: Freshly chopped and used as a vibrant, crisp garnish after the prawns are baked.
- Lemon: Served as wedges to provide an acidic brightness that cuts through the savory butter.
More Ways to Master Garlic Butter
- If you are looking for a hearty transition from seafood, this steak and potato skillet utilizes the same savory butter base for a much heavier meal.
- For a quick appetizer that focuses on high-heat searing, these crispy fried prawns highlight the crunch of golden, toasted garlic.
- If you want to experiment with spice, these bold tandoori-spiced prawns swap out traditional butter notes for an aromatic, charred flavor profile.
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