Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make! These Garlic Chili Prawns with Toastfeature plump, succulent prawns (or shrimp) cooked to perfection in a fragrant, spicy garlic-infused olive oil, brightened with white wine and fresh lemon juice, and finished with vibrant parsley. Served over crispy, crusty bread, it’s a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a light dinner, a fancy appetizer, or a cozy date night in.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Garlic Chili Prawns dish is an absolute winner in my kitchen! What I love most is how it combines so many bold flavors into a meal that comes together in under 15 minutes. The aromatic sliced garlic and the kick from the red chili flakes create an incredibly enticing base, while the prawns cook quickly to tender perfection. The touch of white wine and fresh lemon juice adds a crucial brightness that perfectly balances the richness, making every bite feel fresh and exciting. It’s a truly satisfying dish that looks impressive but requires minimal fuss, proving that gourmet flavors can be achieved with simple steps!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these quick and flavorful Garlic Chili Prawns:
- 1 lb large prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5-6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 – 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4-6 slices of crusty bread, toasted or grilled
Swaps and Notes
- Prawns/Shrimp: Large, raw prawns or shrimp (peeled and deveined) are ideal. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add more flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, thinly sliced, is essential here for its aromatic qualities and texture.
- Red Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, use less or omit. For more heat, add a bit more or a pinch of fresh, thinly sliced jalapeño.
- Dry White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay adds depth of flavor. If you prefer to omit alcohol, a good quality low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth works well.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is crucial! It brightens the sauce and adds a zesty finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
- Crusty Bread: A baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta are excellent choices. Toasted or grilled bread adds essential crunch and structure.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Garlic Chili Prawns cooking in your skillet!
- Prepare Prawns: Begin by thoroughly patting the large prawns or shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing them from steaming. Season the dried prawns lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet (a stainless steel or cast iron skillet works well) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the thinly sliced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.
- Cook Prawns: Add the prepared seasoned prawns to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink, opaque, and are cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary, removing cooked prawns to a separate plate, to ensure even cooking and a good sear.
- Deglaze & Finish Sauce: Once all the prawns are cooked and set aside, pour the 1/4 cup of dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add immense flavor to your sauce. Let the liquid simmer for 1 minute, allowing it to reduce slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Return the cooked prawns to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat and warm them through (about 30 seconds). Immediately spoon the hot garlic chili prawns and their delicious sauce over slices of freshly toasted or grilled crusty bread. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Dry Prawns are Key: Patting prawns dry ensures they sear and cook beautifully, rather than steaming.
- Don’t Overcook Prawns: Prawns cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooked prawns become tough and rubbery.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and quickly turns bitter. Keep a close eye on it and remove from heat if it starts browning too fast.
- Deglaze for Flavor: Scraping up the browned bits (“fond”) from the pan when you add the wine/broth extracts all that delicious cooked-on flavor into your sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, when the prawns are tender and the sauce is vibrant.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Garlic Chili Prawns with Toast are wonderful on their own, but can also be complemented with:
- Light Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette.
- Pasta: Serve over a small portion of al dente linguine or angel hair pasta.
- Rice: For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed white rice.
- White Wine: A crisp glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe.
- For other incredibly flavorful seafood dishes, consider our Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi or a zesty option like Zesty Lemon Butter Fish Fillet.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture of the prawns and sauce.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover prawns and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The prawns may become slightly firmer, and the sauce may thicken.
- Reheating: Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave on low power, or in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the prawns from becoming rubbery.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for cooked prawns in sauce, as their delicate texture can degrade significantly upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the fresh, flavorful, and easy nature of this prawn dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic seafood and quick-cook recipes:
- For another vibrant and zesty seafood meal, check out our Shrimp Tacos.
- If you’re a fan of simple yet satisfying roasted vegetables, our Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms are a must-try.
- And for a complete, hearty chicken and potato meal all cooked in one pan, check out our One-Pan Cowboy Garlic Chicken & Potatoes with Buttery Herb Sauce!
- Finally, for another amazing quick and flavorful dish, try our Pan Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus for a healthy weeknight option.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chili Prawns with Toast recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly gourmet-tasting, incredibly flavorful, and easy meal to your table in record time. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic evening, or a delightful appetizer, promising tender prawns and a zesty, spicy sauce in every delicious bite.
Give this recipe a try and let the bold flavors excite your palate! What’s your favorite quick-cooking seafood meal? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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