Tiger Prawn Recipe

There’s something magical about a platter of sizzling garlic prawns that brings everyone to the table. In my house, the sound of tiger prawns hitting a hot pan is the dinner bell. My kids call them “dragon shrimp” because of their impressive size and striking stripes.

For me, this simple tiger prawn recipe is a weekly staple. It feels like a restaurant-worthy treat but comes together in minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s my go-to when I want to show my family some love through food without spending all evening in the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite way to cook them, a garlic butter tiger prawn recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home, too.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TIGER PRAWN RECIPE

You will adore this easy tiger prawn recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick. From fridge to plate takes about 15 minutes.

Second, the flavors are bold and luxurious garlic, butter, and a squeeze of lemon create a sauce you’ll want to soak up with bread. Finally, it’s versatile. You can serve these prawns over pasta, with rice, or simply with a big green salad for a light, protein-packed meal. This reliable tiger prawn recipe delivers impressive results every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the first step to a perfect dish. Here’s what you need for this classic tiger prawn recipe.

Ingredient	Quantity & Notes
Raw Tiger Prawns	1 lb (450g), peeled & deveined
Unsalted Butter	4 tbsp
Garlic	4-5 cloves, finely minced
Lemon	1, for juice and zest
Fresh Parsley	1/4 cup, chopped
Salt & Black Pepper	To taste
Red Pepper Flakes	1/4 tsp (optional, for heat)

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have every ingredient? No problem! For a dairy-free version, use a good olive oil instead of butter.

If you’re out of fresh parsley, try chives or cilantro. To turn this into a spicy tiger prawn recipe, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a richer, saucier dish, splash in a little white wine or chicken broth with the lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s cook! First, pat your raw tiger prawns very dry with paper towels. This ensures they get a beautiful sear.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the butter. Once it melts and foams, add the prawns in a single layer.

Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them to a plate immediately.

Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

Then, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Finally, return the cooked prawns to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the prawns in that glorious garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve right away.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are my secrets for the best tiger prawn recipe. Always buy the best prawns you can find; they should smell fresh like the sea. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Most importantly, do not overcook them! Tiger prawns cook very quickly and become rubbery if left on the heat too long. They are done as soon as they curl and turn pink.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store any leftover cooked tiger prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the prawns tough. I recommend enjoying this tiger prawn recipe fresh for the best texture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This versatile tiger prawn recipe pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a simple weeknight meal, I love it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. For something more substantial, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, pasta, or creamy polenta. A bright, crisp salad like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this tiger prawn recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight first. Pat them extra dry before cooking.

What’s the difference between shrimp and tiger prawns?

Tiger prawns are generally larger and have a sweeter, more robust flavor. They work wonderfully in this specific tiger prawn recipe.

Do I need to remove the vein?

Yes, for the best texture and appearance, I recommend deveining your prawns before cooking this easy tiger prawn recipe.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	280
Protein	24g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g

Tiger prawns, known for their distinctive striped appearance and sweet, firm texture, are a popular choice in many global cuisines. These large crustaceans are prized for their versatility and ability to absorb flavors, making them ideal for quick sautés like this garlic butter preparation that highlights their natural sweetness.