If you are looking for a seafood dish that bursts with bold flavors and quick satisfaction, the Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines succulent tiger prawns with a vibrant Cajun spice blend and the rich aroma of garlic, all brought together by a luscious buttery lemon sauce. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe offers a deliciously simple way to elevate your seafood game that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe lies in its straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the tender tiger prawns providing a meaty texture, to the Cajun seasoning delivering that signature fiery kick, and the fresh parsley adding a bright, herbal finish.
- 1 1/2 pounds tiger prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, these prawns are the star of the dish with their natural sweetness and firm texture.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to evenly coat and sear the prawns for a perfect golden crust.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible fragrant warmth.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: The essential spice blend that brings authentic Southern heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoky depth without overpowering the prawns.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish too salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky sauce to coat the prawns beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of color and fresh herby notes.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for those who love an extra splash of citrus with every bite.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Prawns
Begin by patting your tiger prawns dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps achieve a beautiful sear when cooking. Toss the prawns in a large bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every prawn is evenly coated, because this blend of spices is what delivers that signature punch of flavor your taste buds crave.
Step 2: Sear the Prawns
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until nice and hot. Add the seasoned prawns in a single layer—crowding them will cause steaming, not searing. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the prawns turn pink and opaque, and develop a golden crust. This quick cooking locks in their juicy tenderness and forms the foundation of your dish.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter and lemon juice directly into the skillet. Stir gently to coat the prawns with this rich, tangy sauce. The butter melts into the lemon juice, creating a luscious glaze that complements the spicy Cajun flavors perfectly. Remove from heat once everything is well combined and fragrant.
Step 4: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the prawns to add a vibrant splash of green and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can adjust the citrus level to their liking. This final touch brings a wonderful brightness that lifts the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges are all you need to garnish your prawns. They not only enhance the presentation but also brighten the robust flavors, making every bite a little more refreshing. For an extra touch, you might sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or drizzle a little olive oil for added sheen.
Side Dishes
The buttery sauce in this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is perfect for soaking up, so classic sides like steamed white rice or creamy pasta work exceptionally well. Crusty bread is another fantastic option, ideal for mopping up every last bit of the flavorful skillet sauce. For lighter pairings, try grilled vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the spice and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your prawns over a bed of garlic-infused quinoa or coconut rice for added texture and subtle flavor twists. You could also skewer the prawns and grill them for a smoky variation, then plate with fresh mango salsa for a delightful tropical flair. No matter how you present it, this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe invites you to get creative and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover prawns in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 2 days. To keep them at their best, avoid storing prawns for too long as they can turn rubbery or lose their vibrant taste.
Freezing
While ideally enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns for up to 1 month. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This step prevents clumping and makes it easier to thaw only what you need later.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated prawns gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. You can add a splash of water or lemon juice to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to cook the prawns unevenly and can make them tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tiger prawns for this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps achieve the best sear and ensures the spices stick well.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning provides moderate heat, but it’s balanced by the butter and lemon juice. If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly or use a milder blend.
Can I make this dish without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works fine, or you can add a little cayenne pepper for smokiness and extra kick, just adjust the quantity to taste.
How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?
This Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is wonderfully quick, taking about 10 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly yet delivers such vibrant, bold flavors. The Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is truly one of those gems that you’ll want to keep returning to — it’s perfect for sharing around the table or treating yourself to a delightful seafood indulgence. So grab those prawns, fire up your skillet, and dive into a dish that promises warmth, spice, and a little bit of Southern charm all in every bite.
Print
Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns deliver a sensational seafood experience with bold, spicy flavors and a buttery garlic sauce. This quick and easy stovetop dish features perfectly seared tiger prawns coated in a vibrant Cajun seasoning blend, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a zesty, aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 1/2 pounds tiger prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat the tiger prawns dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. In a large bowl, combine the prawns with olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything until the prawns are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Cook the Prawns: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Arrange the seasoned prawns in a single layer in the skillet, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the prawns turn pink and start to curl, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter and lemon juice directly to the skillet. Stir the prawns gently so they become coated in the buttery lemon sauce and soak up the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to meld everything together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the prawns for a fresh herbal note. Serve the Cajun garlic tiger prawns immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
Notes
- Pair these prawns with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the rich buttery sauce.
- You can substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil to make the dish dairy-free.
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the prawns instead of pan-searing.
- Ensure not to overcook the prawns to maintain their tender texture.
