Garlic Butter Prawns (Easy Christmas Seafood Crowd-Pleaser)
Easy garlic butter prawns cooked with lemon and herbs. A quick Christmas seafood recipe perfect for family gatherings and summer entertaining. Great for any holiday gathering.
RECIPESFAMILY FAVOURITESONE-PAN MEALS
12/10/20251 min read


Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes | Total: 15 minutes | Serves: 4–6
Best For: Christmas lunch, seafood platters, easy entertaining
An Easy Christmas Seafood Dish Everyone Loves
Garlic Butter Prawns are a Christmas favourite because they’re quick, reliable, and full of flavour. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe delivers juicy prawns coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that feels special without being complicated.
At our table, this is the kind of dish that brings people together — placed in the centre, shared generously, and enjoyed in the moment. It’s simple food made with care, perfect for celebrating family, gratitude, and togetherness.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Prawns
1 kg raw prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of ½ lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional:
Chilli flakes, to taste
Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the prawns
Pat the prawns dry with paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.Heat the pan
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large pan over medium heat until melted and gently bubbling.Cook the garlic
Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.Cook the prawns
Add the prawns in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink, opaque, and just cooked through.Finish and serve
Stir through lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and chilli flakes if using. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
Choose large tiger or king prawns for best flavour and presentation
Don’t overcook the prawns — they should be tender and juicy
Serve straight from the pan for a warm, shared dining experience
Why This Recipe Works
Ready in just 15 minutes
Perfect for Christmas and summer entertaining
Simple ingredients with big flavour
Beginner-friendly and stress-free
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Alofa Tunoa shares budget-friendly recipes, family meals, one-pan dinners, and Pacific Island inspired food rooted in Samoan culture and faith-filled home cooking.