If you crave bold flavors and quick, satisfying meals, this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine succulent tiger prawns cloaked in a vibrant blend of smoky paprika, zesty lemon juice, and that unmistakable Cajun seasoning kick, all brought together with fragrant garlic and a touch of buttery richness. It’s a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at a casual gathering. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite in my kitchen and, hopefully, yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh notes in this dish. Each item plays a unique role—whether it’s adding texture, heat, or brightness—to make your Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb tiger prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on: Using tiger prawns ensures firm, juicy seafood that holds up well during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth base for the marinade and helps the seasoning cling to the prawns.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings aromatic depth and a savory punch that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The heart of this recipe, delivering a warming heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the dish with refreshing acidity that balances the spice.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild, sharp heat to keep things lively.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that lovely charred finish on the prawns.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal garnish that adds color and brightness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect to squeeze on top and add a final zing of flavor just before eating.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by patting the tiger prawns dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial to get a nice sear without steaming. Then, toss them in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every prawn is beautifully coated with the flavorful marinade. This quick mix ensures that each bite will be packed with that signature spicy, garlicky punch.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Melt Butter
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Butter is key here because it not only adds velvety richness but also helps create that irresistible slightly charred edge on the prawns as they cook.
Step 3: Cook the Tiger Prawns
Arrange the prawns in a single layer in the hot skillet so they sear evenly. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, allowing that beautiful pink color and slight char to develop, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. As soon as they turn opaque and curl slightly, they’re perfectly cooked—juicy on the inside with a little crispness on the edges.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the prawns for a fresh contrast, and get ready to serve your Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe immediately. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges are your best friends here. The parsley adds a lively touch of green and brightness, while squeezing lemon juice over the prawns just before eating enhances their flavor with a cheerful, tangy lift that complements the spices wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up all the delicious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttery pasta provide excellent balance. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve these Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe prawns over a bed of sautéed spinach or in warm tortillas with avocado and slaw for a unique twist. They also make fantastic topping for garlic bread or a casserole base, allowing you to customize the dish to your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover prawns in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the spices are strong and the prawns reheat quickly, the flavors stay vibrant, making for a delicious next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
Freezing cooked tiger prawns is possible but not ideal, as the texture may slightly change. If you plan to freeze, cool them completely before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within one month for best taste and reheat gently to avoid toughness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil. This method refreshes their texture and maintains the integrity of the Cajun seasoning, ensuring your Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe tastes just as fantastic as when freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of tiger prawns?
Absolutely! Shrimp makes a great substitute and will work just as well with the Cajun spices and garlic. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since shrimp are often smaller than tiger prawns.
How spicy is this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, mainly coming from the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. If you love extra spice, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to amp things up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and flavorful choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely. Marinate the prawns for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor, but avoid marinating for too long as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the prawns.
What’s the best way to serve this dish for a dinner party?
Serve in a large platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges alongside a variety of dipping sauces and sides like crusty bread and salad. Your guests will love the bold flavors and you’ll look like a kitchen rockstar!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that’s bursting with bold, soulful flavor, and this Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe delivers just that. It’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying—exactly what you want when you’re both hungry and craving something a bit exciting. Give it a try, invite your favorite people to the table, and watch this dish become a new beloved staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
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Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cajun Garlic Tiger Prawns are a quick and flavorful main course featuring succulent tiger prawns tossed in a zesty Cajun spice blend, garlic, and smoked paprika. Sautéed in butter and olive oil to a perfect tender and slightly charred finish, they make a delicious meal served with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb tiger prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Prawns: Pat the tiger prawns dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps them to sear properly.
- Season the Prawns: In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the flavorful mix.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
- Cook the Prawns: Arrange the prawns in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly charred, then flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until the prawns are fully cooked and opaque.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the prawns with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for enhanced freshness and tang.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
- These prawns are delicious served over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
- If tiger prawns are not available, shrimp can be used as a substitute with similar results.
