Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary prawns into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. This Prawns with Cilantro Ginger Lime Butter recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, zesty dish that combines the freshness of cilantro, the warmth of ginger, and the tangy brightness of lime - a combination that will transport your palate to a tropical paradise of flavor.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Prawns - 500g
- Butter - 1/4 cup
- Cilantro - 1/4 cup, chopped
- Ginger - 1 tsp, grated
- Lime juice - 2 tbsp
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Salt - to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by thoroughly washing the prawns, removing the shells and deveining if necessary. Pat the prawns dry with paper towels to ensure they will sear properly.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, finely chopped cilantro, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and create a smooth, fragrant compound butter.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding the prawns to achieve a good sear.
- Place the prawns in a single layer in the hot pan, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the prepared cilantro ginger lime butter to the pan. Gently toss the prawns in the melting butter, coating them evenly and allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, continuously basting the prawns with the flavored butter until they are fully cooked and have a glossy appearance.
- Remove from heat and transfer the prawns to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by rice, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
Tips
- Pat the prawns completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the best heat distribution
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook prawns in a single layer for even cooking
- Watch the cooking time carefully; prawns cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked
- Use fresh ingredients, especially the cilantro and ginger, for maximum flavor impact
- Make the compound butter ahead of time and refrigerate for even more intense flavors
- Serve immediately to enjoy the prawns at their most succulent and flavorful moment
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 180mg
