Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns for Epic Flavor
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by enricorecipez
There s an undeniable joy that comes from grilling outdoors, especially when the sun begins to set and the warmth lingers in the air. Recently, I discovered a beautiful way to elevate my BBQ game with these Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns. Picture this: the scent of garlic mingling with fresh sea air as plump, juicy prawns hit the grill. Their butterflied, exposed flesh absorbs that rich, savory garlic confit butter, creating a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for more.
After a long week of mundane meals and quick takeouts, I craved something exciting yet simple a dish that felt special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender prawns, zesty anchovies, and vibrant parsley makes each bite a delightful surprise. As I sat at the table savoring the first juicy prawn dipped in extra garlic butter, I knew I had stumbled upon a perfect recipe for any occasion, be it a cozy family gathering or an elegant dinner party. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this mouthwatering dish that s sure to impress!
Why are Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns unforgettable?
Unrivaled Flavors: The use of garlic confit creates a rich, buttery sauce that wraps around each prawn, delivering a depth of flavor that s hard to beat.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together quickly, perfect for those evenings when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it s a barbecue bash or a family dinner, these prawns are sure to make a splash and keep everyone coming back for more.
Versatility: Pair them with sides like grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal or simply serve with crusty bread for a delightful starter.
Memorable Experience: Enjoy grilling outdoors and create lasting memories around the table with friends and family as you savor each bite of this culinary delight. For more exciting ideas, check out our helpful guide on elevating your BBQ game.
Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns Ingredients
For the Prawns
500 g prawns Choose fresh Tiger or large prawns in the shell for the best flavor and texture.
For the Garlic Confit Butter
250 g Westgold salted butter Use room temperature butter for easy blending into a smooth, savory sauce.
20 garlic confit cloves This adds a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that enhances the prawns beautifully.
1 tsp dried chili flakes Adds a touch of heat to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
6 anchovy fillets These bring a deep, umami flavor that elevates the overall taste without being fishy.
Pinch of salt Enhances all the flavors in this delicious garlic confit butter.
For Garnishing
1 tbsp finely diced fresh parsley Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness to complement the dish.
Elevate your grilling game with these Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns, a perfect treat for your next outdoor gathering!
How to Make Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
Butterfly the prawns: Carefully cut down the backbone of each prawn while keeping the tail and head intact. Remove the vein and gently press the prawns flat, exposing the juicy flesh. Lightly season with salt and set aside for flavors to meld.
Blend the butter: In a food processor, combine the Westgold butter, garlic confit cloves, chili flakes, anchovy fillets, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a delightful garlic confit butter.
Brush with flavor: Generously brush the butter mixture over the flesh of the butterflied prawns, ensuring every bit is coated. Reserve any leftover butter for serving as a delicious dipping sauce.
Preheat the BBQ: Ignite your barbecue and set the temperature to high on the grill side. Allow it to reach a sizzling 200 degrees Celsius with the lid closed, creating the perfect environment for grilling.
Grill the prawns: Open the lid and place the prawns flesh side down on the hot grill. Close the lid and let them cook for 2 minutes, until the flesh turns pink and slightly charred for that irresistible smoky flavor.
Flip and finish: Using metal tongs, carefully flip the prawns over and close the lid again. Grill for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching for that lovely char. Once cooked, remove the prawns from the BBQ and allow them to rest.
Prepare the garnishing butter: While the prawns are resting, melt the remaining garlic butter until it starts to bubble and froth. At the very end, stir in the finely diced parsley for a fresh finish.
Serve and enjoy: Pour 2 tablespoons of the luscious garlic butter sauce over the grilled prawns and serve the rest in a small dipping dish. Encourage everyone to peel the prawns and dip them into the sauce for maximum flavor delight!
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for the perfect compliment.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can butterfly the prawns and season them up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, prepare the garlic confit butter up to 3 days ahead and keep it in the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully. When it’s time to grill, simply brush the prawns with the reserved butter and follow the grilling instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making meal planning a breeze!
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
Fridge: Store leftover garlic confit butter butterflied BBQ prawns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve tenderness.
Freezer: If you have extra butterflied prawns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling for the best flavor and texture.
Butter Storage: Leftover garlic confit butter can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 1 week. It s perfect for adding extra flavor to other dishes or as a dipping sauce.
Reheating: When reheating, do so gently. Use a skillet or grill for the prawns, and warm the butter in a small saucepan over low heat to avoid burning.
What to Serve with Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns?
A delightful pairing elevates the grilling experience, bringing out the best in each bold flavor.
Crispy French Fries: The crunchy texture of golden fries is a classic side that soaks up the rich garlic butter, providing a satisfying contrast. Pairing these with prawns creates a comforting yet sophisticated coastal meal.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette complements the buttery richness of the prawns. The fresh ingredients provide a burst of color and flavor, making every bite refreshing.
Grilled Asparagus: The smoky-charred taste of asparagus harmonizes with the seafood, offering a lovely crunch and vibrant green color. Tossed lightly with olive oil and salt, this side is effortless and complements the dish beautifully.
Garlic Bread: Nothing enhances the meal quite like warm, toasty garlic bread for dipping into the leftover confit butter. This irresistible pairing adds a comforting element while balancing the flavors of the prawns.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio matches the seafood well and adds a touch of elegance. The wine s acidity cuts through the richness of the butter, cleansing the palate for the next bite.
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing lemon sorbet brings a sweet and tangy finish to the meal. Its bright flavor clears the taste buds after the rich prawns, making it a satisfying end to your culinary adventure.
Expert Tips for Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns
Choose Fresh Prawns: Opt for the freshest prawns you can find. Frozen seafood can lose texture and flavor, which are crucial for this dish.
Don t Overcook: Keep an eye on the prawns while grilling; overcooking can make them rubbery. Aim for just a few minutes until they’re pink and slightly charred.
Taste Balance: Adjust the chili flakes to your preference. Too much heat can overpower the delicate flavors of the garlic confit butter, while not enough may leave it bland.
Butter Storage: If you have leftover garlic confit butter, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It s perfect for adding flavor to other dishes, turning simple meals into gourmet experiences!
Grilling Technique: Make sure to preheat your BBQ properly before placing the prawns on it. High heat creates that coveted char and smoky flavor, enhancing the garlic confit butter beautifully.
Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns Variations
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your taste and pantry essentials, because everyone deserves their perfect prawn experience!
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the garlic butter for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens every bite. The zing pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery prawns.
Herbaceous Twist: Swap parsley for fresh basil or cilantro to give the garlic butter a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Each herb brings its unique profile, transforming the dish to match the season or your mood.
Spicy Option: Introduce diced fresh chilies instead of chili flakes for a bolder spice that will awaken your taste buds. Adjust the amount to find your perfect heat level each bite is an adventure!
Garlic Lovers Delight: Increase the garlic confit cloves to 30 for an extra decadent hit of flavor. The richness of more garlic confit creates an irresistible allure that garlic fans will adore.
Smoky Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance that subtly charred flavor from grilling. It’ll add a fun depth and complexity, bringing the taste of summer barbecues to your kitchen.
Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream into the garlic butter for a silky richness that coats the prawns beautifully. This indulgence adds a luxurious touch to the dish that s truly irresistible.
Nutty Finish: Top the grilled prawns with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender prawns. The nutty flavor brings an unexpected twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ginger Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger into the garlic butter for a hint of warmth and zest. This infusion of flavor offers a delightful complexity that perfectly complements the prawns sweetness.
Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best prawns?
Absolutely! When choosing prawns, look for fresh, glistening shells without any dark spots or strong odors. Typically, Tiger or large prawns are perfect as they have a meaty texture and soak up the flavors beautifully. If you’re opting for frozen, make sure they are well-packaged without any freeze burn.
What s the best way to store leftover prawns?
After enjoying your Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They re best consumed within 3 days to maintain flavor and texture. Gently reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through without overcooking.
Can I freeze the prawns after cooking?
Yes! If you need to freeze leftover prawns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling them to restore their best flavor and texture.
How should I reheat leftover prawns?
For optimal results, reheat your Garlic Confit Butter Butterflied BBQ Prawns gently. You can use a skillet over medium-low heat, turning them frequently and adding a splash of garlic butter for extra moisture and flavor. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This recipe contains prawns, garlic, chili flakes, and anchovies, which may trigger allergies in some individuals. For those with seafood allergies, it’s essential to substitute prawns with a safe alternative like grilled chicken or firm tofu. Additionally, the anchovies can be omitted if you prefer a vegetarian option; simply adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I substitute the garlic confit?
Absolutely! If you don t have garlic confit, you can make your own by slowly cooking fresh garlic cloves in olive oil until soft and caramelized. Alternatively, minced fresh garlic can be used, but it will provide a sharper flavor. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need slight adjustments based on the garlic type used.