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The warm summer nights always beckon for a touch of magic on the grill, and that’s exactly where these Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns shine. Picture this: the sizzle of juicy prawns taking a dance on the grill, bathed in a luxurious garlic confit butter that envelops them in rich flavor. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

After a long week of mundane takeout, I found myself craving something special, something to remind me of a seaside escape. These prawns, elevated with the umami depth of anchovies and a hint of chili warmth, whisk me away to a sun-soaked beach every time. They’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them the perfect solution for a spontaneous summer cookout or a delightful dinner that’s sure to impress.

Join me as we take your grilling game to the next level with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s bound to bring friends and family together around the BBQ!

Why love Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns?

Irresistible flavor: The creamy garlic confit butter melds beautifully with the prawns, creating a savory experience you won’t forget.
Quick and Easy: With a few simple steps, you can have your prawns sizzling on the grill in no time. Perfect for those busy summer evenings!
Versatile Dish: Ideal as an appetizer or main course, these prawns can be served with your favorite sides, making them a flexible choice for any gathering.
Eye-catching Presentation: The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make your dish the star of any BBQ, impressing your guests with minimal effort.
A Taste of Adventure: Each bite transports you to sun-soaked beach vibes, making this dish an escape from everyday meals. Don’t forget to check out our guide to perfect grilling for tips that will elevate your BBQ skills!

Ingredients for Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns

• Dive into a flavor fest with these essential ingredients!

For the Prawns

500 g prawns – Tiger or large prawns in shell provide the perfect meaty texture for grilling.

For the Garlic Butter Mix

250 g Westgold salted butter – At room temperature for easy blending, this butter adds richness to the sauce.
20 garlic confit cloves – These add a sweetly roasted garlic flavor that enhances the butter beautifully.
1 tsp dried chili flakes – Add just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the prawns.
6 anchovy fillets – A secret ingredient that delivers umami depth to the garlic butter.
Pinch of salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

For Garnishing

1 tbsp finely diced fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish off your dish.

Feel the excitement of grilling delicious Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns—let’s get to cooking!

How to Make Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns

Butterfly the Prawns: Using a serrated knife, gently cut down the backbone of each prawn while keeping the tail and head intact. Remove the vein and press them flat to maximize exposure. Lightly season with salt and set aside.
Blend the Butter Mix: In a food processor, combine the room-temperature butter, garlic confit cloves, dried chili flakes, anchovy fillets, and a pinch of salt. Blend until everything is smoothly incorporated, creating a rich butter sauce.
Brush the Prawns: Generously brush the flesh of each butterflied prawn with the delectable garlic confit butter. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Preheat the BBQ: Ignite your BBQ and set the grill side to high. Close the lid and let it heat up to 200 degrees Celsius, creating the perfect grilling environment.
Grill the Prawns: Once hot, place the prawns flesh side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 2 minutes until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Flip and Finish: Using metal tongs, carefully flip the prawns over and close the lid. Grill for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once cooked, remove them from the BBQ and let them rest for a moment.
Prepare the Final Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt any remaining garlic butter until it’s bubbling and frothy. Add the finely diced parsley at the end and stir to combine, bringing a fresh note to the sauce.
Serve with Sauce: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the aromatic garlic butter sauce over the grilled prawns, and pour the remaining sauce into a small dish for dipping. Enjoy peeling the prawns and dip into the sauce for extra flavor!
Enjoy Your Creation: Indulge in your beautifully grilled garlic confit butter prawns while they’re fresh off the grill, savoring every delicious bite.

Optional: Serve with crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns

Feel free to explore these exciting adaptations that will elevate your prawn dish into a new culinary delight!

Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the butter mix for a vibrant and zesty kick.
The brightness of lemon beautifully balances the richness, making each bite refreshing and lively.
Herb Infusion: Substitute parsley with fresh dill or cilantro for a different herbal note and more complex flavor.
Each herb brings its own unique essence, allowing you to personalize your prawn dish based on your mood or guests.
Vegan Swap: Use vegan butter and omit anchovies for a plant-based version of this delicious recipe.
You can achieve a rich flavor with garlic and vegan butter, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
Spicy Kick: Increase dried chili flakes to 1.5 teaspoons or add in some finely chopped fresh chilies for a fiery flavor boost.
Adjusting the heat always gives a thrilling twist that spice lovers will appreciate!
Citrus Garlic Butter: Mix in lime or orange juice along with the garlic confit for a citrusy twist in your butter.
These bright notes amplify the rich garlic and enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
Seafood Medley: Combine prawns with other seafood like scallops or squid in the same garlic butter mixture.
The blend of textures and flavors creates a delightful seafood experience, perfect for those craving variety at the grill.
Nutty Flavor: A tablespoon of toasted pine nuts or walnuts mixed into the butter can add a delightful crunch.
This little twist adds delightful texture and an earthy flavor that complements the entire dish wonderfully.
Coconut Style: For a tropical flair, replace half of the butter with coconut oil and add a hint of coconut milk.
This gives the dish an exotic touch, drawing your taste buds into a beachy paradise with every bite.

Expert Tips for Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns

Perfect Butterfly: Make sure not to cut all the way through; keeping the tail and head intact helps the prawns maintain their shape while cooking.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh prawns will enhance the dish’s flavor. If possible, source them from local fisheries.
Don’t Overcook: Watch the colors closely! Cook until just pink and charred to avoid tough, rubbery prawns.
Chili Control: Adjust the dried chili flakes to your spice tolerance—start with less and add more for a stronger kick in your garlic confit butter.
Resting Time: Allowing the prawns to rest after grilling helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
Garnish Joy: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also elevates the presentation of your garlic confit butter BBQ butterflied prawns!

How to Store and Freeze Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns

Fridge: Store leftover grilled prawns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, simply reheat gently, avoiding overcooking.

Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the grilled prawns in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat frozen prawns directly on the grill or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Brush with extra garlic confit butter for added flavor.

Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen prawns overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain their tender texture.

What to Serve with Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns?

Enhance your culinary experience with delightful sides that beautifully complement these savory, buttery prawns.

Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic confit butter leftover on your plate, adding a satisfying crunch.
Zesty Lemon Rice: The tangy brightness of lemon rice balances the richness of the prawns and brings freshness to your meal. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor!
Grilled Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus tossed in olive oil add a delightful smokiness while contributing to a vibrant BBQ spread.
Simple Green Salad: Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the prawns, making each bite feel light and satisfying.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, elevating the flavors of the garlic confit butter while refreshing your palate.
Mango Salsa: The sweet, tangy profile of a fresh mango salsa brightens up the dish and offers a burst of flavor that evokes summertime vibes.
Lemon Sorbet: Light and refreshing, this dessert cleanses the palate after the savory prawns and adds a sweet finish to your meal.
Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these wedges are perfect for dipping into any leftover garlic butter sauce! Enjoy each bite with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Make Ahead Options

These Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner on busy weeknights! You can butterfly the prawns and season them with salt up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Additionally, the garlic confit butter mixture can be prepared up to 3 days ahead; simply blend the ingredients and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just preheat your BBQ, grill the prawns for approximately 2-4 minutes, and drizzle with the prepared garlic butter sauce for a restaurant-quality dish that’s just as delightful!

Garlic Confit Butter BBQ Butterflied Prawns Recipe FAQs

How do I select fresh prawns?
Absolutely! Look for prawns that are firm to the touch and have a mild, fresh ocean scent. The shells should be shiny and slightly translucent, with no dark spots or unpleasant odors. In general, the fresher, the better—if you can get them from a local fishmonger or fishing market, that’s ideal!

How long can I store leftover grilled prawns?
Leftover grilled prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them in to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy. When ready to eat, reheat them gently on low heat to maintain their deliciousness.

Can I freeze grilled prawns?
Absolutely! To freeze grilled garlic confit butter BBQ butterflied prawns, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What should I do if my prawns turn out tough?
Very! If your prawns end up rubbery, it may be due to overcooking. Remember to keep a close eye during grilling—once they turn pink and have nice grill marks, they’re ready to be flipped. For future attempts, aim for that 2-minute mark per side, and if you’re unsure, take one off to check for doneness.

Are there dietary considerations for the ingredients used?
Yes, definitely! If you’re preparing these for others, keep in mind that anchovy fillets can be a concern for some people with dietary restrictions, such as pescatarians or those with certain allergies. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the anchovies and consider adding extra garlic and a splash of soy sauce for depth instead.

Can I use store-bought garlic confit instead of making my own?
Of course! Store-bought garlic confit can save time and still deliver fantastic flavor in your garlic confit butter BBQ butterflied prawns. Just keep an eye on the salt content, as some brands can be saltier than homemade versions.