Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns is a dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and bright colors. This recipe is not only tantalizing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for family gatherings or an intimate dinner. The succulent shrimp, marinated in aromatic garlic and zesty lime, create a comforting dish that transports you straight to an evening by the beach. With a step-by-step approach, you’ll discover how to achieve that perfect grilled texture while incorporating a homemade buttery sauce that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns, you’ll need the following fresh and fragrant ingredients:

• 1 lb / 500 g shrimp / prawns: Fresh, peeled, and deveined, these little morsels are juicy and full of flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves: Crushed garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: This helps in coating the shrimp and prevents them from sticking.
• 1/3 cup salted butter: Or, you can use unsalted butter with a pinch of salt for a rich, buttery flavor.
• 3/4 to 1 tsp sweet soy sauce / kecap manis: This ingredient brings a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 large lime: Zesty and refreshing, lime juice adds the perfect tang.
• 1 red bird’s eye chili: Deseeded and finely chopped for a hint of heat.
• Cilantro / coriander leaves: Fresh herbs that brighten up the dish with their vibrant color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by combining the shrimp or prawns, crushed garlic, and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Use your fingers to ensure each piece is well-coated, then set aside for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. While the shrimp is marinating, melt the butter in a small silver frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it begins to foam, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.

3. Cook the butter until it turns golden brown, emits a nutty aroma, and you notice brown specks forming at the bottom. Remove from heat immediately; you want to preserve that delightful brown butter flavor.

4. Strain the butter to eliminate the bitter brown specks, pouring it into a jug and setting it aside until needed.

5. Preheat your BBQ or frying pan over high heat without adding any oil. Carefully add the marinated shrimp, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until both sides achieve a lightly golden brown color, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

6. Once cooked, place the shrimp in a bowl. Grate the zest of a lime over the top, then cut the lime in half and squeeze about 1 tablespoon of juice onto the shrimp. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the browned butter and gently toss to combine.

7. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and drizzle with the remaining browned butter. Finish off with a thin stream of kecap manis to enhance the flavors.

8. Serve immediately, garnished with the finely sliced chili and fresh cilantro or coriander leaves for that extra touch.

Tips & Tricks

• For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for up to an hour if time allows.
• Keep an eye on the butter to prevent it from burning; it should be a rich golden hue, not dark brown.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chili or substitute it with a milder pepper.
• Adding a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can add a nutty essence to the dish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them as an appetizer or over a bed of steaming jasmine rice. Pair them with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a light meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lime complements this dish beautifully.

Nutritional Information

This Asian Grilled Shrimp recipe yields approximately 4 servings, providing a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats. On average, each serving contains around:

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 9g

This recipe is balanced, providing the nutrients needed to fuel your day while being low in carbohydrates.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain their tenderness. For variations, you might try adding other spices such as paprika for a smokier flavor or experimenting with different herbs to alter the profile of the dish.

Conclusion

Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns is a mouthwatering recipe that combines ease and flavor, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. The satisfying texture and vibrant taste invite you to indulge and enjoy every bite. We encourage you to give this dish a try and share your experience with friends and family!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are thawed thoroughly before marinating.

2. What can I substitute for kecap manis?
If you can’t find kecap manis, you can use regular soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar for sweetness.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less chili. Feel free to omit the chili entirely for a milder version.

4. Can I grill the shrimp instead of using a pan?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor. Just ensure the grill is well-heated and oiled to prevent sticking.

5. How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and have a pink hue. They should be firm to the touch, but not rubbery, which means they may be overcooked.

Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns

A delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in garlic and lime, grilled to perfection and complemented by a homemade buttery sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 21 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the shrimp marinade

• 1 lb shrimp / prawns Fresh, peeled, and deveined.
• 2 cloves garlic Crushed.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil For coating the shrimp.

For the buttery sauce

• 1/3 cup salted butter Or unsalted butter with a pinch of salt.
• 3/4 to 1 tsp sweet soy sauce / kecap manis Adds sweetness.

For serving

• 1 large lime Juiced and zested.
• 1 red bird’s eye chili Deseeded and finely chopped.
• Cilantro / coriander leaves For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the shrimp, crushed garlic, and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Ensure each piece is well-coated, then set aside for at least 15 minutes.

Making the sauce

1. Melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat, swirling occasionally.
2. Cook until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately.
3. Strain the butter to eliminate brown specks and set aside.

Grilling the shrimp

1. Preheat your BBQ or frying pan over high heat without oil.
2. Carefully add the marinated shrimp, cooking until both sides are lightly golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Place the cooked shrimp in a bowl and grate lime zest over it. Squeeze about 1 tablespoon of lime juice and drizzle with the browned butter, tossing gently.

Serving

1. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and drizzle with remaining browned butter and kecap manis.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced chili and cilantro.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate shrimp for up to an hour. Monitor the butter closely to prevent burning. Omit the chili for a milder flavor. A drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can enhance the dish.