Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
2 -4
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Calories
262 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Asian
Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns
Description
Asian Grilled Shrimp / Prawns uses fresh peeled and deveined shrimp tossed with crushed garlic and oil to form a gentle marinade. While the shrimp marinate, butter is browned carefully until golden with nutty aromas, then combined with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and fresh lime zest and juice to create a flavorful sauce. The shrimp are cooked directly over high heat on a barbecue or fry pan until each side is a light golden brown and the shrimp curl into a perfect "C" shape, indicating they are cooked just right without toughness.
The finished dish offers a tender shrimp texture accented by the fragrant browned butter with its slight sweetness and lime’s acidity. This combination delivers balanced layers of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors typical of Asian-inspired seafood preparations. Optional toppings like thinly sliced bird's eye chili and fresh coriander add brightness and gentle heat.
This recipe is ideal for two as a main dish but can be stretched to four to six servings as an appetizer or side. It pairs nicely with plain steamed rice or noodles and fresh vegetables to complete a meal. The use of kecap manis adds a subtle complexity, enriching the shrimp without overpowering them.
Notes provide guidance for checking doneness by shrimp shape and instructions for making your own sweet soy sauce if unavailable. The recipe suggests best using fresh shrimp for optimal texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb / 500 g Shrimp fresh), peeled and deveined (Note 1, or prawns
- 2 garlic crushed, cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup butter or 1/3 cup unsalted butter + big pinch of salt, salted
- 3/4 to 1 tsp Sweet soy sauce Note 2, or kecap manis; quantity tsp
- 1 lime , large
Garnishes (all optional)
- 1 red bird's eye chilli , deseeded and finely sliced or chopped
- Coriander leaves aka cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Combine shrimp / prawns, garlic and oil in a small bowl, use your fingers to coat then set aside for 15 minutes.
Browned Butter
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small silver fry pan or saucepan over medium heat. (Note 3)
- Heat until it starts to foam, then swirl the pan occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
- Cook until the butter turns golden, smells nutty and there are brown specks at the bottom (you might need a teaspoon to push the foam aside).
- Remove from heat immediately. Pour into a jug, leaving behind most of the bitter brown specks (I strained it - because I was making an effort!).
- Set aside until required.
Prawns / Shrimp
- Heat the BBQ or fry pan over high heat (no oil).
- Add prawns / shrimp and cook until each side is lightly golden brown, but be sure not to overcook! (Note 4)
Serve
- Place prawns in a bowl. Grate over the zest of a lime, then cut the lime in half and squeeze over about 1 tbsp of lime juice. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of browned butter, toss gently.
- Transfer to a plate. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of browned butter then lastly, drizzle over kecap manis, using as thin a stream as you can.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chilli and cilantro/coriander, if using.
Notes
- Use fresh peeled and deveined shrimp for best results, as frozen shrimp do not work as well.
- If you can’t find sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), you can make a simple substitute by simmering regular soy sauce with brown sugar until it thickens slightly.
- When browning butter, watch carefully and remove from heat once it turns golden with a nutty smell to avoid bitterness.
- Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they curl into a "C" shape; avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- This recipe serves two as a main dish or four to six as a side dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2-4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 262 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 141g | |
| Calories | 262cal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 2.4g | 1% |
| Protein | 28.7g | 57% |
| Fat | 14.7g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6g | 28% |
| Cholesterol | 279mg | 93% |
| Sodium | 383mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 221mg | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 550IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.8mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 120mg | 12% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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