Meat & fish
How to make spicy garlic prawns with chili oil and parsley for quick, punchy seafood dishes served with crusty bread to soak up juices.
Crafted for weeknight speed, this fiery garlic prawns recipe blends chili oil and fresh parsley with succulent shrimp, delivering bold flavors, bright aroma, and a perfect crusty bread partner to mop up every flavorful drop.
Published by
Jessica Lewis
July 29, 2025 - 3 min Read
In a hot skillet, begin by warming a light coating of olive oil until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, letting the aroma bloom without scorching. The prawns, peeled and deveined, should hit the pan with a soft sizzle, turning pink as they cook. A quick dusting of paprika provides warmth and color, while a whisper of lemon zest lifts the finish. Stir gently so the garlic doesn’t burn and the oil carries the peppery notes through every bite. Once the edges curl, you’ll know the base is ready for the focal components: chili, parsley, and citrus.
Next come the chili elements. Drop in a teaspoon of chili flakes or fresh red jalapeño slices for a moderate heat, then drizzle in a small amount of the bright chili oil you’ll finish with. The oil should carry the heat and the aromatic oils from the pepper, not overwhelm the dish. Toss the prawns to coat them evenly, letting the chili oil cling to each curved surface. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds tart brightness, balancing the spice while encouraging the prawns’ natural sweetness to pop. Keep the temperature steady, avoiding a rapid boil that could toughen the delicate seafood.
Crunchy bread, bold prawns, and a punchy finish for any table.
As the prawns take on color, scatter chopped parsley over the pan for a fresh, verdant note. The parsley’s herbaceous brightness helps temper the heat and adds a crisp contrast to the soft meat. Stir just enough to distribute the greens without bruising them; you want their fragrance to rise with every turn of the spoon. If you have a moment, crack a little black pepper over the surface for a hint of aromatic bite. The dish relies on balance: garlic warmth, chili heat, citrus brightness, and parsley’s green lift to keep each element singing.
Plate the prawns with a generous drizzle of the sizzling pan juices, then spoon more chili oil across the top. The aroma should be sultry and inviting, the color glistening with oil and spice. Serve immediately with slices of crusty bread that are warmed to crispiness but still pliable for soaking. The bread acts as a vehicle for the flavorful juices, turning a simple quick-cook into a shareable, satisfying meal. If you prefer extra richness, a tiny pat of butter melted into the pan at the end can create a silky gloss over the prawns.
A fast, fiery tribute to seafood done right in minutes.
To optimize timing, keep the prawns in a single, even layer so they cook quickly and don’t steam. Overcrowding creates steam instead of sear, making the surface gummy rather than crisp. If you’re cooking for two, use a skillet large enough to accommodate the shrimp without crowding; if needed, do this in two batches. The key is to achieve a quick sear to seal in juices while the garlic and chili oil perfume the air. Timing should be precise: pink, opaque flesh with a lightly caramelized edge signals readiness, while the sizzling sounds subside.
When finished, taste and adjust. Add a pinch more salt if needed, or an extra squeeze of lemon for tang. If heat feels mild, sprinkle in a touch more chili, but do so gradually. This dish thrives on contrast: the sweetness of the prawns against the heat of the oil and the brightness of citrus. A final flourish of chopped parsley can be added off the heat to maintain its vibrant color and aroma. Serve immediately to preserve the lively texture of the prawns and the crispness of the bread.
Simple, everyday ingredients, extraordinary flavor results.
Consider a garnish of micro herbs or a few shavings of parmesan for an extra layer of flavor if you’re serving this as part of a larger spread. The shrimp remain the star, but complementary textures and salty tang can elevate the experience. If you want more bite, add a tiny pinch of chili powder alongside the flakes, which subtly deepens the color and aromatic complexity without increasing heat excessively. This approach keeps the dish within a bright, punchy spectrum rather than tipping into overwhelming spice.
A wine or beer pairing can thoughtfully accompany the prawns. A chilled, dry white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino can echo the citrus and herb notes, while a light, citrusy lager complements the oil and brine. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling citrus beverage or iced green tea with a squeeze of lemon offers refreshing acidity that cuts through the oil. The goal is to refresh the palate after each bite, preserving the brightness of the prawns and the bread’s comforting chew.
Quick-fire seafood brilliance you can make anytime.
If you’d like a slightly richer finish, consider finishing with a teaspoon of butter melted directly into the pan after removing the prawns. This small addition creates a glossy film that coats the shrimp and oil, enhancing mouthfeel without masking the essential flavors. For extra fragrance, toast the bread lightly in the same pan; the bread picks up the garlicky, chili-infused oil, adding depth to each mouthful. The combination of hot shrimp, bright parsley, and crusty bread delivers a satisfying bite every time.
For a meal-prep twist, cook a larger batch of prawns and store them in the oil with minced garlic and chili. Reheat gently on the stove, avoiding a high flame that could toughen the prawns. Fresh parsley can be stirred in just before serving to preserve its aroma. This approach ensures a quick, flavorful option on busy days, turning a simple seafood dish into a reliable weeknight staple with minimal effort and maximum impact.
When choosing prawns, opt for medium to large specimens with a clean, briny scent. If frozen, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to prevent excess water from splattering when it hits the hot pan. Dry shrimp sear better, producing that sought-after crisp edge and juicy interior. Always season lightly, as the chili oil will contribute heat and a touch of salt. Fresh parsley should be chopped just before serving to preserve its vibrant aroma. The result is a clean, focused flavor profile that shines through the butter-like gloss of the chili oil.
In closing, this recipe demonstrates how a few bold ingredients can transform simple prawns into a memorable, quick dinner. The garlic offers warmth, the chili oil brings heat, and the parsley provides lift. Paired with crusty bread, every sauce-soaked bite feels indulgent without requiring long preparation. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again: punchy, bright, and remarkably easy to pull together after a busy day, yet elegant enough for guests with minimal fuss. Enjoy the aroma, savor the balance, and repeat whenever you need a bright seafood moment.
