Spicy garlic and chilli king prawns

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These gorgeous prawns are super‑easy to make and ideal as a snack or appetiser on a warm summer’s afternoon with a chilled glass of wine or beer. These spicy garlic and chilli king prawns are all about big flavour in very little time — juicy prawns tossed in a sizzling mix of garlic, chilli and olive oil for a dish that’s fiery, fragrant and incredibly moreish.

If you love fast cooking with maximum impact, this recipe delivers. The prawns cook in minutes, soaking up the heat of the chilli and the richness of the garlic, and with just a handful of everyday ingredients you get something that tastes completely restaurant‑worthy.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Garlic & Chilli King Prawns

  • Garlic butter rice — fluffy, fragrant and perfect for soaking up the spicy prawn juices.
  • Lemon herb couscous — light, zesty and ready in minutes; balances the heat beautifully.
  • Crispy roast potatoes — golden, crunchy and brilliant with garlicky prawns.
  • Crusty bread or ciabatta — ideal for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
  • Chilli‑lime noodles — quick, slurpy and full of flavour; a natural pairing.
  • Stir‑fried greens — pak choi, tenderstem or spinach for freshness and crunch.
  • Simple green salad — crisp leaves with a lemony dressing to cut through the spice.
  • Tomato & red onion salad — juicy, sweet and cooling alongside the heat.
  • Cucumber ribbon salad — refreshing, crunchy and lightly dressed with lime.
  • Charred corn on the cob — smoky, sweet and delicious with chilli and garlic.
  • Grilled asparagus — adds a savoury, slightly smoky note that works beautifully with prawns.
  • Herby quinoa — nutty, wholesome and great for turning the dish into a fuller meal.
  • Creamy mashed potatoes — soft and mellow, perfect for balancing spice.
  • Prawn crackers — light, crunchy and fun for scooping up extra sauce.
  • Lemon wedges — a squeeze of acidity brightens the whole dish.
  • Garlic mayo or aioli — creamy, cooling and great for dipping.
  • Sweet chilli sauce — adds sweetness and a gentler heat.
  • Fresh coriander or parsley — a bright, herbal finish that lifts the dish.
Spicy garlic and chilli king prawns

Spicy garlic and chilli king prawns

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Sides, Snack
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (keep the seeds if you like spice)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 180 g frozen king prawns (uncooked)
  • handful of parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Toasted warm bread

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the garlic and cook for around 30 seconds, then add the chilli and smoked paprika and cook for another 2 mins.
  • Add the prawns and fry until they are cooked through and turn pink.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with parsley and serve with a lemon wedge to drizzle over the prawn and some toasted warm bread.