Skip to main content

Hot Pepper and Garlic Prawns

This vibrant garlic and chilli prawns dish is a classic Mediterranean-inspired starter that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients. By gently infusing extra-virgin olive oil with thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of heat, you create a fragrant base that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. The addition of fresh lemon juice at the end provides a bright, zesty finish that lifts the savoury notes of the garlic.

As a heart-healthy option, this recipe relies on unsaturated fats and lean protein, making it an excellent choice for a light supper or a nutritious tapas-style sharing plate. Serve these prawns warm with a crusty loaf to soak up the flavoured oil, or enjoy them at room temperature as part of a summer spread. It is a quick, impressive meal that fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Hot Pepper and Garlic Prawns

  • 900g large prawns in shell (21 to 25 per pound), peeled, leaving tail and first segment of shell intact, and deveined

  • 10 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 teaspoons dried hot red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

  • 80ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • Accompaniment: lemon wedges

How to make Hot Pepper and Garlic Prawns

Pat prawns dry. Cook garlic, red pepper flakes, and sea salt in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic is pale golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Increase heat to moderately high, then add prawns and sauté, turning occasionally, until prawns are just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, then transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.