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Garlic Prawns with Chillies de Árbol

These garlic prawns with chilli de árbol offer a sophisticated twist on a classic tapas-style dish. By infusing high-quality olive oil with plenty of garlic and the smoky, nutty heat of dried chillies, you create a rich and vibrant base that perfectly complements the sweetness of the seafood. It is a fragrant, savoury meal that relies on simple, fresh ingredients to deliver maximum impact with very little effort in the kitchen.

As a high-protein option, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent-feeling midweek supper or a quick weekend starter. Serving the prawns with plenty of fresh flat-leaf parsley and warm, crusty bread ensures not a single drop of the spicy, aromatic oil goes to waste. It is a wonderfully social dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine to your dining table.

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Ingredients for Garlic Prawns with Chillies de Árbol

  • 450g small prawns

  • 120ml olive oil, separated into 2 parts

  • 4 finely chopped garlic cloves, separated into 2 parts

  • 2 crumbled dried chilli de árbol or 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, separated into 2 parts

  • salt

  • chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • crusty bread for serving

Peel and devein 450g small prawns. Heat 60ml olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped garlic cloves and 1 crumbled dried chilli de árbol or 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is barely golden, about 1 minute. Season half of prawns with salt and cook until just cooked through, about 1 minute per side; transfer prawns and oil to a bowl. Repeat with 60ml olive oil, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1 crumbled dried chilli de árbol, and remaining prawns.

Return first batch of prawns and oil to skillet. Season with salt; toss in chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

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.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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