Pin Recipe This garlic prawn rice bowl brings together succulent prawns, fluffy rice, and a shower of fresh herbs for a meal that feels both special and comforting. It is a go-to quick dinner in my home whenever I want something effortlessly impressive yet nourishing after a busy day.
The first time I tossed this together was on a hectic Wednesday night with leftover rice and a bag of prawns from the freezer. Now, it is my reliable recipe for guests or anytime I want to eat well without fuss.
Ingredients
- Raw prawns: peeled and deveined, look for ones labeled wild-caught when possible for best taste and texture
- White or jasmine rice: steamed until fluffy, rice soaks up the garlic butter beautifully
- Fresh garlic: finely chopped, this is the backbone of the dish, use plump cloves with tight skins
- Olive oil or butter: for sautéing, use a good extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor or real butter for more decadence
- Lemon zest and juice: adds zing and balances the richness, choose lemons that feel heavy for their size
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill: pick vivid leafy bunches for optimal freshness and aroma
- Chili flakes: for heat, optional but recommended for a little kick, look for bright red flakes without much dust
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: enhances flavors and helps the prawns retain moisture
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with water and a pinch of salt in a pot. Cover and simmer on low until tender and fluffy. Let stand off the heat for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork.
- Prep the Prawns:
- Pat the prawns dry with paper towels to help them sear. Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if using.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and stir constantly for about a minute, watching closely so it turns pale gold but not brown. The aroma should fill your kitchen.
- Cook the Prawns:
- Add prawns to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about two minutes on one side until they turn pink and curl up. Flip each prawn, cook for another minute or two until opaque and just barely cooked through. Do not overcook so they stay juicy.
- Finish with Lemon:
- Turn off the heat and immediately add lemon zest and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Stir well to coat the prawns so they soak up all the tangy flavors.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Spoon hot steamed rice into bowls. Pile the garlicky prawns and pan juices over the top. Shower generously with chopped fresh herbs and more lemon juice if you love brightness. Add extra chili flakes for boldness.
Pin Recipe Every time I break out my stash of fresh dill or cilantro for this dish my kitchen just lights up. My kids love to sprinkle their own herbs and devour every bite so I never have to remind anyone to eat their greens.
Storage Tips
This rice bowl keeps well refrigerated for up to two days. If you plan for leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing tightly. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving so it stays moist. It is best to store herbs separately and add just before serving to retain their freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Not a fan of prawns? Try bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or firm tofu for a similar result. Short grain brown rice works if you want a little more chew plus a boost of fiber. If you are out of fresh herbs, a spoonful of store-bought pesto on top makes a great flavor-packed substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or blanched green beans for extra veggies. For a more filling meal, top each bowl with a soft boiled egg or a handful of toasted nuts like slivered almonds. I love to add a scoop of pickled vegetables for a tangy twist.
Cultural and Historical Notes
Garlic prawns are inspired by Mediterranean and Asian coastal cuisines, both using garlic and seafood as everyday staples. Pairing them with rice brings in comfort from both worlds. The use of fresh herbs is a classic way to add vibrancy found in home kitchens from Greece to coastal India.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in spring asparagus or baby spinach stirred in with the hot prawns. Stir grated zucchini into the rice in summer for extra moisture and color. Add roasted pumpkin cubes in fall or winter for sweetness and a pop of orange.
Success Stories
One friend made this when her in-laws came over; she texted me a photo of empty bowls afterward. My nephew who was suspicious of anything green actually asked for seconds. This is the recipe that turns doubters into seafood fans and makes an ordinary night feel special.
Freezer Meal Conversion
For make ahead freezer prep, cool cooked rice and prawns separately then freeze each in portions in airtight bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat rice moist in the microwave and prawns in a hot skillet for best results. Do not freeze fresh herbs but add later for best flavor and texture.
Pin Recipe Enjoy this simple but beautiful dish for any night of the week, and let everyone customize their own bowl with extra herbs or spice for that perfect touch.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which herbs pair best for garnish?
Fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint complement the garlic prawns beautifully and enhance the dish's brightness.
- → Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes, brown rice offers a nuttier texture and more fiber, making it a wholesome base for the prawns and herbs.
- → How should prawns be prepared?
Peel and devein prawns before quickly sautéing in olive oil and garlic to maintain a tender texture.
- → What adds extra flavor to the bowl?
Lemon juice, a pinch of chili flakes, or a drizzle of sesame oil elevate the overall flavor profile.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cook rice and prawns ahead, add fresh herbs before serving to preserve their aroma and color.