Guyanese Garlic Shrimp

Name: Guyanese Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Guyanese
Ingredients: 500g large prawns, shell on; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 wiri wiri peppers, minced; Juice of 2 limes; 2 stalks scallion, sliced; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Garlic Prawns (GAR-lic SHRIMP)

Sauteed Garlic Prawns

⏱ Prep Time 20 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 314 kcal

Large prawns sauteed in abundant garlic, butter, and wiri wiri pepper sauce until pink and coated in a garlicky, spicy glaze.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 30.0g

Carbs 8.0g

Fat 18.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ shellfish

Equipment Needed

large skillet tongs garlic press

Presentation Guide

Vessel: warm oval platter

Garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments: white rice, fried plantain

Ingredients

500g large prawns, shell on
8 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 wiri wiri peppers, minced
Juice of 2 limes
2 stalks scallion, sliced
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1
Clean and devein prawns, leaving shells on for extra flavor. Season with lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until butter foams and begins to lightly brown.
3
Add garlic and wiri wiri pepper, stirring quickly for thirty seconds until very fragrant but not burned.
4
Add prawns in a single layer and cook two minutes per side until pink and curled, basting with the garlic butter.
5
Toss in scallion and squeeze more lime juice over the top. Swirl the pan to create a glossy sauce.
6
Serve immediately on a warm plate, spooning all the garlic butter sauce over the prawns and garnishing with cilantro.

💡

Did You Know?

Guyana's coastal waters produce some of the finest prawns in the Caribbean, making garlic shrimp a proud local specialty.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large skillet
tongs
garlic press

Garnishing

cilantro, lime wedges

Accompaniments

white rice, fried plantain

The Story Behind Guyanese Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp showcases Guyana's bountiful Atlantic coastline and the abundant prawns harvested from its estuaries. The dish reflects Portuguese and Chinese influences on Guyanese cooking, with the generous use of garlic being a hallmark of both traditions. Wiri wiri pepper adds the distinctly Guyanese heat that transforms a simple prawn dish into something uniquely local.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dinner or special occasions 📜 Origins: Coastal Guyanese tradition

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