These spicy garlic prawns are a bright, bold dish that brings sweet, spicy, and savory flavors together. The prawns are marinated in a chili-garlic mixture—featuring gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce and plenty of garlic—then broiled quickly so they remain juicy and tender. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is ideal as an appetizer, a main over rice, or a flavorful topping for noodles and salads.
The BEST Chili Garlic Prawns Recipe
A good marinade makes all the difference. This sauce balances garlicky heat with a touch of sweetness and umami. Gochujang brings a deep spicy-salty flavor while rice vinegar brightens the mix. Sesame oil gives a toasty finish, honey softens the heat, and soy sauce rounds everything out. Marinate the prawns long enough for the flavors to infuse, then broil for just a few minutes so they stay plump and succulent.
We enjoy these prawns over steamed white rice or a scallion salad, but they’re also excellent with Hakka-style noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or roasted potatoes—versatile enough to pair with many sides.
What are prawns?
A prawn is a small crustacean with an external shell and ten legs. They have pincers on some of their legs and live in both freshwater and seawater. Prawns are commonly used in many cuisines and are prized for their sweet, firm flesh.
Why you’ll love ’em
Simple three-step process: mix, marinate, broil.
Balanced sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Pairs well with many sides and salads.
Fast cook time—ready in under an hour.
Spicy Garlic Prawns Ingredients
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a sharp, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Gochujang sauce: A Korean chili paste that adds heat, saltiness, and umami depth.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Sesame oil: A small amount lends a warm, nutty aroma.
- Honey: Sweetens and balances the spicy and acidic elements.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory, salty notes to the marinade.
- Prawns: Large prawns, deveined and peeled, or jumbo shrimp—both work well.
What’s the difference between shrimp and prawns?
Shrimp and prawns are similar in appearance and taste, but they belong to different groups of crustaceans. Prawns generally have slightly larger bodies and can be sweeter and meatier in texture. In many recipes they can be used interchangeably—use whatever is fresh and available.
Tips for Cooking Prawns
Buy peeled and deveined prawns to save prep time. If using frozen prawns, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating so the sauce adheres evenly. Avoid using fully cooked prawns in this recipe; they will overcook and become rubbery during broiling.
Pro tip: Marinate for at least 30 minutes for noticeable flavor, but no more than 2 hours—acid in the marinade can begin to change the texture if left too long.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Prawns
Prepare the marinade
Combine minced garlic, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth to create a cohesive sauce.
Let the prawns marinate
Add the prawns to the bowl and toss to coat. Refrigerate and let them marinate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours so the flavors penetrate the shrimp.
Broil the prawns
Preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the marinated prawns on a baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping. Broil 2–3 minutes per side until the prawns curl and are opaque. Remove them from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Serve and enjoy
Serve the prawns as an appetizer or over rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a full meal. Garnish with sliced scallions or a squeeze of lime if desired.
What to Serve with Spicy Garlic Prawns
These prawns are versatile—they make a lively appetizer or a satisfying main. To round out a meal, try them with any of the following:
Sides
- Cilantro lime rice or plain steamed rice
- Instant pot brown rice or roasted red potatoes
- Easy grilled asparagus or oven-roasted asparagus with Parmesan
Salads
- Arugula salad with lemon dressing
- Quick broccoli salad
- Caprese-style quinoa or a chilled potato salad for contrast
Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently—briefly in a hot skillet or under the broiler for just a minute—to avoid overcooking.
Photography: Photos in this post were taken by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.
Nutrition
The following nutrition values are approximate and calculated per serving: Calories: 192 kcal; Carbohydrates: 13 g; Protein: 16 g; Fat: 8 g; Fiber: 0.2 g; Sugar: 9 g. Use these numbers as a general guideline rather than an exact measurement.