Cajun Prawns with Lime Butter Sauce Recipe
This Cajun prawns with lime butter sauce recipe delivers smoky grilled tiger prawns coated in bold Cajun spices and finished with a rich honey lime butter sauce. Featured on Fish the Dish, this vibrant seafood dish balances heat, citrus, and sweetness for a quick yet flavour-packed meal that’s perfect for grilling season or easy entertaining.
The Inspiration
This dish is inspired by the bold, spice-forward traditions of Cajun and Creole cooking, where seafood is often seasoned heavily and cooked quickly over high heat to preserve its natural sweetness. The Cajun spice blend brings warmth, smokiness, and heat, while lime and honey introduce a bright, balancing contrast.
On Fish the Dish, host Spencer Watts often explores how global spice traditions can be adapted into simple, high-impact seafood dishes. This recipe reflects that approach by pairing grilled prawns with a silky beurre-blanc-style butter sauce that is elevated with citrus and honey.
Ingredients
Cajun Prawns
- 24 (10/12 count) tiger prawns, deveined, shells removed
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) paprika
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) canola oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Honey Lime Butter Sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Canola oil
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, diced
- 1 1/4 cups (200 ml) dry white wine
- 1 lime, juice
- 1 tablespoons (15 ml) honey
- ½ cup (120 ml) cold, cubed, unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
Methods
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Place skillet over medium heat and add oil.
- Add shallots and garlic and sauté until translucent, but do not colour.
- Add white wine, lime juice, and honey. Season with salt to taste.
- Gradually add butter cubes to the pan while continually moving the pan. Leave over low heat.
- In a plastic zip-top bag, combine the paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar. Add cleaned prawns, and shake bag to coat.
- Add oil to bag and shake again.
- Oil the grill, and grill the rub-coated prawn for 1-2 minutes a side.
- Plate grilled prawn on large platter and drizzle with butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun prawns with lime butter sauce recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, summer grilling, or entertaining guests with minimal effort. The bold Cajun spices paired with the silky citrus butter sauce create a dish that feels both comforting and vibrant.
Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, garlic butter rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich lime butter sauce. For a lighter option, pair with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber slaw to balance the richness of the dish.
For drinks, crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the citrus and spice beautifully. A cold lager or pilsner also pairs well with the smoky grilled prawns. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling lime water or iced tea with citrus keeps the meal refreshing.
This dish is also excellent for sharing at gatherings, as it can be served on a large platter for a casual, family-style presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun prawns with lime butter sauce recipe is a bold, flavour-packed seafood dish that combines smoky spice with bright citrus and rich butter sauce. The Cajun seasoning delivers heat and depth, while the honey lime butter adds balance and elegance.
It’s a quick yet impressive recipe that proves great flavour doesn’t require complicated techniques. Whether you’re grilling for guests or preparing a fast weeknight meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.