Top 10 Best Prawn Recipe For Xmas Dinner! (Explained)

Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be heavy, predictable, or strictly meat-based.

For those looking to brighten the holiday table with something lighter, fresher, yet equally indulgent, prawns offer a stunning alternative. They’re fast to cook, full of flavor, and versatile enough to work in everything from starters to elegant mains.

Prawns bring a coastal charm and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with holiday flavors like lemon, garlic, white wine, and herbs. Whether you’re aiming for a full seafood spread or just want one standout dish, prawns deliver that festive touch without hours in the kitchen.

This list brings together the 10 best prawn recipes for Christmas dinner—dishes that feel special, taste incredible, and won’t weigh your guests down. Perfect for hosting, celebrating, or simply changing tradition in the most delicious way possible.

1. Garlic Butter Prawns with Lemon and Parsley

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large prawns, peeled
• 3 tbsp butter, 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Steps:

1. Melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add prawns, cook 2–3 minutes per side.
3. Finish with lemon juice and parsley, serve hot.

• Essential: Quick, zesty, and perfect as a starter or main.

2. Creamy Prawn & Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
• 1/2 lb prawns, peeled
• 1/2 cup cream, 2 cups baby spinach, 2 garlic cloves

Steps:

1. Boil pasta, reserve 1/4 cup water.
2. Sauté garlic, add prawns, then stir in cream and spinach.
3. Combine with pasta, adjust with pasta water and season.

• Essential: Comforting, creamy, and great for a cozy meal.

3. Prawn Cocktail with Avocado

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb cooked prawns
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tbsp mayo, 1 tsp ketchup, lemon juice, lettuce

Steps:

1. Mix prawns and avocado with mayo, ketchup, and lemon.
2. Spoon over shredded lettuce in serving glasses.
3. Chill before serving for best flavor.

• Essential: Retro, fresh, and always a crowd-pleaser.

4. Grilled Prawns with Herb Marinade

Ingredients:

• 12 large prawns, shell-on
• 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili flakes, lemon zest, thyme

Steps:

1. Mix marinade, coat prawns, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Grill 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and charred.
3. Serve with lemon wedges.

• Essential: Smoky, bold, and ideal for outdoor feasts.

5. Prawns in Coconut Curry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb prawns
• 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp curry paste, 1/2 onion, sliced
• Fresh coriander

Steps:

1. Sauté onion, add curry paste and coconut milk.
2. Simmer sauce, then add prawns and cook 5 mins.
3. Top with coriander, serve with rice.

• Essential: Warming, spiced, and packed with depth.

6. Crispy Panko Prawns with Sweet Chili Dip

Ingredients:

• 12 prawns, peeled
• 1/2 cup flour, 1 egg, 1 cup panko crumbs
• Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Steps:

1. Coat prawns in flour, egg, then panko.
2. Bake or deep-fry until golden, about 4 mins.
3. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

• Essential: Crunchy, fun, and perfect for party platters.

7. Baked Prawns in Garlic White Wine Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb prawns, shelled
• 2 tbsp butter, 3 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup white wine, parsley

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange prawns in a dish, pour in wine, garlic, and butter.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, garnish with parsley.

• Essential: Elegant, minimal effort, and perfect with crusty bread.

8. Prawn Risotto with Lemon and Peas

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb prawns
• 1/2 cup arborio rice, 1/4 cup white wine, 1/2 cup peas, lemon zest

Steps:

1. Cook rice slowly, adding broth and wine.
2. Add prawns and peas near the end, stir until pink.
3. Finish with lemon zest and butter.

• Essential: Creamy, balanced, and dinner-party worthy.

9. Chilli Lime Prawn Skewers

Ingredients:

• 12 prawns, peeled
• 1 tsp chili flakes, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, oil

Steps:

1. Marinate prawns, thread onto skewers.
2. Grill or roast for 5–6 mins, turning once.
3. Serve with extra lime.

• Essential: Spicy, sweet, and finger-licking good.

10. Prawn & Fennel Salad with Citrus Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb cooked prawns
• 1/2 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, segmented
• Dressing: Orange juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard

Steps:

1. Combine prawns, fennel, and orange in a bowl.
2. Whisk dressing, drizzle before serving.
3. Chill briefly, serve cool.

• Essential: Fresh, light, and a beautiful contrast to rich mains.

Conclusion

Prawns bring a touch of elegance, flavor, and versatility to Christmas dinner. Whether you want something light before the roast or a main course that breaks away from tradition, these recipes cover every angle. You get flavor without fuss, and impact without heaviness.

From creamy pastas to grilled skewers and crunchy starters, prawns adapt to every course and every mood. They cook in minutes, hold flavor beautifully, and pair well with festive herbs, spices, and sauces. That’s what makes them a perfect pick for the holidays.

So if you’re ready to shake up the usual Christmas spread, let these prawn recipes lead the way. Fresh, fast, and festive—these dishes will keep your guests talking long after the plates are cleared.

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