Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto

Introduction

Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that brings the rich creaminess of classic risotto without the constant stirring. This recipe features succulent prawns cooked in a garlic butter sauce, combined with tender arborio rice and a flavorful, well-seasoned broth. By baking the risotto, you achieve the perfect texture with minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner at home. The kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic butter and seafood, and the first bite was pure comfort. What I love most about this dish is how effortless it is—no need to stand over the stove stirring endlessly. The oven does all the work, delivering a risotto that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can add a splash of white wine for extra depth, sprinkle in some parmesan for a richer finish, or toss in fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Whether served as a comforting meal on a busy evening or an elegant dish for entertaining guests, Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto is always a winner!

Perfect for:

• Seafood lovers
• Comfort food cravings
• Elegant dinners
• Special occasions
• Easy, hands-off cooking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless & No-Stirring Needed: Baking the risotto eliminates the need for constant stirring, making it a stress-free dish.
• Rich & Creamy Texture: Arborio rice naturally releases starch, creating a luscious, velvety risotto.
• Garlic Butter Prawns: The prawns are cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, adding an irresistible taste.
• Oven-Baked Simplicity: The hands-off baking method ensures perfect results every time.
• Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add vegetables for extra flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto:

For the Risotto:

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Prawns:

• 1 pound (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra lemon wedges for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Arborio Rice: Essential for a creamy risotto, as it releases starch while cooking.
• Prawns: Adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor and a satisfying bite.
• Garlic Butter: Enhances the dish with rich, savory depth.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Infuses the risotto with flavor while keeping it moist.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh, citrusy contrast to the creamy risotto.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven-Baked Risotto:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Toast the Arborio Rice: Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and become slightly translucent.
4. Add the Broth: Pour in the warm chicken or vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Bake the Risotto: Cover the pot with a lid or tightly wrap it with foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Prawns:

6. Melt the Butter: While the risotto is baking, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Cook the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the prawns turn pink and opaque.
9. Add Lemon Juice & Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Combine & Serve:

10. Check the Risotto: Remove the risotto from the oven and give it a stir. The rice should be creamy and tender. If needed, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it.
11. Mix in the Prawns: Gently fold the garlic butter prawns and any pan juices into the risotto.
12. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using), extra parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for extra indulgence.
• As a Main Course: Enjoy it as a complete, satisfying meal.
• With Extra Lemon Wedges: Enhance the dish with additional citrus brightness.

Additional Tips

• Use warm broth to keep the risotto creamy and avoid temperature shock.
• Don’t overcook the prawns; they only need a few minutes to cook through.
• Stir the risotto after baking to release more starch and create a creamy consistency.
• Add a handful of spinach or peas at the end for extra nutrition.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Herb Prawn Risotto – Add extra lemon zest and fresh basil.
2. Mushroom & Prawn Risotto – Sauté mushrooms with the onions.
3. Spicy Prawn Risotto – Use extra red pepper flakes and cayenne for heat.
4. Garlic Butter Scallop Risotto – Swap prawns for scallops.
5. Creamy Coconut Prawn Risotto – Use part coconut milk for a tropical twist.
6. Zucchini & Prawn Risotto – Add grated zucchini for extra vegetables.
7. Cheesy Prawn Risotto – Stir in extra Parmesan or mozzarella for richness.
8. Asparagus & Prawn Risotto – Add blanched asparagus at the end.
9. Tomato & Prawn Risotto – Stir in cherry tomatoes for freshness.
10. Dairy-Free Prawn Risotto – Omit butter and cheese, and use olive oil.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as risotto can lose its texture when frozen.

Special Equipment

• Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Lemon zester

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of rice? Stick to arborio rice for the best creamy texture.
2. Can I use frozen prawns? Yes, just thaw them before cooking.
3. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, replace butter with olive oil.
4. How do I make it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
5. Can I add vegetables? Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or peas work well.

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Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto delivers a creamy, flavorful dish with minimal effort. The richness of garlic butter perfectly complements the tender prawns, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The beauty of this risotto is in its simplicity—no stirring required, making it a hands-off recipe that still yields impressive results.

Whether for a cozy dinner at home or a special celebration, this easy, no-stir risotto is sure to impress your guests. The creamy texture and bold garlic butter flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I’d love to see how your Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me so I can admire your delicious creation. Happy cooking!