Pan-Seared Sambal Prawns with Garlic and Lime

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-02 · Updated 2026-07-02

Juicy prawns pan-seared with a spicy sambal chili sauce, garlic, and a refreshing squeeze of lime for a vibrant seafood dish. This Asian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, pairs large prawns, peeled and deveined, sambal oelek chili paste, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp sambal oelek chili paste
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb large prawns and season with 1/2 tsp salt.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp sambal oelek chili paste and 1 tsp brown sugar, stirring for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Add prawns to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight char.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, tossing to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with steamed rice or crusty bread.