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prawns Ramp-y

This vibrant seafood dish celebrates the short but beautiful wild garlic season. Known for its mellow, earthy heat, wild garlic — or ramps — provides a sophisticated alternative to standard bulb garlic. By sautéing the bulbs slowly in olive oil and white wine, you create a fragrant base that perfectly complements succulent, pan-fried prawns. The addition of mild red pepper flakes provides a gentle warmth that balances the acidity of the fresh lemon juice, resulting in a light yet indulgent meal that feels truly seasonal.

As a dairy-free recipe that relies on high-quality olive oil and fresh produce, this dish is an excellent choice for a quick midweek supper or an elegant weekend lunch. Serve the prawns on a large platter in the centre of the table with plenty of warm, crusty bread to soak up the garlic-infused wine sauce. It is a simple, healthy way to enjoy fresh shellfish with a distinctively British spring twist.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for prawns Ramp-y

  • 45ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 1 bunch ramps (about 170g ), bulbs and greens separated, bulbs halved lengthwise, greens torn into (2"–3") pieces

  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 teaspoons mild red pepper flakes (such as Maras, Urfa, or Aleppo-style), plus more for serving

  • 120ml dry white wine

  • 575g large prawns, peeled, deveined, preferably tails left on

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Kosher salt

  • 1/2 lemon

How to make prawns Ramp-y

Combine 45ml oil and ramp bulbs in a large skillet. Set over medium heat and cook, tossing occasionally, until bulbs are softened but have not taken on any colour, 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and 1/2 teaspoons mild red pepper flakes and cook, tossing occasionally, until garlic is softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine and increase heat to medium-high. Let cook, stirring occasionally, until wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add ramp greens, prawns, and butter to pan. Season with salt and cook, tossing occasionally, until ramp greens are wilted, prawns turn pink, and butter is melted, about 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Finely grate zest from lemon half over prawns, then squeeze in juice.

Transfer prawns to a platter. Sprinkle with more mild red pepper flakes and drizzle with plenty of oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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