If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavor and effortless elegance, you are going to love this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe. These prawns are marinated in a zesty, garlicky mixture that perfectly balances heat, citrus brightness, and smoky undertones. The grilling adds just the right touch of char that locks in juiciness and brings out a mouthwatering aroma that fills the air. Whether you’re preparing a casual summer dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is refreshingly simple but delivers unforgettable taste every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in layering flavors, from the fiery chilli to the fresh lemon zest. These simple pantry staples come together harmoniously to create a dish that’s not just tasty but also visually vibrant and textured.
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on): The star of the show, juicy and tender, perfect for grilling.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that infuses the prawns with flavor.
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped: Provides a subtle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps carry the marinade flavors and keeps prawns succulent while grilling.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional): Introduces a touch of natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chilli.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For an extra smoky layer that enhances the BBQ vibe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped: Adds a refreshing herbal note and beautiful color as a garnish.
- Lemon wedges: For giving an extra squeeze of citrus just before eating.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining minced garlic, finely chopped red chili, lemon zest, and juice in a large bowl. Add olive oil to bind everything together. If you like a hint of sweetness, stir in honey or brown sugar, and for a smoky touch, sprinkle in smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. This marinade is the flavor foundation, infusing each prawn with layers of vibrant taste.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Gently toss the peeled and deveined prawns in the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated generously. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. If you want more pronounced flavors, marinate for up to 1 hour but avoid exceeding that since lemon’s acidity can start to cook the prawns, which changes their texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
While your prawns soak up those delicious flavors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For those using charcoal, ensure the coals are glowing and steady for even cooking. Gas grill users should set the temperature similarly to guarantee the perfect sear without burning the delicate prawns.
Step 4: Ready the Skewers (If Using)
If you prefer grilling on skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes before threading the prawns to prevent them from catching fire. Alternatively, you can place the prawns directly on the grill grate for a rustic approach.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto skewers or arrange them neatly on the grill surface. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching closely for that gorgeous pink and opaque color formation with nice grill marks. Stay attentive since these prawns cook quickly and overcooking will make them tough rather than tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve Hot off the Grill
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the prawns to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top if desired, and prepare for garnishing and serving. These prawns are best enjoyed fresh and hot to savor their full flavor and natural texture.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or coriander creates an inviting burst of color and freshness that complements the garlicky, citrusy marinade beautifully. Adding lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to tailor the tanginess to their liking, making the eating experience interactive and fun.
Side Dishes
These prawns pair wonderfully with light and vibrant sides. Think fluffy couscous tossed with herbs, a crisp mixed green salad, or grilled vegetables like asparagus and bell peppers. A side of crusty bread or garlic naan is also fantastic for mopping up the extra marinade and grilled juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dish, serve the prawns threaded on colorful skewers arranged on a wooden board with scattered herbs and lemon wedges. Alternatively, toss the grilled prawns into a fresh salad bowl or serve atop zesty rice for a more filling meal. You can even present them as a stunning appetizer with a garlic-lemon aioli dip on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ grilled prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing to preserve their texture and flavor.
Freezing
While prawns are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the marinated but uncooked prawns for up to one month. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Grilling from frozen will require adjusting cooking times slightly.
Reheating
To reheat cooked prawns, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes or briefly in a microwave. Avoid high heat or prolonged reheating, as prawns can quickly become rubbery and lose their delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen prawns work well as long as they’re thoroughly thawed and patted dry before marinating and grilling. This prevents excess moisture and helps achieve those perfect grill marks.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of chili or remove the seeds entirely since they hold most of the spice. You can also balance out the heat by adding a bit more honey to the marinade for subtle sweetness.
Is it necessary to use smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky undertone that complements the BBQ flavor but is optional. If you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika or even a pinch of chili powder can work just fine.
Can I cook these prawns indoors?
Yes! Using a grill pan or stovetop skillet works perfectly. Just keep the heat medium-high and cook for the same duration as you would on an outdoor grill to get that nice sear and juicy interior.
What’s the best way to serve these prawns for a party?
Serve them on skewers arranged on a platter with bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mayo. Adding garnishes like chopped herbs and lemon wedges makes your presentation festive and easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Its bright, layered flavors and quick cooking time make it a perfect weeknight treat or a stylish dish to wow your friends. So grab those prawns and get grilling—your taste buds will thank you!
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe offers a flavorful and quick seafood dish marinated with garlic, lemon, chilli, and a touch of smoky paprika. Perfectly grilled to achieve a tender, juicy texture with a hint of citrus zest and spice, this recipe is ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade and Prawns
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (or more for extra heat)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together minced garlic, chopped chili, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey or brown sugar if using, smoked paprika if using, and salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade and toss well to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more intense flavor. Avoid marinating longer to prevent the lemon juice from cooking the prawns prematurely.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal, ensure coals are glowing with steady heat; for gas, set burners accordingly. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Thread the Prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers if using. If not using skewers, you can place the prawns directly on the grill or a grill pan.
- Grill the Prawns: Place prawns on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with clear grill marks. Be attentive to avoid overcooking, as prawns cook quickly and can become tough.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If using a grill pan or stovetop, cook prawns similarly by turning once to ensure even cooking until they are fully opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove cooked prawns from heat, transfer them to a serving platter, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander. Serve alongside lemon wedges to add extra citrus zest as desired.
Notes
- Do not marinate the prawns for more than 1 hour to avoid the lemon juice “cooking” the seafood and altering its texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili based on your preferred spice level.
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Ensure prawns are cooked just until opaque for the best tenderness.
- This recipe works well for grilling, but can be adapted for stovetop grill pans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: BBQ, Seafood
