If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and has that irresistible smoky char, then the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of juicy king prawns, enhanced by zesty lemon and garlic, all perfectly kissed by the grill’s smoky heat. It’s a quick, elegant seafood sensation that feels fancy yet is simple enough for any weeknight. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it your go-to for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but work in harmony to deliver a punch of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite memorable. Each element plays an essential role—from the fresh lemon that brightens, to the garlic that adds depth, and the parsley that brings a pop of green freshness.
- King prawns, shells on: Use large, fresh prawns for the best texture and flavor retention while grilling.
- Olive oil: Acts as a flavorful marinade base while preventing prawns from sticking to the grill.
- Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth that complements the citrusy notes perfectly.
- Lemon (juiced and zested): The star ingredient for that bright, tangy zing that wakes up your palate.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish—injects color and a subtle herbaceous touch.
- Lemon wedges: Serve on the side for those who love an extra squeeze of freshness at the end.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. A hot grill is crucial for creating that perfect char on the prawns while keeping them juicy inside. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stove works beautifully too.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is everything—the garlic’s warmth, lemon’s brightness, and the seasoning combine to elevate the prawns with every bite.
Step 3: Marinate the King Prawns
Toss the king prawns into the marinade, making sure each one is generously coated. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up all that amazing flavor. This simple step ensures the prawns remain tender and infused with zest.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto skewers—metal or wooden soaked in water to prevent burning. This makes them easier to flip on the grill and adds a fun, rustic presentation that screams summertime seafood feast.
Step 5: Char-Grill to Perfection
Grill the prawns for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Watch closely—they’ll turn from translucent to that perfect pink and opaque tone. The slight char marks add a smoky note that pairs beautifully with the citrusy lemon flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once off the grill, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the prawns just before eating, adding that finishing touch that makes this dish irresistible.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but handfuls of chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add visual appeal and a subtle flavor twist. Don’t forget those vibrant lemon wedges—they’re essential for that extra splash of zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side like a crisp green salad, fragrant couscous, or garlic buttered grilled bread. For something heartier, try roasted new potatoes or a vibrant mango salsa to add both texture and a sweet contrast to the smoky prawns.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the prawns right off the skewers on a rustic wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges. Or pile them atop a bed of fluffy rice or mixed greens for a stunning centerpiece that’s as delicious as it looks. A drizzle of chili-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store the grilled prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is always best with seafood, you can freeze cooked char-grilled prawns if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Use within one month for best taste.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid the microwave to prevent rubberiness. Instead, warm the prawns gently in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil or under a broiler for just a minute or two. This helps retain that lovely grilled flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. This will help the marinade stick better and prevent excess water from steaming the prawns instead of grilling them.
What can I substitute if I don’t have lemon zest?
If you’re out of lemon zest, a tiny splash of extra lemon juice works fine, or you can grate a small amount of lime zest for a slightly different, but just as fresh, citrus note.
Do I have to use skewers?
Skewers make grilling easier and more convenient, but if you prefer, you can grill prawns individually or in a grill basket. Just keep an eye on them to avoid losing any through the grates.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Adding a pinch of red chili flakes into your marinade or serving with a spicy dipping sauce can give the dish a tasty kick without overpowering the delicate prawn flavor.
How do I know when the prawns are cooked perfectly?
Prawns are done when they turn opaque and pink with firm flesh that springs back when touched. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep your grilling time tight and watch carefully for those color changes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe that makes it a standout choice whenever you want a quick yet impressive meal. The blend of smoky grill marks, fresh lemon, and garlicky goodness delivers a sea-inspired celebration on your plate. Try it out soon—you might just have found your new favorite way to enjoy seafood.
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: International
Description
Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is a delightful seafood dish featuring large, succulent prawns marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, then perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and juicy texture. This simple yet flavorful recipe makes an impressive main course ideal for seafood lovers looking for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 12 large king prawns, shells on
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the prawns.
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the king prawns to the marinade bowl and toss them thoroughly to coat. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Skewers: Skewer the marinated prawns onto metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the skewered prawns on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn pink, opaque, and develop a smoky char.
- Garnish: Remove the prawns from the grill and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the char-grilled prawns immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over, enhancing the zesty seafood taste.
Notes
- Use fresh king prawns for the best texture and flavor.
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from catching fire.
- Adjust salt and pepper levels according to your taste.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the prawns at their juiciest and most flavorful.
- Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
