If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly simple to prepare, this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy prawns are marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, fresh lemon, and fiery chili flakes, then grilled to smoky perfection. Each bite delivers a sensational mix of tangy, spicy, and savory notes that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a casual weekend cookout or an impressive dinner party starter, this recipe turns humble prawns into a mouthwatering feast that everyone will be talking about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation of this recipe’s success. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—every component has a vital role that enhances taste, texture, or visual appeal. Using fresh garlic and lemon gives bright flavors, while chili flakes add just the right amount of heat to excite your palate.
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh, firm prawns give the dish lovely texture and juiciness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant pungency that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Contributes essential citrus brightness to balance the spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to meld the marinade and keeps prawns tender on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste): Provides a warming kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Offers a dash of color and a mild herbal note.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Adds extra tang on the side and makes for a beautiful presentation.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. This combination builds a flavorful marinade that soaks into the prawns, guaranteeing every bite bursts with that classic garlic-lemon-chilli punch.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add your peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade and toss them gently until each one is evenly coated. Let these beauties rest and soak up the flavors for at least 10 to 15 minutes—this resting time is key as it tenderizes the prawns and intensifies their taste.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your prawns are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature. A hot grill helps achieve those signature smoky char marks that elevate the dish both visually and in flavor.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns (Optional)
Threading prawns onto skewers is optional but highly recommended for easier handling and grilling. If you use wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Place the marinated prawns on the grill and cook for roughly 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch closely for that perfect opaque pink color and enticing grill marks—these signs show your prawns are cooked just right.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Ensure the prawns have turned a lovely pink shade and feel firm yet tender to the touch. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and avoid a rubbery texture. Perfectly grilled prawns are a delicate balance of timing and heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the prawns from the grill and immediately sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over them for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, so everyone can add an extra splash of zest if they wish. Following these steps results in prawns that dazzle with bold, fresh flavors every single time.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect simple garnish—it adds a pleasant earthiness and vibrant green color that brightens the dish. Lemon wedges are essential for that final hit of citrus that cuts through the richness of the grilled prawns and elevates the flavors.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Consider serving with a crisp mixed green salad, fluffy couscous, or even grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. The goal is to balance the intense prawns with subtle, fresh accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, arrange the prawns neatly on a wooden platter lined with lemon slices and sprinkle the parsley right before serving. You can also serve individual portions in small bowls with a drizzle of the leftover marinade (cooked separately to be safe) or over a bed of aromatic rice for a stunning centerpiece everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they might not last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain their fresh, juicy texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
Freezing cooked prawns is generally not recommended because they can become rubbery once thawed. However, you can freeze the marinated uncooked prawns for up to 2 months—just thaw completely before grilling them fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a pan over low heat or under a grill for just a minute or two. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry them out and makes them tough. Quick, gentle reheating preserves their juicy, tender nature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the marinade adheres well and the prawns grill nicely.
How spicy is this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
The red chili flakes bring a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your liking. Start with less if you prefer mild and add more if you like a stronger kick.
What can I substitute if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet works perfectly. The key is high heat to get a nice char and cook the prawns quickly without drying them out.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Just add the prawns just before cooking to keep them fresh and tender.
Is it necessary to skewer the prawns?
Not at all—it’s an option for ease of grilling and flipping, but you can grill them directly on the grates or pan with careful attention.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to make but packed with remarkable flavor, this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe should definitely be on your list. It’s vibrant, fresh, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat. Invite some friends or family over, fire up the grill, and share this delightful seafood treat that’s sure to become a new favorite for everyone at the table.
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Halal
Description
This recipe for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy large prawns marinated in a zesty, garlicky blend and perfectly grilled to juicy perfection. The combination of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spicy chili flakes brings a vibrant and delicious seafood dish ideal for summer cookouts or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Marinade & Prawns
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red chili flakes, and salt to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the cleaned prawns to the marinade and toss thoroughly until every prawn is evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the prawns.
- Skewer the Prawns (Optional): For ease of grilling, thread the prawns onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the marinated prawns on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque, develop appealing grill marks, and are cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure prawns are fully cooked but still tender; they should have a vibrant pink color and not feel rubbery.
- Remove and Garnish: Take the prawns off the grill, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over them for an added burst of freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the grilled prawns immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, enhancing the bright citrus notes of the dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Soaking wooden skewers is important to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don’t overcook the prawns to avoid a rubbery texture; watch for the pink color as they cook quickly.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, rice, or crusty bread.
