If you’re craving something that bursts with fresh zest, smoky grill marks, and a hint of spice, you absolutely have to try this Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of succulent king prawns marinated in garlic, lemon, and a touch of smoked paprika, then grilled to perfection so each bite is juicy and packed with flavor. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or using a grill pan indoors, this recipe brings that irresistible Mediterranean vibe right to your table in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing its part to balance freshness, heat, and texture in the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe. From the bright lemon that elevates the prawns’ natural sweetness to the smoky paprika that adds depth, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious dish.
- 1½ pounds king prawns (shell-on, deveined): Choose fresh, large prawns with shells on to keep the flesh tender and juicy while grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This coats the prawns and helps everything grill up beautifully without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the marinade with warm, aromatic flavor that brightens the dish.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The lemon adds a refreshing tang and a citrusy punch that balances the smoky notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky depth for a more complex flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): A little heat to gently awaken your taste buds without overpowering the prawns.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): To add an extra squeeze of brightness at the table.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant green and a touch of freshness.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade packs a punch with a balance of acidity, smoky undertones, and just the right amount of spice. It’s the magic that will bring your prawns to life on the grill.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Once your marinade is ready, add the king prawns and toss them thoroughly to get every piece coated evenly. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This is the perfect moment for the flavors to really infuse into the prawns, making each bite tender and full of character.
Step 3: Heat Your Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan on the stove to medium-high heat. Getting it hot is crucial because a high flame sears the prawns quickly, creating those delicious char marks and locking in the natural juices.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Place the prawns on the grill, shell-side down first if you like, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want to see a nice charred color on the shells, while the flesh turns opaque. Avoid overcooking, as the prawns can become tough and dry really fast.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once grilled, transfer your prawns to a serving platter and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while they’re hot and juicy, alongside lemon wedges for that final burst of citrusy freshness.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and an herby brightness that complements the smoky, zesty prawns beautifully. Fresh lemon wedges are a must—they invite everyone to personalize the tanginess, enhancing the flavors with just a quick squeeze.
Side Dishes
These prawns are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of marinade and juice, or opt for a light Mediterranean salad or some fluffy rice to make your meal more substantial. Roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob also work excellently for a summery feel.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the prawns arranged on a wooden board with small bowls of aioli or garlic butter for dipping. You can also skewer them before grilling for a fun finger-food experience, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for a quick and flavorful snack or addition to salads the next day.
Freezing
Freezing cooked char-grilled prawns is possible but not ideal, as their texture can suffer. If you must freeze, place them in a freezer-safe bag and consume within 1 month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat with a drizzle of olive oil or butter. Avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery texture. A quick warm-up is all they need since they cook so quickly initially.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and grilling. This helps prevent steaming instead of charring and keeps the prawns juicy.
Is it necessary to leave the shells on?
Keeping the shells on helps lock in moisture and flavor while grilling, producing juicier prawns. However, you can butterfly and remove shells if you prefer easier eating.
How spicy does this recipe get with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add a gentle kick but aren’t overpowering. You can easily adjust or omit them based on your taste or for a more family-friendly dish.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Definitely! A grill pan on your stovetop works perfectly, offering those coveted grill marks and delicious smoky flavor without the need for outdoor cooking.
What should I serve with Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe for a full meal?
Pair the prawns with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or crusty bread. These sides complement the vibrant, smoky flavors without overshadowing the prawns.
Final Thoughts
There is just something truly magical about the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe that makes every meal feel special and memorable. It’s quick, surprisingly simple, and delivers a punch of fresh, smoky, and zesty flavor that’s hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy this delicious seafood delight as much as I do!
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent king prawns marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and smoked paprika. Perfectly grilled until charred and juicy, these prawns are garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, making it an ideal light summer dinner or appetizer for barbecues.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1½ pounds king prawns (shell-on, deveined)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- lemon wedges
- chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the king prawns to the marinade and toss them thoroughly to ensure even coating. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the prawns to achieve a nice char.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the marinated prawns on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shells are charred and the prawns are opaque and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the prawns from the grill, transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For easier eating, butterfly the prawns by slicing along the back of the shell before marinating.
- Serve alongside crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- This dish is perfect for barbecues and light summer dinners.
