If you are craving a dish that bursts with fresh, zesty flavor and has that irresistible smoky char, then this Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is your new go-to. Each bite delivers juicy, tender king prawns perfectly kissed by the grill, enhanced by a vibrant lemon marinade that brings brightness and a touch of garlic warmth. It’s a seafood sensation that feels both elegant and delightfully simple, perfect for anything from a casual weekend cookout to impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. A handful of quality ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, allowing the natural sweetness of the prawns to shine while the lemon and garlic add vibrant freshness and depth.
- 12 large king prawns, shells on: Shells help lock in moisture and impart extra flavor while grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade adhere to the prawns.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested): Lemon juice tenderizes and brightens, while zest adds aromatic oils for extra zing.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the acidity.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle spicy warmth that rounds out the marinade.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Offers a pop of vibrant color and a mild herbal note.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for an extra squeeze of fresh acidity just before eating.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. The goal is to get those perfect char marks on the prawns quickly while keeping them juicy inside. Preheating ensures the prawns won’t stick and creates a beautifully smoky flavor.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the prawns with bright citrus notes and a savory, garlicky kick that will complement the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Step 3: Marinate the Prawns
Add your king prawns, shells on, to the bowl and gently toss until they are evenly coated. Let them soak up all those flavors for about 10 to 15 minutes. This brief marinating time ensures the prawns remain tender while absorbing enough zing to pack a punch.
Step 4: Skewer and Grill
Thread the prawns onto metal skewers, or if using wooden, soak them in water beforehand to avoid burning. Place the prawns on your preheated grill and cook each side for roughly 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh turns a lovely pink and becomes opaque, with a delicious lightly charred crust.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once off the grill, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the prawns for a burst of color and freshness. Add lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the top. This final touch brings all the flavors together in a perfectly balanced bite.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
A vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the presentation but adds a subtle herbal freshness that gently lifts each mouthful. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—squeezing fresh lemon just before eating amplifies the zesty flavor and enhances the prawns’ natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
These prawns pair marvelously with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. For something heartier, try serving them alongside fluffy couscous, garlic butter rice, or grilled vegetables, balancing the zest and char with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish feast, serve the skewers laid over a bed of herbed quinoa or alongside a creamy avocado salsa. You can also place the prawns atop toasted baguette slices with a smear of garlic aioli, transforming this dish into a delicious appetizer that’s both impressive and easy to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best quality for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked prawns, but for this recipe’s best flavor, it’s recommended to freeze raw, marinated prawns before grilling. Place them in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for a fresh-cooked taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat for just a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as prawns become rubbery quickly. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon after reheating refreshes them beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before marinating and grilling. Using fresh or well-thawed prawns ensures a tender, juicy result.
Do I have to leave the shells on?
Leaving the shells on helps retain moisture and enhances flavor during grilling. However, if you prefer, you can peel them first—just be sure to watch the cooking time closely to prevent drying out.
What’s the best type of grill to use?
Any grill works great for this recipe, whether charcoal, gas, or electric. Charcoal grills add a smokier flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the lemon marinade, but gas or electric grills deliver consistent heat for even cooking.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! Making the marinade a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more depth. Just keep it refrigerated and toss the prawns in before grilling as usual.
How can I tell when the prawns are perfectly cooked?
Cooked prawns turn pink and opaque with a slight firmness but should not feel rubbery. They typically take 3 to 4 minutes per side on a hot grill. Overcooking leads to toughness, so keep an eye on the color and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is truly a showstopper that feels effortless to create yet dazzles every time. The combination of smoky char, fresh citrus, and garlicky goodness makes it an absolute favorite in my kitchen, and I’m sure once you try it, it’ll be yours too. Grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy the magic of fresh seafood done right!
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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: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the sea with these Char-Grilled King Prawns seasoned with zesty lemon and garlic. This simple yet spectacular recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the prawns enhanced by a fresh lemon marinade, making it a perfect dish for summer grilling and seafood lovers alike.
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 and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for cooking the prawns evenly and giving them a lovely char.
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Marinate the prawns: Add the king prawns to the marinade bowl and toss them gently to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the fresh, tangy flavors.
- Skewer the prawns: Skewer the prawns onto metal skewers or, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
- Grill the prawns: Place the skewered prawns on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, with a slight char.
- Garnish the prawns: Remove the prawns from the grill and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add color and additional flavor.
- Serve: Serve the grilled prawns immediately alongside lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick, perfect for squeezing over the prawns before eating.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prior to grilling prevents them from burning and breaking on the grill.
- Do not overcook the prawns; grilling for 3-4 minutes per side ensures they stay juicy and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
- These prawns can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish paired with a light salad or grilled vegetables.
