There is nothing quite like the joyful sizzle and irresistible aroma of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe wafting through the air on a warm day. This vibrant dish brings together succulent prawns kissed by smoky heat, bursting with fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and just the right touch of fiery chilli. It’s an explosion of flavors that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light—perfect for a lively dinner with friends or a weekend treat. Once you get the hang of this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to whenever you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum impact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe truly shine, you’ll want to gather a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that each play an essential role. Every element adds layers of flavor, texture, and aroma, making the prawns pop in the best way.
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on): The star of the dish, offering a firm, juicy bite and perfect for grilling.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent depth and aromatic warmth that complements the seafood.
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped: Brings a fresh, lively heat—add more if you like your prawns fiery.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The lemon’s brightness balances the spices and lifts the entire dish.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures the prawns stay moist and helps carry the flavors evenly.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional): Introduces a subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the tang and heat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For an extra smoky undertone that feels quintessentially BBQ.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance everything without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped (for garnish): Adds color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma just before serving.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): For an extra squeeze of juice right at the table.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
You want to start by mixing all the flavor-packed ingredients into a lively marinade. Combine minced garlic, chopped chili, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey or brown sugar if using, smoked paprika if you’re going for that smoky vibe, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until well blended so every prawn gets coated with this delicious magic.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Once your marinade is ready, toss the peeled and deveined prawns into the bowl, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 15 to 20 minutes. You can go up to an hour for deeper flavor, but be careful not to leave them too long because the lemon’s acidity can start to “cook” the prawns, changing their texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Before firing up your grill, ensure it’s nicely preheated to medium-high. Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, steady, hot heat is exactly what you need for those perfect charred marks and smoky flavor.
Step 4: Soak Wooden Skewers (If Using)
If you prefer grilling the prawns on skewers, soak wooden ones in water for about 10 minutes so they don’t catch fire while cooking. Metal skewers work perfectly too and don’t require soaking.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto your skewers, or place them directly on the grill. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink with beautiful grill marks and become opaque throughout. Keep a close eye—they cook quickly and can dry out if overcooked.
Step 6: Alternative Cooking Method
Don’t have a grill? No worries. You can achieve similar results with a grill pan or on the stovetop. Cook the prawns for the same amount of time, turning once until they’re fully cooked, juicy, and tender.
Step 7: Serve
Once the prawns are perfectly grilled, remove them from the heat and transfer to a serving platter, ready for garnishing and sharing!
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or coriander adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—an extra squeeze just before eating amplifies the citrusy tang we love so much.
Side Dishes
These prawns shine alongside simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, fluffy white rice, or grilled vegetables. For a Mediterranean twist, try serving with a herby couscous or even a chilled avocado salsa—something cool and fresh perfectly contrasts the smoky, spicy prawns.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe party-ready by threading them on colorful skewers served on a large platter with scattered herbs and lemon slices. You can also toss the grilled prawns into a warm tortilla for vibrant tacos, drizzle with extra chili and lime, or pile them high on toasted sourdough for an epic open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this delicious BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe left over, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days and still taste great when enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
Freezing
While fresh prawns are always best, you can freeze cooked grilled prawns if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen cooked prawns remain good for up to 2 months, but the texture might soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat just until heated through to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works but watch closely so they don’t turn rubbery. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture that can prevent proper grilling.
How spicy is the dish? Can I make it less hot?
The heat level is easily adjustable by reducing or omitting the chili. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the garlic and lemon without much heat.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, which actually allows the flavors to deepen before mixing with the prawns.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No grill? No problem! You can also cook these prawns under a hot broiler or on a lightly oiled skillet. Just keep a close eye to get that beautiful sear without overcooking.
Is it necessary to devein the prawns?
While not strictly necessary, deveining prawns improves their texture and removes any grit, making your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe more enjoyable to eat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe that brings people together—simple ingredients delivering bold, unforgettable flavors with every bite. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering or cozy night in. Once you’ve tasted these lively, juicy prawns, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: BBQ
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe features succulent large prawns marinated in a zesty garlic, lemon, and chili mixture, then grilled to perfection. The smoky flavor from the optional smoked paprika and the slight sweetness from honey complement the vibrant freshness of lemon and heat from chili, creating a deliciously balanced and quick seafood dish perfect for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on)
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped chili, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if using), smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the prawns to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor. Avoid marinating for longer as the lemon juice’s acidity can start to cook the prawns.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, ensure the coals are glowing and heat is steady; for gas grills, set to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the Prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers if using, or you can place them directly on the grill surface.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the prawns on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with distinct grill marks. Be cautious not to overcook as prawns cook quickly. If using a grill pan or stovetop, cook them for the same duration, turning once to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the cooked prawns from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or coriander over the prawns for freshness and serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a zesty finish.
Notes
- Do not marinate the prawns for more than 1 hour to prevent them from becoming rubbery due to the acidic lemon juice.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust chili quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Optional smoked paprika adds a smoky depth but can be omitted if you prefer a cleaner lemon and garlic flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
