If you’re craving something that bursts with zesty, smoky, and spicy flavors, you have to try this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe. It’s a fantastic dish that combines the natural sweetness of fresh prawns with the bold punch of garlic, the tangy brightness of lemon, and just the right amount of chilli heat. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a quick weeknight treat, this recipe is simple yet impressive, making it a go-to favorite whenever you want to elevate your seafood game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this meal plays a crucial role—from the fresh garlic that brings aromatic warmth, to the chillies that add a lively kick, and of course, the lemon that lifts the entire dish with its bright, refreshing acidity. These essentials come together easily, transforming simple prawns into something truly special.
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw prawns peeled and deveined with tails on: Look for fresh or thawed prawns for the best texture and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: This helps marinate and keep the prawns juicy while grilling.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Garlic infuses the marinade with a savory depth that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds bright citrus oils that enhance freshness without overpowering.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides tang and tenderizes the prawns slightly during marination.
- 1 to 2 fresh red chillies finely chopped: Adjust the heat level to your preference—these bring a pleasant spicy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the grill.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle peppery bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish when serving.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Prawns
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, finely chopped chillies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This flavorful marinade is the heart of the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe, ensuring every bite is infused with vibrant tastes. Add the prawns to the bowl and toss them thoroughly so each one is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the prawns to soak up the citrusy, spicy goodness.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
While the prawns marinate, preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the prawns from sticking. The direct heat and a well-oiled surface will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and lock in juiciness—the secret to perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe.
Step 3: Grill the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto skewers for easy handling, or if you prefer, place them directly on the grill. Grill the prawns for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight char. Remember, overcooking can turn these gems tough and rubbery, so careful timing is the key.
Step 4: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Once cooked, remove the prawns from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of herbal brightness that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding lemon wedges alongside your platter invites guests to squeeze extra citrus over their prawns, enhancing the tangy zest. Some edible flowers or additional fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add visual appeal and aromatic notes that make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair these BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe with light sides such as a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or a fluffy couscous to soak up the drippings. For a heartier meal, try garlic butter rice or a chilled potato salad, which will complement the prawns’ vibrant flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the prawns on a bed of mixed greens in a large wooden board or rustic platter. You can also skewer them with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers to add both flavor and a splash of color. Mini individual servings in small cups with a dipping sauce on the side can make for a stylish party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover prawns, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy the freshness and maintain their texture.
Freezing
It’s generally not recommended to freeze cooked prawns from this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe, as reheating can cause them to become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. For best results, freeze raw marinated prawns if you want to prep in advance, then grill fresh when ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftover prawns gently in a skillet over low heat or in a warm oven just until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice during reheating can help revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp works beautifully in this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe and the flavors remain just as vibrant and delicious. Just adjust your grilling time according to the size of the shrimp.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat depends on your choice of chillies. Using one fresh red chilli gives a mild warmth, while two or more will elevate the spice further. You can always deseed chillies to reduce heat if you prefer it mild.
Do I need to peel the prawns before grilling?
In this recipe, the prawns are peeled and deveined but with the tails left on. This makes eating easier while still keeping the presentation classy and the prawns juicy.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or even broil the prawns in the oven. The key is to cook them quickly at high heat to achieve that slightly charred edge and tender texture.
How long should I marinate the prawns?
Marinating for 20 to 30 minutes is ideal to allow the flavors to infuse without breaking down the texture of the prawns. Longer marination can start to “cook” the prawns in the lemon juice and make them mushy.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe. It’s fresh, vibrant, quick to prepare, and packed with layers of flavor that feel both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish will become one of your favorites to return to again and again. So fire up the grill, grab those prawns, and get ready to savor something truly special tonight!
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli recipe offers a flavorful and zesty way to enjoy large, succulent prawns. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, smoked paprika, and fiery chillies, these prawns are grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired main course that’s perfect for any grilling occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade & Prawns
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 fresh red chillies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped chillies, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers or place them directly onto the grill. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the prawns turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the prawns from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, add extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the prawns.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the prawns to avoid toughness.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of fresh chillies.
- This recipe can be used with shrimp as an alternative to prawns if necessary.
