If you love the vibrant flavors of the sea combined with a zesty kick, then this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dish. Imagine juicy prawns grilled to perfection, infused with the bright freshness of lemon, the warming heat of chili, and the irresistible aroma of garlic. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that promises to impress, whether you’re hosting friends or craving a delicious bite any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: from the succulent prawns bringing the star protein, to the garlic and lemon elevating the flavor profile, and the chili adding just the right amount of heat. These everyday pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh prawns ensure the best texture and a sweet seafood flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a beautiful punch of aromatic savoriness that balances the citrus and spice.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Lemon juice brightens the dish while zest intensifies its lemony essence.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps marry the flavors and keeps the prawns moist while grilling.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste): Chili flakes bring a fiery note that you can customize based on your spice preference.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the prawns and marinade.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Parsley brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal finish.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A final splash of lemon juice just before eating lifts every bite.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red chili flakes, and salt in a bowl. This simple but flavorful marinade is the magic behind the bold, bright taste that defines this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade and toss well to coat every piece evenly. Let them soak up all those fantastic flavors for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This quick marination ensures the prawns stay juicy and richly flavored once grilled.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Next, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, making sure it’s hot enough to give the prawns those lovely char marks without overcooking. A properly heated grill is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor.
Step 4: Skewer Your Prawns (Optional)
You can thread the prawns onto skewers for easier grilling and a great presentation. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to avoid burning and ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Place the marinated prawns on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and develop those gorgeous grill marks. Keep an eye on them—they cook fast and you want to avoid rubbery prawns.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once cooked through, remove the prawns from the grill and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. This last touch adds not just color but a burst of fresh flavor, enhancing the entire dish beautifully.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe hot off the grill with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over. This final zest will brighten each succulent bite with a fresh, tangy finish.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice for garnish, bringing vibrant color and a mild herbal note that complements the prawns perfectly. A sprinkle of extra chili flakes can also add a bit more zing if you like things spicy. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—squeezing them fresh over the prawns just before eating truly elevates every mouthful.
Side Dishes
To make your meal complete, serve the prawns alongside light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, fragrant jasmine rice, or grilled vegetables. These options absorb the delicious juices and balance the meal’s bright and smoky flavors without competing against the star prawns.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, try serving these prawns on a bed of garlic butter pasta or stuffed inside warm crusty baguettes as delicious prawn sandwiches. They’re also fantastic atop fresh avocado halves or wrapped in soft lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe left over, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep them well-covered to maintain their moisture and prevent any other kitchen odors from interfering with their bright flavor.
Freezing
While fresh prawns are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze cooked prawns in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Make sure they’re cooled completely before freezing, and note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the delicate nature of prawns.
Reheating
Reheat leftover prawns gently to avoid toughness. Use a quick sauté in a hot pan or warm them in the oven at a low temperature just long enough to heat through. Microwaving can overcook them, so keep that as a last resort if in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture interfering with the grilling process.
How spicy is this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
The heat from the chili flakes is moderate but can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less. It’s a beautiful balance that complements the garlic and lemon rather than overpowering them.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the prawns another way?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or even a broiler in your oven. The key is to use high heat for a short time to get that lovely char and keep the prawns tender.
Is it necessary to marinate the prawns?
Marinating is essential to infuse the prawns with all the garlic, lemon, and chili flavors. While you can skip it in a pinch, the dish won’t have the same depth or brightness.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just keep an eye on the marinating time and make sure your grill can handle the increased quantity, cooking in batches if needed for even grilling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the fresh, bold flavors and quick cooking time of this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe. It’s a feast of simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish full of brightness, spice, and seaside charm. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Print
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This recipe for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli brings together the vibrant flavors of zesty lemon, spicy chili, and aromatic garlic to create a deliciously smoky and succulent grilled shrimp dish perfect for any BBQ or summer meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 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
- 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. Mix thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade. Toss them gently until evenly coated, then let them marinate for at least 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the zesty and spicy flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for quick searing and beautiful grill marks.
- Skewer the Prawns (Optional): For easier handling and even cooking, thread the prawns onto soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning. This step also simplifies flipping on the grill.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the marinated prawns directly on the grill or grill pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the prawns turn opaque, develop grill marks, and are cooked through without becoming rubbery.
- Check for Doneness: Verify that the prawns have a pink color and are firm to the touch, indicating they are thoroughly cooked but still juicy.
- Remove and Garnish: Take the prawns off the grill and sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the prawns immediately with lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over to enhance the bright, tangy flavor profile.
Notes
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling will prevent them from burning.
- Do not overcook the prawns as they can become tough and rubbery; they cook very quickly!
- For an indoor option, use a grill pan on the stovetop to achieve similar results.
- This recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
