BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is the ultimate summer dish for seafood lovers. Bursting with the zesty flavors of fresh lemon, the heat of chilli, and the aromatic kick of garlic, this recipe transforms simple prawns into a gourmet experience. Perfect for barbecues or a quick family dinner, these prawns are juicy, tender, and pack a punch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for balance)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Steps
1. Marinating the Prawns:
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chilli, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the prawns into the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for 15-30 minutes in the fridge. The longer they soak in the marinade, the more flavorful they’ll become.
2. Preparing the Grill:
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor BBQ grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the prawns from sticking. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, preheat it until it’s hot and slightly smoking.
3. Grilling the Prawns:
Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers for easy grilling. Place the prawns on the hot grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a vibrant pink and slightly charred around the edges. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns can become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.
4. Garnishing and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the prawns from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Pair with a side of fresh salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Variations
- Add a Coconut Twist: For a Thai-inspired version, mix some coconut milk into the marinade for creamy, tropical flavors.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra fresh chilli to amp up the spice.
- Citrus Swaps: Swap out lemon for lime or orange for a different citrus zing.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade for more aromatic depth.
- Skewer Combo: Alternate prawns with veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes on skewers for a colorful presentation.
- Oven-Baked Option: Don’t have a grill? You can bake the prawns in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Honey Garlic Variation: Add more honey and extra garlic for a sweet and sticky finish.
- Soy & Sesame Infusion: Mix a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil into the marinade for an Asian-style grilled prawn dish.
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
- Can I use frozen prawns?
- Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors well
- Can I cook these prawns in a pan if I don’t have a grill?
- Absolutely! A hot grill pan or a cast-iron skillet will work just fine. You can also broil them in the oven if you prefer.
- How do I prevent prawns from sticking to the grill?
- Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the prawns. You can also lightly oil the prawns themselves or use a grill mat.
- How can I tell if my prawns are overcooked?
- Overcooked prawns turn tough and rubbery. Look for a pink color and firm texture, but remove them as soon as they curl up into a “C” shape to avoid overcooking.
- Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
- mYes! You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and add the prawns 30 minutes before grilling.
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 fresh red chilli finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tbsp honey optional for balance
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Start by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chilli, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir in honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the prawns into the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for 15-30 minutes in the fridge. The longer they soak in the marinade, the more flavorful they’ll become.
- While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an outdoor BBQ grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the prawns from sticking. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, preheat it until it’s hot and slightly smoking.
- Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers for easy grilling. Place the prawns on the hot grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a vibrant pink and slightly charred around the edges. Be careful not to overcook them, as prawns can become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.
- Once cooked, remove the prawns from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Pair with a side of fresh salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.