If you are craving something that’s bursting with bold flavors yet wonderfully simple to prepare, this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy prawns get bathed in a zesty, aromatic marinade that hints at garlic’s savory depth, fresh lemon’s brightness, and the exciting kick from red chili. Grilled to perfection with a slight char, these prawns promise a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for summer evenings, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering a layered taste and an irresistible texture. From the juicy prawns to the tangy lemon and spicy chili, every component contributes a unique essence that makes this dish so memorable.
- Large prawns (1 lb/450g): Peeled and deveined but with tails on for an easy-to-handle, juicy bite.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a rich, aromatic base that infuses the prawns deeply.
- Red chili (1, deseeded and chopped): Adds a fiery warmth that balances the citrus perfectly; adjust for heat tolerance.
- Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens the dish with fresh acidity and a beautiful citrus aroma.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Binds the marinade and helps prawns stay succulent on the grill.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Introduces a subtle sweetness to offset the chili and lemon.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon, optional): Deepens the smoky char flavor for an authentic BBQ touch.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or coriander (chopped): Adds a fresh herbal finish and lovely color garnish.
- Lemon wedges: Served alongside for that extra zesty pop when eating.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining minced garlic, chopped red chili, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, honey (if you’re using it), smoked paprika (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. This bright, spicy mixture is the flavor powerhouse for the prawns, ensuring every bite is juicy and bursting with character.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add your prawns into the marinade and toss gently to coat each one evenly. Cover the bowl and let the prawns chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 to 20 minutes, but no longer than one hour. The lemon juice works wonders as a tenderizer, but too much time will start to “cook” the prawns, which we want to avoid for perfect texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using charcoal, wait until your coals are glowing and consistent in heat; for gas grills, just set to medium-high. If you plan on using skewers, soak wooden ones in water for about 10 minutes so they don’t catch fire while grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto the soaked skewers or place them directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the prawns turn pink and opaque, flaunting those gorgeous grill marks. Keep an eye on them—they cook fast and get rubbery if left too long. You can also use a grill pan on your stovetop with the same timing and method.
Step 5: Serve the Prawns
Once done, carefully remove the prawns from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander, and don’t forget to include plenty of lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing that elevates every bite.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or coriander are essential—not just for color but also to add a herbal brightness that complements the smoky and spicy notes of the prawns. Lemon wedges offer that perfect citrus squeeze that amps up the freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or fluffy rice to soak up any leftover juices. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty baguette slices or a cooling cucumber raita to balance the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the prawns on a rustic wooden board or serve them on skewers right at the table for a fun, communal vibe. Wrapping grilled prawns in soft flatbreads with a drizzle of yogurt and some crunchy slaw turns this BBQ favorite into a delicious handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to two days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
While fresh grilled prawns are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze marinated raw prawns before cooking for up to a month. Freeze them in the marinade to preserve flavor, then thaw thoroughly before grilling.
Reheating
To reheat cooked prawns, gently warm them in a skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium heat for just a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the prawns rubbery and dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors well and grill nicely.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a regular frying pan on your stovetop. The key is high heat and quick cooking to keep the prawns juicy.
How spicy is the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
The heat level depends on your chili amount. Start with one deseeded red chili for mild warmth and add more if you love it fiery.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
You can make the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best to marinate the prawns just before grilling for optimal freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ party?
Definitely! It’s quick to make, visually appealing, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its bold, fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to dive into this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe whenever you want a simple yet show-stopping dish. The vibrant flavors, speedy cooking, and irresistible aroma will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your home-cooked BBQ repertoire.
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe features large prawns marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, lemon, and chili, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, flavorful seafood dish. Perfect as a light summer meal or an impressive appetizer, these prawns are juicy, tender, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavors complemented by a hint of heat.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (use 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
For the Prawns
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on)
For Garnish and Serving
- 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 create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the prawns to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes but no longer than 1 hour to prevent the lemon juice from starting to cook the prawns.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, ensure coals are glowing steadily; if using a gas grill, set it to medium-high temperature.
- Soak Skewers (If Using): If you are using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Grill the Prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers or place them directly on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the prawns turn pink, opaque, and have attractive grill marks. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Alternative Cooking on Stovetop: If using a grill pan or stovetop pan, cook prawns similarly for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the cooked prawns from the grill or pan and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Garnish and Accompany: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or coriander over the prawns and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Do not marinate prawns for too long, as the lemon juice can start to cook them and change their texture.
- If you prefer more heat, add extra chopped chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For a smoky twist, include smoked paprika in your marinade.
- Serve immediately after grilling for the best taste and texture.
