If you are craving a burst of bold, fresh flavors with a touch of smoky char from the grill, then you absolutely must try this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe. It’s a vibrant dish where juicy prawns soak up a zesty marinade of garlic, lemon, and chili, creating a perfect harmony of heat, citrus brightness, and savory richness. Whether you’re firing up the BBQ for friends or craving a quick, flavorful seafood dinner, these prawns grill up fast and impress every time with their bright color, tender texture, and lip-smacking taste that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients, each element enhances the prawns perfectly—from the citrusy zing to the gentle kick of chili and the earthy garlic aroma. Let’s break down the essentials that turn simple prawns into a spectacular grilled dish.
- 1½ lbs large raw prawns: Peel and devein with tails on for a juicy, tender bite and easy grilling.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the prawns while grilling.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant punch that beautifully complements the seafood.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Provides bright, tangy notes that brighten the entire dish.
- 1 red chili (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat): Offers just the right amount of spice, adjustable to your taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch and lovely color contrast.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for an extra squeeze of freshness right before enjoying.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Prawns
Start by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, finely chopped chili, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is where all those irresistible flavors marry. Then, toss the peeled and deveined prawns gently in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let them chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes so the prawns soak up that bright garlicky punch.
Step 2: Get the Grill Ready
While your prawns are marinating, preheat your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the prawns quickly, locking in their juiciness while getting those lovely grill marks. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water to prevent burning.
Step 3: Skewer or Direct Grill the Prawns
For easy handling, thread the prawns onto skewers, which makes flipping a breeze and keeps them from slipping through the grill grates. If your prawns are large, you can also grill them directly on the rack. The key is to keep an eye on the cooking time, as they only need 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with a slight char.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, transfer your gorgeous prawns to a serving platter and garnish with extra chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges. Their aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, garnish with vibrant fresh parsley and a generous scattering of lemon wedges. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and bright flavor, while the lemon wedges invite your guests to add an extra zing just before eating, keeping each bite lively and refreshing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs marvelously with light sides that allow the prawns to shine. Consider serving with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, a crisp garden salad, or grilled seasonal veggies like asparagus or zucchini. If you want to keep things casual and summery, a chilled couscous salad or even some warm crusty bread to mop up the juices will be perfect.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe on a bed of mixed greens with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant seafood salad. Alternatively, skewer alongside pieces of bell pepper and red onion for colorful kebabs, or pile them atop warm garlic butter pasta for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep their flavor locked in, place lemon wedges and a little fresh parsley in the container. They make an excellent snack or salad topping the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep prawns longer, freeze them before grilling. Marinate first, then flash freeze raw prawns on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual for best results.
Reheating
Because prawns cook quickly, it’s best not to overheat them to avoid toughness. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for just a minute or two, or warm in the oven at a low temperature. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or sandwiches, where their bright marinade really shines.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling. This helps preserve their texture and ensures even cooking.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the chili level?
The recipe has a gentle heat thanks to the red chili with seeds removed. If you love spicier food, leave the seeds in or add more chili. For a milder version, reduce the chili amount or omit it completely.
What can I use instead of metal or wooden skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the prawns directly on the grill if they are large enough. Alternatively, a grill basket works well to hold smaller prawns securely while cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! The marinade can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just add the prawns to the marinade just before cooking for the freshest flavor and ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings out the best in simple, fresh ingredients. Whether for a casual cookout or an elegant dinner, these prawns are quick to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and absolutely delicious. Give this recipe a try and watch how easily it becomes your go-to seafood delight that everyone raves about!
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 15-30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring large raw prawns marinated in a zesty mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and chili. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and juicy texture, these prawns make for a delicious appetizer or main course that is both gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly.
Ingredients
Marinade and Prawns
- 1½ lbs (about 700g) large raw prawns or shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 red chili (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Prawns: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, finely chopped chili, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Add the prawns and toss thoroughly to ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before cooking. If using skewers, thread the marinated prawns onto metal or soaked wooden skewers to facilitate easy flipping during grilling. Alternatively, grill prawns directly if they are large enough to handle.
- Grill the Prawns: Cook the prawns on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch closely to ensure they turn pink, opaque, and develop a light char, signaling they are cooked perfectly without overcooking.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked prawns to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- This dish works wonderfully as an appetizer, served over a fresh salad, or alongside steamed rice for a main meal.
- Use metal skewers or soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
- For an extra layer of richness, drizzle the grilled prawns with melted garlic butter just before serving.
