If you’re searching for that one dish guaranteed to impress at your next cookout, look no further than BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. These prawns are the perfect marriage of smoky, garlicky, citrusy brightness and just the right amount of heat, all beautifully caramelized on the grill. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just want to try something new, this recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is delightfully simple, but each component is absolutely essential for building the vibrant layers of flavor, color, and texture that make these prawns unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few pro tips to help you choose the best of each.
- Large prawns: Opt for fresh, peeled, and deveined prawns with tails on for the juiciest bite and easiest eating.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and to help the marinade penetrate.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key—skip the jarred stuff for the biggest flavor punch.
- Red chili: Finely chopped and seeds removed for a milder spice, or leave them in for extra fire; you can also swap for chili flakes if needed.
- Lemon (zest and juice): Brightens everything up and adds a fresh zing that’s irresistible with seafood.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth that perfectly complements the grill.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best for a little bite.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for color and a fresh, herby finish.
- Lemon wedges: Serve on the side so everyone can squeeze a little extra sunshine over their prawns.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade
Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the olive oil, then add your minced garlic, diced chili, lemon zest, and juice. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix until the marinade is vibrant and fragrant. This is the flavor bomb that transforms our BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe into something truly memorable.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Drop the prepared prawns into the bowl, tossing gently to coat each one thoroughly. Pop the bowl into the fridge and let the prawns marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. This quick soak lets all those bold flavors sink in deep, ensuring every bite is bursting with garlicky, citrusy goodness.
Step 3: Prep Your Grill (and Skewers, If Using)
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid any fiery mishaps. Skewering the prawns makes flipping a breeze and is perfect for serving, but you can also place them straight onto the grill if you prefer.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers or arrange them directly on the grill. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous pink color, opaque flesh, and just a kiss of char for that irresistible smoky edge. Don’t walk away—the prawns cook fast and you want them juicy, not rubbery!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Slide the cooked prawns onto a platter and shower them with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add their own splash of citrus. There you have it: BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, ready to steal the show.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pile of lemon wedges are all you need to make these prawns pop. The green brightens the plate, while the lemon lets each person dial up the freshness to their liking. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika adds a subtle sheen and a burst of color.
Side Dishes
Pair these prawns with a crisp summer salad, fluffy couscous, or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the garlicky juices. They’re also fantastic alongside grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or even tucked into tortillas for Mediterranean-inspired shrimp tacos. The flavors of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe are versatile enough to play with almost any side.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread the prawns onto long skewers for family-style sharing, or serve individually for a more elegant touch. For a party, arrange them on a platter over a bed of arugula or mixed greens, garnished with edible flowers. You can even serve them atop a grain bowl or salad for a colorful, modern main course—this recipe is as photogenic as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare!), store the cooked prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’re just as tasty cold, making them perfect for tossing onto salads or stuffing into wraps for a quick lunch.
Freezing
While freshly grilled prawns are always best, you can freeze the cooked prawns if needed. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave, just until heated through. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon after reheating brings their flavor right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Absolutely! Shrimp work just as beautifully in BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Just make sure they’re large and peeled for best results, and adjust your grilling time if they’re smaller.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is totally customizable. Removing the seeds from the chili keeps things mild, but you can always dial it up (or down) by adding more or less chili, or substituting with chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! You can mix up the marinade a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to grill, just toss with the prawns and proceed as directed. This makes BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe even easier for entertaining.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries at all. A grill pan on the stove or even your broiler will do the trick. You’ll still get that gorgeous char and all the flavor, even if you’re cooking indoors.
Are there other herbs I can use instead of parsley?
Definitely! Fresh cilantro, basil, or even dill are lovely alternatives. Each brings its own twist to BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, so feel free to experiment based on your favorite flavors or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to fire up the grill and dive into BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It’s a dish that never fails to wow guests and disappears in minutes. Give it a try, play with the flavors, and make it your own—then get ready for rave reviews at your next gathering!
Print
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe features succulent prawns marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, and chili, then grilled to perfection for a smoky, flavorful dish ideal for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade & Prawns
- 1½ pounds large prawns (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red chili (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chili, lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade and toss them until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Skewer the Prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers or arrange them directly on the grill if preferred, making sure they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Grill the Prawns: Cook the prawns for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and develop slight char marks, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the prawns from the grill, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an added citrus kick.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, grill the prawns over charcoal instead of a gas or electric grill.
- If you prefer more heat, substitute red chili with chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- These grilled prawns work wonderfully in tacos, fresh salads, or vibrant grain bowls for versatile meal options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–8 prawns
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
