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
Scale
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.
