There is something irresistibly delightful about the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe that makes it a stand-out dish for any seafood lover. Perfectly charred prawns soak up the bright citrusy notes of fresh lemon and the aromatic punch of garlic and parsley. This recipe celebrates simplicity while delivering layers of flavor with minimal fuss, creating a vibrant, juicy main course that feels like a warm Mediterranean breeze on your dinner plate. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family meal or impressing friends at a summer barbecue, these prawns always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to building the fresh, zesty, and slightly smoky flavor profile that defines this dish. Each one plays a key role, from the luscious olive oil keeping the prawns juicy to the lemon zest that brightens every bite.
- 1 1/2 pounds raw king prawns: Peeled and deveined with tails on for grabbing ease and perfect grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Offers richness and helps infuse flavors during marination.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory depth that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness and tenderizes the prawns slightly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkles a herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for an extra squeeze of tangy goodness right at the table.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, freshly chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the prawns with bright, savory flavors that enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add your peeled and deveined king prawns to the marinade and toss well until each prawn is beautifully coated. Cover and let them sit in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes — this gives the flavors time to mingle and tenderizes the prawns for the perfect bite.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the prawns marinate, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures those lovely char marks and smoky hints that make this recipe truly special.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns
For ease of handling and even cooking, thread the prawns onto skewers. If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Place the prawns on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn a vibrant pink and develop slight char marks. The prawns should be opaque and juicy but not overcooked — this short grilling time locks in tenderness and flavor.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove the prawns from the grill and serve right away with fresh lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of parsley. Serving immediacy preserves the mouthwatering juiciness and freshness that’s the hallmark of the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes do wonders here. A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley enhances the vibrant green hints and fresh aroma. Lemon wedges are essential for guests to add a bright tang just before eating. If you like, a dash of chili flakes can bring a welcome spicy warmth without overpowering the brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with several sides. Consider serving the prawns over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up every drop of that zesty marinade. Grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad add contrasting textures and complementary freshness. For a Mediterranean-style feast, crusty bread and a light white wine make the perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn this simple recipe into a showstopper. Serve prawns threaded on skewers arranged on a wooden board lined with fresh herbs, or pile them high in a rustic bowl surrounded by lemon wedges. For special occasions, try layering them atop a chilled pasta salad or tucked into warm pita pockets with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The prawns are best eaten within 1 to 2 days to ensure freshness and maintain their succulent texture.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked prawns for up to one month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ideally separated by parchment paper to avoid clumping. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers quickly over medium heat in a skillet or on the grill for just a minute or two to warm through without overcooking. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve their juicy texture and avoid rubberiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular shrimp instead of king prawns?
Absolutely! While king prawns have a lovely size and meatiness that’s perfect for grilling, regular shrimp will also work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as smaller shrimp cook faster.
Is it necessary to marinate the prawns?
Marinating greatly enhances flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, simply toss the prawns in the marinade for 10 minutes before grilling. The resulting dish will still be delicious!
What grill setup is best for this recipe?
Both an outdoor grill and a grill pan on the stovetop work perfectly. Just be sure it’s hot enough to quickly sear the prawns and achieve those signature char marks.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Adding chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade will give these char-grilled prawns a lovely kick without overshadowing their bright lemony flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for pescatarian diets, making it a healthy and inclusive meal option.
Final Thoughts
This Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, those juicy, zesty prawns will become your go-to for impressively effortless seafood meals. So fire up the grill and give it a whirl — I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite!
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon recipe features succulent, marinated king prawns grilled to perfection with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade. Perfect for a quick, healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal that captures fresh flavors and smoky char marks.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Prawns
- 1 1/2 pounds (about 700g) raw king prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined king prawns to the marinade. Toss well to ensure each prawn is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot for grilling the prawns.
- Prepare the Prawns for Grilling: For easier handling, thread the marinated prawns onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each prawn for even cooking.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the skewered prawns on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Grill until the prawns turn pink and opaque and develop slight char marks.
- Serve: Remove the prawns from the grill and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Serve these prawns over rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
