BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
If you’re searching for an easy yet show-stopping dish to make your next cookout unforgettable, BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is your new go-to. This vibrant recipe combines succulent prawns, the bold warmth of fresh garlic and chilli, and a zesty kick of lemon—all grilled to perfection. Every bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, making this dish a must-have for seafood lovers and anyone craving a taste of summer, no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli lies in its simplicity; every ingredient is carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and a gorgeous presentation. These staples are easy to find, yet each one plays a starring role in the final dish.
- Large raw prawns: Their sweetness and firm texture hold up beautifully on the grill—keep the tails on for extra flavor and easier eating.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to each prawn, keeping them juicy as they cook.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the prawns with irresistible savory warmth.
- Red chilli: Use a fresh red chilli for a fruity heat or chilli flakes for a punchy kick—adjust to your spice preference.
- Lemon zest and juice: Both the zest and juice brighten the marinade, adding tang and fragrance.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a burst of green color and a hint of freshness to balance the bold flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy, they bring all the flavors to life.
- Lemon wedges: Serve on the side for squeezing over just before eating, amplifying the citrusy zing.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped red chilli or chilli flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. This marinade is the heart of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli—it’s simple but packs a punch, coating every prawn in layers of bold, fresh flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the bowl, tossing them gently to ensure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. This short marinating time infuses the prawns without overpowering their natural sweetness, keeping them juicy and tender.
Step 3: Prep the Grill
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers—this makes grilling and serving a breeze.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Once the grill is ready, lay the prawn skewers directly on the grates. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the prawns are pink, opaque, and lightly charred. They cook incredibly fast, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the grilled prawns to a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and arrange plenty of lemon wedges alongside. The finishing touches make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli look as stunning as they taste—fresh, colorful, and ready to devour.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the hot prawns and add a generous pile of lemon wedges. The herbs bring a splash of green, and the lemon lets everyone add that final zing just before eating. If you love extra heat, a few thin slices of fresh chilli on top look beautiful and give an extra kick.
Side Dishes
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlicky grilled bread, or a simple rice pilaf. For something heartier, try them with roasted potatoes or a chilled pasta salad. The prawns are the star, but these sides soak up any leftover marinade and juices, making the whole meal irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread prawns on skewers for easy sharing at parties, or serve them piled high on a rustic wooden platter for a family-style feast. For an elegant starter, arrange a few prawns atop a bed of arugula, drizzle with extra lemon juice, and garnish with microgreens. BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are as versatile as they are tasty—don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), place the cooled prawns in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the prawns delicious cold or gently reheated the next day.
Freezing
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli can be frozen after cooking. Arrange the cooled prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for a quick meal or snack later on.
Reheating
For best results, reheat prawns gently in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them rubbery. Alternatively, serve them cold atop salads or tucked into wraps for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This ensures the marinade sticks well and the prawns cook evenly on the grill.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is totally customizable. Using one red chilli gives a gentle warmth, but you can dial it up or down by adjusting the amount of chilli or opting for mild chilli flakes. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep the heat high and cook quickly for that signature char and juicy texture.
Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of prawns?
Absolutely! Shrimp work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time if they’re smaller—they’ll cook even faster, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
What wines go best with BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?
Pair these prawns with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or opt for a dry rosé. The crisp acidity and citrus notes in these wines complement the bright flavors of the dish perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s fast, fresh, and packed with flavor, BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli deserve a spot on your table. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and let these prawns be the star of your next meal—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes plus 20-30 minutes marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe infuses succulent prawns with a zesty and spicy marinade featuring garlic, lemon, and chilli. Perfect for a quick and flavorful summer seafood dish, these prawns are grilled to perfection, offering a deliciously charred exterior and tender, juicy interior. Ideal for entertaining or a casual weeknight meal, the marinade balances citrus brightness with a mild heat, elevated by fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Marinade and Prawns
- 1 1/2 pounds (about 700g) large raw prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped chilli, lemon zest and juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns (with tails on) to the marinade. Toss well to ensure each prawn is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the prawns.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot for grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Prepare for Grilling: Optional: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers, which makes flipping and grilling easier, especially on a barbecue.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the prawns on the hot grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the prawns turn pink, become opaque, and develop a slight char. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled prawns to a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for extra brightness. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chilli according to your preference.
- This recipe works equally well with shrimp if prawns are unavailable.
- For added flavor, consider brushing the prawns with leftover marinade as they grill (ensure marinade is boiled first for safety).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 prawns
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
