If you love seafood that bursts with vibrant, zesty flavors and a hint of smoky heat, you are absolutely going to adore this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe. It’s a spectacular dish that turns simple prawns into something incredibly special by infusing them with the aromatic punch of garlic, the fresh zing of lemon, and the warmth of red chili. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual gathering or craving a quick yet impressive dinner, this recipe will become your go-to for a deliciously satisfying seafood experience that’s as colorful on the plate as it is on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect flavor and texture for your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe is all about using fresh, straightforward ingredients that work wonderfully together. Each one plays a crucial role: from the juicy prawns that form the base, to the punchy garlic and fiery chili that awaken the senses, right through to the lemon’s bright acidity and the rich olive oil that brings everything together in silky harmony.
- Large prawns (1 lb / 450g): Choose peeled and deveined prawns with tails on for ease of eating and beautiful presentation.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): This adds a wonderful aromatic depth that infuses the prawns with savoriness.
- Red chili (1, deseeded and finely chopped): Adds just the right kick of heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Provides a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the garlic and chili perfectly.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps marry the marinade ingredients and promotes beautiful grilling.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a subtle sweetness to counterbalance the heat and acidity.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon, optional): Introduces a deep smoky note enhancing the BBQ vibe.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all flavors.
- Fresh parsley or coriander (chopped): For garnish that adds a pop of color and herby freshness.
- Lemon wedges: Serve on the side to add an extra zing as desired.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The magic starts by combining minced garlic, finely chopped chili, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and if you like, a touch of honey and smoked paprika, directly in a large mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper, then stir everything until it’s a beautiful, fragrant marinade that will transform those simple prawns into a sensational treat.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Gently toss the prawns in the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This short marinating time is key to letting the prawns soak up the vibrant flavors without the lemon juice starting to cook them — you want tender, juicy prawns, not tough ones!
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
While your prawns are marinating, get your grill heating up to a nice medium-high. Glowing coals on a charcoal grill offer an unbeatable flavor, but a gas grill set to medium-high works just as well. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to avoid burning.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto skewers or place them directly on the grill rack. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, until the prawns are pink, opaque, and boast those gorgeous grill marks everyone admires. Keep your eyes on them because prawns cook extremely quickly — slightly overcooking can dry them out.
Step 5: Serve with the Perfect Finish
Once cooked, transfer your prawns to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander for a delightful splash of green. Serve alongside lemon wedges so everyone can add a little more zing if they like.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or coriander is a simple yet effective garnish that adds fresh flavor and vibrant color to your grilled prawns. The citrusy lemon wedges not only look great on the plate but also let each diner customize the tanginess to their liking.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement without overpowering. Think crunchy green salads, grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, or even a fragrant rice pilaf. For something heartier, a tortilla wrap or warm crusty bread is fantastic for mopping up any extra marinade and juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the prawns on a large platter lined with fresh salad leaves, sprinkled with extra lemon zest and chili flakes. You could also assemble them into skewers alongside colorful bell peppers and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant kebab-style feast. Another fun serving idea is to toss the grilled prawns over a bed of cold pasta, pesto, and rocket for a fresh BBQ pasta salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, consume within 1-2 days. The bold flavors tend to intensify slightly, making them even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Although prawns are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover cooked prawns if necessary. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months but are best eaten sooner for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your prawns, gently warm them in a pan over low heat or in the microwave at short bursts to avoid overcooking. You want to warm them through without losing their juicy tenderness. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of herbs after reheating can refresh the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating, as excess moisture can prevent the marinade from sticking well and affect grilling.
How spicy is this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe?
The spice level can be easily adjusted by the amount of chili you include. Starting with one deseeded red chili offers a gentle kick, but feel free to add more if you love some heat.
Can I grill the prawns indoors?
Definitely. Using a grill pan or stovetop grill works perfectly. Cook the prawns for the same amount of time, turning them once to achieve a nice char and ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to marinate the prawns?
Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderizes the prawns, giving you a richer, more vibrant dish. Even 15 minutes makes a difference, so it’s well worth the short wait.
What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can easily skip the smoked paprika or substitute it with a pinch of regular paprika and a tiny splash of liquid smoke if you have it, to maintain that subtle smoky essence.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up their seafood repertoire. It’s easy, quick, and packs a flavor punch that hits all the right notes — garlicky, tangy, spicy, and smoky. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a firm favorite to share with friends or enjoy whenever you’re craving something fresh and exciting from the grill.
Print
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: International
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe features large prawns marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, lemon, chili, and smoky paprika, then quickly grilled for a deliciously charred and juicy finish. Perfect for a quick and impressive seafood dish, it’s garnished with fresh herbs and served with zesty lemon wedges.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Prawns
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (or more for extra heat)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving and Garnish
- Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped chili, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (if using), smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors evenly.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined prawns to the marinade, tossing to ensure each prawn is thoroughly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, up to 1 hour for more intensity, but avoid longer marinating to prevent the lemon juice from cooking the prawns.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, ensure coals are glowing; for gas grills, set to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Thread the Prawns (if using skewers): Carefully thread the marinated prawns onto the soaked skewers to facilitate easy grilling and flipping.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the prawns on the grill or grill pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the prawns turn pink and opaque with nice grill marks. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
- Alternative Cooking: If grilling on a stovetop grill pan, cook the prawns for an equal amount of time, turning once to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Remove the prawns from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
Notes
- Do not marinate the prawns for more than 1 hour to avoid them turning mushy from the acid in the lemon.
- Adjust the amount of chili to suit your preferred spice level.
- Wooden skewers must be soaked well to prevent burning on the grill.
- For extra smoky flavor, include smoked paprika in the marinade.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
