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These BBQ prawns are the epitome of grilled perfection: smoky, slightly charred, and bursting with bold flavors. The marinade brings together the right balance of savory, smoky, and sweet, while the fresh parsley and lemon add a vibrant finish to the dish.
Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or preparing a special dinner, these prawns are sure to impress. They pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, grilled veggies, or a light couscous. Serve them as an appetizer or main course—either way, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
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Full Recipe:
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and lemon juice to make the marinade.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and mix to coat. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the BBQ grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Skewer the prawns or place them directly on the grill.
- Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and slightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
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Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: A Perfect BBQ Treat
Barbecues are synonymous with good food, great company, and unforgettable memories. Among the many dishes that make a barbecue truly memorable, prawns often stand out for their simplicity and versatility. But when prepared with a few key ingredients, they become an irresistible treat that can elevate any summer gathering. If you’re looking to impress your guests with a quick yet delightful dish, BBQ prawns with garlic, lemon, and chilli are the way to go.
This recipe is a true celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The prawns are grilled to perfection, with a smoky char that adds depth to the delicate seafood, while the garlic, lemon, and chilli combination infuses the prawns with a tantalizing fragrance and vibrant taste. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Secret to Perfect BBQ Prawns
The key to delicious BBQ prawns lies in a few simple steps that highlight the natural sweetness of the prawns while adding layers of flavor. The most important aspect is, of course, the prawns themselves. You want to start with the freshest prawns possible. Fresh prawns are tender, flavorful, and will absorb the marinade beautifully, leading to a much more satisfying result than frozen prawns.
When selecting prawns, look for those that are translucent, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, clean smell that reminds you of the sea. Avoid prawns with a strong, fishy odor, as this indicates that they are not fresh. Fresh prawns should also have firm shells that are not cracked, and their heads should be intact.
Once you’ve sourced your prawns, the next step is to prepare the marinade. The marinade for these BBQ prawns is a simple yet incredibly flavorful concoction of olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, fresh parsley, and a hint of chilli. The beauty of this marinade lies in its balance: the richness of the olive oil, the brightness of the lemon, the depth of garlic, and the subtle heat from the chilli work together to enhance the prawns without overpowering their natural flavor.
How to Cook BBQ Prawns to Perfection
Grilling prawns on a BBQ can be tricky for beginners, but with a few tips, anyone can achieve perfectly cooked prawns with a beautiful char. The most important factor when grilling prawns is heat. Many people mistakenly think that seafood should be grilled over low heat, but this is not the case. Seafood, especially prawns, cooks best over high heat.
Before you even think about cooking, you need to prepare your BBQ. The coals should be hot enough to sizzle when the prawns hit the grill—about 280°C is ideal. Once the grill is ready, place the prawns on the grate and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the shells turn a pinky-orange, and the meat inside turns pearly white. It’s essential to watch the prawns closely while they cook, as they can easily become overcooked. A little bit of sizzle on the grill indicates the prawns are caramelizing and developing a gorgeous smoky flavor.
The Perfect Accompaniments
While these BBQ prawns are spectacular on their own, they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh, crusty loaf of bread is an excellent option, as it can be used to soak up the garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce left behind on the plate. Additionally, a wedge of lemon adds a nice touch of freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the prawns. If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider serving the prawns with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a light yet satisfying meal.
FAQs: All About BBQ Prawns
Can I omit the chilli?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily omit the chilli from the marinade. The prawns will still be delicious with the garlic and lemon infusion, making it a perfect dish for all tastes.
What kind of prawns should I use?
For the best results, choose large, fresh prawns that are firm and translucent. While you can use frozen prawns, fresh prawns will offer superior flavor and texture. Look for prawns that are sustainably sourced for a more ethical choice.
Can I use this marinade for other seafood?
Yes! This garlic, lemon, and chilli marinade works wonderfully with other types of seafood like scallops, lobster, or even fish fillets. It’s a versatile dressing that brings out the best in many types of seafood.
What are some great sides to serve with BBQ prawns?
These prawns go well with a variety of sides. For a more casual meal, serve them with grilled vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also complement the prawns perfectly. For something heartier, consider serving the prawns with a creamy potato salad or a fresh Mediterranean-style couscous.
Conclusion
BBQ prawns with garlic, lemon, and chilli are a show-stopping dish that brings together the best of summer grilling. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a flavorful, satisfying dish that is perfect for any outdoor occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ with friends or enjoying a quiet evening with family, this dish will surely impress. The combination of fresh prawns, vibrant garlic, citrusy lemon, and spicy chilli makes for an unforgettable flavor experience. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a plate of prawns that will make everyone come back for seconds.
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Grilled BBQ Prawns with Smoky Marinade
- Total Time: 16 minutes
Description
These BBQ prawns are the epitome of grilled perfection: smoky, slightly charred, and bursting with bold flavors. The marinade brings together the right balance of savory, smoky, and sweet, while the fresh parsley and lemon add a vibrant finish to the dish.
Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or preparing a special dinner, these prawns are sure to impress. They pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, grilled veggies, or a light couscous. Serve them as an appetizer or main course—either way, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and lemon juice to make the marinade.
- Add the prawns to the bowl and mix to coat. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the BBQ grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Skewer the prawns or place them directly on the grill.
- Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and slightly charred.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes