BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Introduction

BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer grilling. These succulent prawns are marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of chilli, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and offers a delightful balance of flavors – the sweetness of the prawns, the pungency of the garlic, the brightness of the lemon, and the subtle heat of the chilli all combine to create a truly irresistible culinary experience. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, these grilled prawns are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ or outdoor gathering.

The first time I made BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, I was looking for a quick and flavorful dish to serve at a summer cookout. I wanted something that was easy to prepare, yet offered a sophisticated taste that would impress my guests. The combination of garlic, lemon, and chilli seemed like a natural fit for the sweetness of the prawns, and the grilling process added that smoky, irresistible BBQ flavor. As the prawns sizzled on the grill, the aroma was intoxicating. The result was a dish that was both simple and elegant, bursting with flavor and leaving everyone wanting more.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and the ability to customize it to suit your personal preferences. You can adjust the amount of chilli to control the level of heat, add other herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor, or use different types of citrus like lime or grapefruit for a unique twist. It’s an easy dish to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. No matter how you choose to serve them, BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are guaranteed to be a highlight of your summer grilling season.

Perfect for

• Summer BBQs
• Outdoor gatherings
• Appetizers
• Main courses
• Quick and easy meals
• Impressing guests

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe

Here’s why BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli will become your new favorite dish:

• Exceptional Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, chilli, and smoky BBQ flavor creates a vibrant and irresistible taste profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal or appetizer.
• Versatile: These grilled prawns can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a seafood platter, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
• Healthy and Delicious: Prawns are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a healthy and delicious option.
• Customizable: The recipe can be easily customized with different herbs, spices, or citrus fruits to suit your personal preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 10 minutes (minimum, up to 30 minutes)
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli:

• 1.5 lbs large prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Prawns: Choose large, fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture. Look for prawns that are firm, plump, and have a fresh, sea-like smell.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the prawns. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best results.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides a bright and acidic flavor that balances the richness of the prawns and adds a refreshing element to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to keep the prawns moist and tender during grilling, while also adding a subtle richness to the marinade.
• Chilli: Chilli adds a touch of heat that complements the sweetness of the prawns and the brightness of the lemon. You can adjust the amount of chilli to control the level of spiciness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli:

Prepare the Prawns:

1. Peel and Devein: Peel and devein the prawns, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference. Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate the Prawns: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped chilli (or red pepper flakes), and chopped parsley (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Add Prawns to Marinade: Add the prawns to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the prawns.

Grill the Prawns:

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-205°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the prawns from sticking.
2. Grill the Prawns: Thread the prawns onto skewers or place them directly on the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prawns are pink and opaque and have slightly charred marks. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough.
3. Baste with Marinade (Optional): If desired, baste the prawns with the remaining marinade during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor.

Serve:

1. Remove from Grill: Remove the grilled prawns from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the prawns.

How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizer: Serve as a standalone appetizer at a BBQ or outdoor gathering.
• Main Course: Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta for a delicious and healthy main course.
• Salad Topping: Add the grilled prawns to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.
• Tacos or Wraps: Use the grilled prawns as a filling for tacos, wraps, or lettuce cups.
• Seafood Platter: Include the grilled prawns as part of a seafood platter with other grilled seafood, such as fish, scallops, or calamari.
• Lemon Wedges: Always serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the prawns, as the extra lemon juice enhances the flavor.

Additional Tips for BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Here are some tips to ensure your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Prawns: Fresh prawns will always taste better than frozen. If using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked prawns can become tough and rubbery. Grill them for just a few minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque.
• Marinate Briefly: Avoid marinating the prawns for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” them and make them mushy.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Oiling the grill grates will help prevent the prawns from sticking and make them easier to flip.
• Use Skewers: Threading the prawns onto skewers makes them easier to handle on the grill and helps them cook evenly.
• Adjust the Chilli: Adjust the amount of chilli to suit your personal preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, use less chilli or remove the seeds before chopping.

Recipe Variations for BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Here are some variations you can try for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli:

• Lime and Coriander Prawns: Substitute the lemon juice and parsley with lime juice and fresh coriander for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Orange and Ginger Prawns: Use orange juice instead of lemon juice and add a small amount of grated ginger to the marinade for a zesty and aromatic flavor.
• Herb Prawns: Add other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the marinade for a more complex flavor.
• Honey Garlic Prawns: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
• Spicy Prawns: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.
• Coconut Prawns: Add a tablespoon of coconut milk to the marinade for a tropical flavor.
• Garlic Butter Prawns: Melt butter with the garlic and lemon juice, and use that as a baste while grilling the prawns.
• Soy and Sesame Prawns: Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the marinade for an Asian-inspired flavor.
• Blackened Prawns: Coat the prawns in a blackened seasoning mix before grilling for a spicy and flavorful crust.
• Piri Piri Prawns: Use a piri piri sauce for a flavorful and spicy marinade.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Cooked BBQ Grilled Prawns can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Storage: Store leftover cooked BBQ Grilled Prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment for BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli easier:

• Grill: A grill is essential for cooking the prawns and imparting that smoky BBQ flavor.
• Skewers (Optional): Skewers make the prawns easier to handle on the grill and help them cook evenly.
• Medium Bowl: A medium bowl is needed for marinating the prawns.
• Grill Tongs: Grill tongs are helpful for flipping the prawns on the grill.
• Cutting Board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for preparing the prawns and other ingredients.
• Garlic Press: A garlic press makes it easy to mince the garlic.

FAQ Section for BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

1. Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen prawns, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. How do I prevent the prawns from sticking to the grill?
   Make sure to clean and oil the grill grates before grilling the prawns. You can also thread the prawns onto skewers, which will make them easier to handle and prevent them from sticking.
3. How long should I marinate the prawns?
   Marinate the prawns for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” them and make them mushy.
4. How do I know when the prawns are cooked?
   The prawns are cooked when they are pink and opaque and have slightly charred marks. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
5. Can I cook the prawns indoors?
   Yes, you can cook the prawns indoors in a skillet or under the broiler. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prawns are pink and opaque. To broil, place the prawns on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Print

Conclusion

BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is perfect for summer grilling. The succulent prawns, marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, and chilli, and grilled to perfection, offer an explosion of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these grilled prawns are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see your BBQ Grilled Prawn with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your version—I can’t wait to see how you bring this luscious dish to life. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy grilling!