If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and is perfect for warm-weather gatherings, the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together succulent, smoky prawns infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, creating a perfect harmony of taste that’s both simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a curious beginner, these prawns will quickly become a go-to favorite for your BBQ repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are few but incredibly impactful, each one playing a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the juiciness of fresh lemon juice to the smoky depth of paprika, every component is thoughtfully chosen.
- 1 pound large prawns, cleaned and deveined: Choose fresh, firm prawns for the best texture and taste.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory aroma that elevates the prawns beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to bind the marinade and keeps the prawns juicy on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky flavor that complements the BBQ style perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy a little heat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: To brighten and personalize each bite according to your taste.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This simple yet flavorful marinade is the secret to infusing those delicious layers of taste into the prawns, ensuring every bite is bursting with zest and smoky goodness.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Place the cleaned and deveined prawns into the marinade, tossing them thoroughly to coat every surface. Let them rest in this vibrant mixture for at least 30 minutes. This marinating step is crucial—it tenderizes the prawns and allows that irresistible garlicky lemon essence to seep in deeply.
Step 3: Get the Grill Ready
While your prawns soak up those flavors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures that you’ll get those gorgeous char marks and a perfect sear without overcooking the delicate prawns.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns
If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent any burning. Thread the marinated prawns onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking and easy flipping.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for your prawns to turn a lovely pink and become opaque—this signals they’re just right. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy, not rubbery.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the prawns are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This brightens the presentation and adds a fresh note that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe on a platter alongside lemon wedges. The extra lemon allows everyone to add their own citrusy zing as they please. This dish is ready to impress at any meal!
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that balances the smoky and citrusy elements perfectly. Lemon wedges should always be nearby, allowing each guest to add a splash of brightness that brings the dish alive.
Side Dishes
The beauty of these prawns is how versatile they are with sides. Consider pairing them with fragrant coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Each option complements the prawns without overpowering their delicate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the prawns laid over a bed of garlic butter toasted baguette slices, or present them as tapas with toothpicks for easy sharing. You can even toss them into a warm pasta salad tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick protein-packed snack or a light meal the next day.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these prawns fresh, you can freeze cooked prawns by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 1 month, but note that texture may be slightly affected upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat or pop them briefly under a broiler. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain tenderness and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns in this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp are a fantastic substitute and will absorb the marinade just as well. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on their size.
How long should I marinate the prawns?
Thirty minutes is ideal for this recipe. It’s enough time to infuse flavor without starting to “cook” the prawns in the lemon juice.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the prawns under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking since prawns cook quickly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but they’re optional. You can easily omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Since it contains raw prawns, it’s best not to reuse the marinade unless you boil it first to kill any bacteria. Otherwise, discard it after marinating.
Final Thoughts
Cooking up this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine to your table. The combination of smoky, tangy, and garlicky flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser and a memorable meal every single time. Give it a try, and see how this simple yet stunning dish becomes your new favorite way to enjoy seafood outdoors or anytime you want a quick, flavorful feast.
Print
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon offers a vibrant, flavorful seafood dish featuring marinated large prawns grilled to perfection. Infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice, these prawns are juicy and tender with a slight smoky kick, perfect for a quick and impressive summer meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound large prawns, cleaned and deveined
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors thoroughly.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the cleaned and deveined prawns to the marinade bowl. Toss them thoroughly ensuring each prawn is coated evenly. Let the prawns marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Then thread the marinated prawns onto the skewers, leaving some space between each prawn for even cooking.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the prawn skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the prawns turn pink and opaque.
- Check for Doneness: The prawns are fully cooked when they curl up and are firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking as it can result in tough prawns.
- Remove and Garnish: Carefully remove the shrimp skewers from the grill. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the prawns for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled prawns on a serving plate alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, citrusy BBQ prawns.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the prawns for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to prevent the acid in the lemon juice from breaking down the texture too much.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Wooden skewers should always be soaked before grilling to avoid burning.
- These prawns pair excellently with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad.
