If you’re looking for a dish that brings together smoky char, zesty brightness, and a punch of garlicky goodness, you’ve got to try the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s bursting with flavor from the very first bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weekend cookout or just craving something fresh and vibrant, these prawns hit all the right notes with their tender texture and that irresistible tangy kick. Trust me, once you make this, BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe will become your go-to whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring your prawns come out perfectly grilled and delicious. From the sharpness of fresh garlic to the bright acidity of lemon juice, every addition matters.
- Large prawns (1 pound): Fresh and deveined prawns provide the juicy and tender base for grilling.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant punch and warms up the dish with its aromatic depth.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Brings vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness of the prawns and oil.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps carry flavors and keeps the prawns moist during grilling.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smoky layer and beautiful color to the marinade.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For just the right touch of heat without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh green pop and a mild herbal note at the end.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for squeezing over just-grilled prawns to amplify that bright citrus flavor.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is where all the magic begins. The garlic and lemon juice marry beautifully with the smoky paprika, creating a marinade that’s both bold and refreshing.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Once the marinade is combined, toss the cleaned and deveined prawns in the mixture. Make sure every prawn is evenly coated for maximum flavor infusion. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the prawns to soak up all those incredible flavors before hitting the grill.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your prawns are marinating, get your grill fired up to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to char the prawns quickly while locking in juiciness. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals become nice and ashy for even heat.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning. Then, thread the prawns onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each one so they cook evenly without steaming. This step keeps grilling neat and makes flipping a breeze.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the prawns turn a lovely pink color and become opaque throughout. Resist the urge to overcook—prawns are best when juicy and tender, not rubbery.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
After removing them from the grill, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the prawns for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Add lemon wedges alongside—the perfect complement for anyone who wants an extra squeeze of citrus brightness with every bite.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, fresh chopped parsley is a beautiful and simple garnish that adds a burst of green color along with a mild, fresh taste that balances the smokiness. Juicy lemon wedges are a must-have for serving, allowing everyone to add an extra citrus splash that brightens the grilled flavors even more.
Side Dishes
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables. For heartier options, buttery garlic bread or fluffy rice pilaf also make great companions. The goal is to keep sides simple enough to let those garlicky, lemony prawns shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your skewers stacked on a large wooden board alongside bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or a spicy marinara. You could also create a vibrant seafood platter featuring sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a stunning, Instagram-worthy spread that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be tough because these prawns disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 1-2 days to maintain their tenderness and flavor, so try to plan accordingly.
Freezing
Freezing cooked prawns after grilling is generally not recommended because they can become tough once thawed. However, you can freeze the cleaned raw prawns before marinating and grilling—just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before proceeding with the marinade and cooking.
Reheating
To reheat grilled prawns without overcooking, a quick warm-up in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil works great. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery. Just heat them gently until warmed through, and you’re good to go.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors.
How long should I marinate the prawns?
A good 30 minutes is perfect for this recipe. It allows the garlic, lemon, and spices to penetrate the prawns without starting to “cook” them in the lemon juice.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! The red pepper flakes add a nice gentle heat, but you can increase them or add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like things really fiery.
What’s the best grill temperature for prawns?
Medium-high heat works best. This gives you enough heat to char the prawns quickly while keeping them juicy inside.
Can I cook these prawns indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or a regular skillet on your stovetop. Just cook them over medium-high heat, turning once, until pink and opaque, just like on the grill.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for an unforgettable experience. The combination of smoky, garlicky, and citrus flavors is tough to beat. I encourage you to whip this up the next time you want to treat yourself or impress your guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Happy grilling!
Print
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic and Lemon recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish perfect for outdoor grilling. Marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and olive oil, these prawns are skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy prawns with a smoky, tangy finish. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients
For the Prawns and Marinade
- 1 pound large prawns, cleaned and deveined
- 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
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the cleaned and deveined prawns to the marinade bowl. Toss them ensuring they are well coated. Allow the prawns to 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 ensure it’s hot enough for quick, even cooking.
- Prepare Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes before use to prevent burning on the grill. Then thread the marinated prawns onto the skewers, leaving space between each prawn for even heat circulation.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the prawn skewers on the preheated grill. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the prawns turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: The prawns should curl and feel firm to the touch without being tough. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Remove and Garnish: Take the skewers off the grill once cooked. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the prawns to add color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the prawns to a serving plate and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest and brightness.
Notes
- Marinate prawns for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 hour to prevent texture changes from the lemon juice.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Keep an eye on the prawns while grilling as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using charcoal or wood chips on your grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, prawns can be cooked in a grill pan or under the broiler in the oven.
