If you love seafood that’s fast, fresh, and bursting with zesty flavor, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is about to become your go-to summertime dish. Imagine juicy, meaty prawns lavishly coated in garlic, olive oil, and a generous shower of lemon—then kissed by smoky grill marks. This recipe effortlessly delivers elegance and crowd-pleasing flavors, whether you’re firing up the backyard barbecue or just craving something special for a weeknight dinner. It celebrates how a handful of vibrant, wholesome ingredients can bring out the best in king prawns, and it’s so simple that anyone can achieve show-stopping results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—every ingredient truly counts. Each has a distinct role, from boosting the overall flavor to enhancing the prawns’ juiciness and color. By treating these ingredients right, you’re guaranteed the tastiest Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
- King Prawns (1 1/2 pounds, 700g): Opt for raw, peeled, and deveined prawns for best texture and flavor; leaving tails on gives great visual flair and makes them easy to handle.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): The rich, fruity base for your marinade, helping flavors meld and keeping prawns moist on the grill.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds punchy, aromatic depth that balances the lemon perfectly.
- Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Brings ultimate brightness—both zest and juice are crucial for that punchy, citrus-forward character.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Pops in color and provides a fresh, herbal lift to every bite.
- Chili Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For just the right hit of heat; adjust for your spice preference or leave out entirely for pure citrus zing.
- Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the prawns deeply and enhances their natural sweetness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth that lifts the other flavors.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): Essential for that last fresh squeeze tableside; don’t skip them!
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest and juice, chopped parsley, chili flakes if you’re feeling bold, sea salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This fragrant marinade is where all those big, bright flavors come to life and will soon infuse the prawns with irresistible goodness.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add the raw king prawns to the marinade and toss thoroughly, ensuring every prawn is glistening with the lemony, garlicky mix. Cover your bowl and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes; this short rest is all it takes for the prawns to soak up maximum flavor while remaining tender and juicy.
Step 3: Prep the Grill
While the prawns marinate, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you have skewers, thread the marinated prawns on for easy grilling and a stunning presentation, but they’ll be just as delicious cooked directly on the grates. Make sure your grill is nice and hot—this is key for that signature char.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lay the prawns on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they’re pink, opaque, and have beautiful grill marks. You’ll instantly smell those tasty aromas as the garlic and lemon caramelize gently. Be careful not to overcook—the prawns should stay succulent, never rubbery.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer the prawns to a platter right off the grill, then finish with a flourish: extra lemon wedges for squeezing and a fresh sprinkle of parsley. Now the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A few well-chosen garnishes make these prawns sing. Always have a generous pile of lemon wedges close by for that final punch of acidity right before eating, and shower the whole dish with more fresh parsley. For a little luxury, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or the tiniest hint of extra chili flakes.
Side Dishes
Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Toss them over a bright green salad, a mound of fluffy rice, or serve with wedges of crusty sourdough to mop up the juicy, savory drippings. Roasted potatoes or a chilled Mediterranean-style pasta salad also work wonders for rounding out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Thread prawns onto skewers for a playful, barbecue-style vibe, or fan them out on a big platter for a dramatic communal centerpiece. Try serving them “tapas style” with small plates and dipping sauces or layer them atop mixed greens for an elegant starter. However you choose, these prawns always look incredible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, transfer cooled prawns to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making them a delicious next-day treat for salads or sandwiches.
Freezing
While these prawns are at their best fresh, you can freeze any leftovers if needed. Place cooled prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month, though some texture may be lost.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm refrigerated or thawed prawns in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving or overcooking, since king prawns can quickly turn rubbery if handled too roughly. A quick blast on a hot grill or pan brings back some of that delicious char, too.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of king prawns?
Absolutely! While king prawns give this dish impressive size and meatiness, large shrimp work perfectly well in this Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Just adjust the grilling time if your shrimp are smaller to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to use skewers?
Skewers are optional but highly recommended for easier turning and eye-catching presentation. If you don’t have skewers, place the prawns directly on the grill, taking care with flipping so they cook evenly.
What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
No grill, no problem! A stovetop grill pan, broiler, or even a cast iron skillet will give you nearly the same irresistible char and flavor for these prawns.
Can I marinate the prawns overnight?
It’s best to stick to the recommended 20–30 minute marinating window. If left too long, the acidic lemon can start to “cook” the prawns and affect their texture. For overnight flavor, marinate up to 2 hours max in the fridge.
What other herbs can I use?
Lemon and parsley are classic, but you can swap in fresh cilantro, basil, or even dill for a new twist. Just keep in mind to use delicate, fresh herbs to preserve the vibrant flavor of Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special every single time, you can’t go wrong with Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It never fails to draw wows and empty plates. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let this dish become your signature summer showstopper—you’ll be amazed by how quickly it disappears!
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon are a delectable treat, bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Juicy prawns marinated in a zesty mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and spices, then charred to perfection on the grill. A simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a special dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds (700g) raw king prawns, peeled and deveined (leave tails on if desired)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Prawns: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the prawns and toss well to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Grill the Prawns: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the prawns onto skewers if desired. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- These prawns also work well cooked on a stovetop grill pan or under a broiler if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
- Serve over rice, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
