BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a perfect dish for any summer gathering. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, they can take your outdoor meals to the next level. With just five ingredients and ready in only 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for quick and delicious entertaining. Perfect for casual barbecues or elegant dinners, these prawns are sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chilli creates a mouthwatering marinade that enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own or paired with fresh crusty bread and lemon wedges for dipping.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family barbecue or a dinner party, these prawns are sure to be a hit.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• BBQ grill
• Firelighters
• Charcoal
• Matches or lighter
• Pan for sauce
• Knife
• Grater
• Tray for serving

Importance of Each Tool

• BBQ grill: Provides the perfect cooking surface for achieving that delicious charred flavor.
• Pan for sauce: Essential for preparing the flavorful marinade that will elevate your prawns.
• Knife: Necessary for finely slicing chillies and grating garlic to integrate into the sauce effectively.

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli:

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1-2 chillies
• 1 lemon – juice and zest

For the Prawns

• 8 large Prawns (prepared with shells still on but vein removed)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp / 2g fresh parsley

For Serving

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Fresh crusty bread of your choice

Additional Tools

• Firelighters
• Charcoal
• Matches or lighter
• Glass of water

How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ

Get your fire started by placing a few firelighters into the bottom grill of the BBQ. Once they are alight, top them with charcoal, piling it in the middle to create concentrated heat.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

While your BBQ heats up, prepare the sauce:
1. Add olive oil to a pan.
2. Grate in the cloves of garlic.
3. Finely slice the chillies using a sharp knife and add them to the pan.
4. Fry over medium heat for 2 minutes.
5. Add lemon zest and juice; cook gently until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 3: Marinate the Prawns

Pour half of the olive oil and garlic mixture over cleaned prawns.
1. Massage it under the shell so they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Check Your BBQ

Ensure coals are white hot with no black areas left. Place a clean grill over coals when ready.

Step 5: Grill Your Prawns

Once coals are hot enough to sizzle prawns:
1. Place prawns on grill; aim for slight charring without burning.
2. If flames rise too high from dripping oil, sprinkle some water gently onto them.

Step 6: Flip and Cook

After about 45 seconds to one minute:
1. Flip prawns when they turn pink and charred on one side.
2. Cook until shells are pinky-orange and meat turns pearl white before removing from fire.

Step 7: Serve

Place cooked prawns onto a tray and pour over remaining garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce.
Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and fresh crusty bread for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli!

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

Serving BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a wonderful way to impress your guests. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make these prawns a delightful centerpiece for any meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Use fresh arugula or mixed greens as a base. The peppery taste complements the prawns perfectly.

With Lemon Wedges

• Offering lemon wedges adds a burst of freshness. Guests can squeeze them over the prawns for extra zing.

Paired with Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside fresh crusty bread for dipping in the garlic and chili sauce. This adds a satisfying texture to the dish.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling chopped parsley on top enhances the appearance and flavor, bringing a touch of brightness to the plate.

As Part of a Sharing Platter

• Include the grilled prawns on a platter with other grilled vegetables or seafood. This creates a festive and communal dining experience.

How to Perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Perfecting your BBQ grilled prawns is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose Fresh Prawns – Always opt for fresh, high-quality prawns for the best flavor and texture.
• Proper Marinade Time – Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Control Your Heat – Ensure the grill is hot enough before adding the prawns; they should sizzle upon contact.
• Avoid Overcrowding – Cook prawns in batches if necessary; overcrowding can cause uneven cooking.
• Watch Cooking Time – Grill until just pink and opaque; overcooking can lead to tough prawns.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – For precision, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) for perfectly cooked prawns.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Complementing your BBQ grilled prawns with tasty side dishes enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables – Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add color and nutrition.
2. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumber and tomatoes provides freshness and crunch.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crispness that balances out the rich flavors of the prawns.
4. Garlic Rice – Flavored rice cooked in garlic complements the garlic notes in the dish beautifully.
5. Couscous Pilaf – Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs makes for a light yet satisfying side.
6. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide comfort alongside seafood.
7. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn grilled until slightly charred pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.
8. Herb Dip – A refreshing herb dip made from yogurt or sour cream offers a cooling contrast to spicy prawns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can spoil the fun.

• Overcooking the Prawns: Cooking prawns for too long can make them tough. Aim for 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side until they are pink and slightly charred.
• Ignoring Marination Time: Skipping marination reduces flavor. Allow the prawns to soak in the olive oil, garlic, and lemon mix for at least 10 minutes for better taste.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Starting with a cold grill leads to uneven cooking. Ensure your charcoal is white hot before placing prawns on it for optimal grilling.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality ingredients can affect taste. Choose fresh prawns and high-quality olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Forgetting to Control Flames: High flames can burn the prawns. If flames get too intense from dripping oil, sprinkle a little water to manage them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 1-2 days for best flavor.

Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Place prawns in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat prawns on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to season BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?

The key seasoning elements are olive oil, garlic, fresh chillies, and lemon juice and zest. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns.

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just ensure they are thawed completely before marinating and grilling.

How do I know when BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are done?

Prawns are done when their shells turn pinky-orange and the meat appears pearl white. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes per side on high heat.

Can I add more ingredients to this BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize your marinade by adding herbs like cilantro or spices like paprika for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. This versatile dish is perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite spices or herbs to make it your own!