BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these prawns are sure to impress. They’re quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and can be served as an appetizer or main dish. With just five ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, you’ll love how simple yet satisfying this recipe is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chilli creates a vibrant marinade that enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories and high in protein, these prawns make for a nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve them as an appetizer, toss them into salads, or pair them with crusty bread for a delightful main course.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking on the BBQ means less mess in the kitchen—just fire up the grill and enjoy!

Tools and Preparation

To make your grilling experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing BBQ grilled prawns.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• BBQ grill
• Grill tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Pan for sauce preparation
• Sharp knife
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• BBQ grill: A good quality grill ensures even cooking and adds that delicious smoky flavor to your prawns.
• Grill tongs: These help you easily flip and remove prawns without damaging them, ensuring they stay juicy and intact.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your marinade ingredients efficiently before coating the prawns.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to whip up these tasty BBQ grilled prawns:

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cloves of garlic

For the Prawns

• 8 large Prawns (prepared with shells still on but vein removed)
• 1-2 chillies
• 1 lemon – juice and zest
• 1 Tbsp / 2g fresh parsley

For Serving

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Fresh crusty bread of your choice for dipping in the sauce

For BBQ Setup

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

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

Step 1: Prepare Your 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 a concentrated heat source.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

While your BBQ heats up, prepare the sauce. In a pan, add the olive oil. Grate in the garlic cloves. Use a sharp knife to finely slice the chillies and add them to the pan. Fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Then add the lemon zest and juice; cook gently until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 3: Marinate the Prawns

Pour half of your olive oil mixture over the cleaned prawns. Massage it under their shells so that they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Check Your Coals

Ensure your coals are white hot with no black areas left. Place a clean grill over them; it’s ready when they start sizzling!

Step 5: Grill the Prawns

Once your coals are hot enough that the prawns sizzle when placed on the grill, lay them down carefully. Aim for slight charring on each side without burning them. If flames flare up due to dripping oil, sprinkle some water lightly from a glass to calm it down.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

After about 45 seconds to 1 minute on one side—or until they turn pink—flip the prawns over. Cook until their shells become pinky-orange and their meat turns pearl white before removing them from heat.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Transfer cooked prawns onto a clean tray and pour over any remaining garlic-lemon-chilli sauce. Serve right away with optional lemon wedges and fresh crusty bread for dipping!

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

Serving BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is all about enhancing their delicious flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Pair with Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges add a burst of acidity that complements the prawns beautifully. Squeeze them over the grilled prawns just before eating for an extra zing.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A side of fresh crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce. Choose your favorite artisan loaf for an added touch.

Accompany with a Green Salad

• A light green salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the prawns.

Add a Dipping Sauce

• Consider serving a tangy dipping sauce made from yogurt or mayonnaise mixed with herbs. This adds creaminess and balances the spice of the dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or coriander on top enhances the visual appeal and adds an aromatic freshness to each bite.

Offer Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a colorful and healthy side, complementing the grilled prawns perfectly.

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

To make your BBQ Grilled Prawns truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. These will ensure you achieve perfect flavor and texture every time.

• Choose Fresh Prawns: Use fresh prawns rather than frozen ones for optimal flavor and texture. Look for firm and shiny shells.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the prawns to marinate in the olive oil mixture for at least 15 minutes. This ensures they absorb all the wonderful flavors.

• Monitor Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the prawns. They should sizzle immediately when placed on the grill.

• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on cooking times; prawns cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent toughness.

• Use Skewers if Needed: If your prawns are small or you want easier flipping, consider threading them onto skewers before grilling.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the levels of garlic and chilli according to your taste preferences. Add herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist.

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

Pairing side dishes with BBQ Grilled Prawns can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic complements the prawns’ flavor while absorbing any leftover sauce.

2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness and texture that contrasts nicely with grilled prawns.

3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs provides a nutritious balance to your meal.

4. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a satisfying side that pairs well with seafood dishes.

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled until charred offers a sweet contrast to spicy prawns; drizzle it with lime juice for added zest.

6. Mediterranean Couscous: Light couscous tossed with olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese brings Mediterranean flair alongside your grilled prawns.

7. Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic delivers a nutritious green that complements both flavor-wise and visually.

8. Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad packed with veggies creates a hearty side dish that’s rich in protein while being refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the prawns can lead to bland flavors. Always coat them in the garlic and olive oil mixture for at least 15 minutes.
• Overcooking the prawns: Cooking prawns too long makes them rubbery. Aim for 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
• Not preheating the grill: Placing prawns on a cold grill can result in uneven cooking. Ensure your coals are white hot before grilling.
• Ignoring safety precautions: Using an unsafe setup can be dangerous. Keep a glass of water handy to douse any flare-ups while grilling.
• Forgetting about serving options: Serving without garnishes or bread can make the dish feel incomplete. Always add lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Place cooled prawns in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring all air is removed.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, freezing may affect texture.

Reheating BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place prawns on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place prawns on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the prawns for about 2-3 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli that might help clarify any doubts:

How do I choose fresh prawns?

Look for prawns that are firm and have a mild sea smell. Avoid any that have black spots or an off-putting odor.

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

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

What if I don’t have chillies?

If you don’t have chillies, consider using red pepper flakes or ground cayenne pepper as an alternative for heat.

Can BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli be made ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it separately until ready to use.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a delightful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Its simplicity allows you to customize flavors by adding herbs or spices of your choice. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious grilled prawns that are sure to impress!