These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a delightful treat perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor and is ready in only 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these prawns are sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chilli creates a zesty marinade that elevates the prawns to another level.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, these grilled prawns are a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve them with fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread for a beautiful plate that will wow your guests.
- Versatile Dish: These prawns can be served as an appetizer or main course, suitable for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly while grilling.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- BBQ grill
- Firelighters
- Charcoal
- Matches or lighter
- Pan for sauce preparation
- Sharp knife
- Grater
- Clean tray
Importance of Each Tool
- BBQ Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect char on the prawns.
- Pan: Necessary for combining the marinade ingredients before applying them to the prawns.
- Sharp Knife: Helps slice the chillies finely, ensuring even distribution of flavor in the marinade.
Ingredients
These BBQ Prawns really are something to get fired up about. They’re so easy to make, utterly delicious, healthy, need just 5 ingredients and are ready to serve in 30 minutes. This is what easy summer entertaining is all about.
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 large Prawns (prepared with shells still on but vein removed)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 chillies
- 1 Tbsp / 2g fresh parsley
- 1 lemon – juice and zest
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh crusty bread of your choice for dipping in the sauce
- Firelighters
- Charcoal
- Matches or lighter
- Glass of water
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Step 1: Prepare Your BBQ
Start by getting your fire going. Place a few firelighters in the bottom grill of the BBQ. Once they ignite, top them off with charcoal. Pile it in the middle to create a concentrated heat source.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
While your BBQ heats up, prepare the sauce:
* Add olive oil to a pan.
* Grate in the cloves of garlic.
* Finely slice the chillies using a sharp knife and add them to the pan.
* Fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
* Add the zest and juice of the lemon and cook gently until the garlic is no longer raw. Be careful not to overcook it.
Step 3: Marinate the Prawns
Pour half of the olive oil and garlic mixture over the cleaned prawns. Massage it under their shells so they are evenly coated with flavor.
Step 4: Prepare Your Grill
Check your BBQ; your coals should be white hot without any black areas remaining. Place a clean grill over them so you’re ready to cook.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Ensure your coals are hot enough; they should sizzle when you place the prawns on them. Aim for slight charring on each side without burning:
* If flames flare up due to drippings, sprinkle some water from a glass with your fingers to calm it down.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Once one side of the prawns turns pink (approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute), flip them over:
* Continue cooking until they reach a pinky-orange hue on their shells and pearl white meat inside.
* Remove from heat and place onto a clean tray before pouring over any remaining garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve these delicious grilled prawns right away alongside optional lemon wedges and fresh crusty bread for dipping in that fantastic sauce. Enjoy!
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Serving BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is simple and delightful. These prawns can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing their flavors and your dining experience.
With Fresh Lemon Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled prawns to add a zesty kick.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic and chilli sauce.
On a Bed of Salad
- Place the prawns on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
Paired with Rice
- Serve alongside fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
As Part of a Tapas Platter
- Include the prawns on a tapas platter with other small dishes for sharing.
With Dips and Sauces
- Offer different dips like aioli or tzatziki for added flavor variety.
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How to Perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Perfecting your BBQ Grilled Prawns takes just a few tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh prawns and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times to avoid rubbery prawns; they should be pink and opaque.
- Control the Heat: Ensure your grill is hot enough to char without burning; moderate flames are ideal.
- Let Them Marinate: Allowing the prawns to marinate helps infuse them with flavor before grilling.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them straight off the grill for optimal taste and texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cumin for an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Pairing side dishes with your BBQ grilled prawns can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Butter Corn: Sweet corn tossed in garlic butter complements the prawns beautifully.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds freshness.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled alongside the prawns provide color and nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw offers crunch and contrasts nicely with the tender prawns.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon zest pairs well for a hearty side.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs add satisfying texture and flavor.
- Hummus and Veggies: A platter of hummus served with fresh veggies makes for a healthy dip option.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad brings additional texture and flavor to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling prawns can be straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes is key to enjoying perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli.
- Overcooking the prawns: Overcooked prawns become rubbery. Aim for a cooking time of 1-2 minutes per side; they should turn pink and opaque.
- Not marinating long enough: For maximum flavor, allow the prawns to marinate in the garlic, lemon, and chilli mixture for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
- Using the wrong grill temperature: If the grill isn’t hot enough, the prawns will steam instead of sear. Ensure coals are white-hot before placing the prawns on the grill.
- Ignoring safety precautions: Always have a glass of water nearby in case flames flare up. This helps you manage any unexpected fire hazards while grilling.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness to your dish. Don’t forget this ingredient for added flavor and visual appeal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
- Place the cooled prawns in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label them with the date.
Reheating BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place prawns on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat for 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, reheat for about 3-4 minutes until they are hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli that might help you enhance your grilling experience.
How do I choose the best prawns?
Opt for large, fresh prawns that smell like the ocean. Look for ones with firm shells and avoid any that feel slimy or have an off odor.
Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating for even better results.
How spicy are BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?
The spice level depends on how many chillies you use. Start with one if you’re unsure and add more as desired!
What can I serve with BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?
These prawns pair well with fresh salads, crusty bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a delightful dish that brings together vibrant flavors in just 30 minutes. Perfect for summer entertaining or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Feel free to adjust spices or add your favorite herbs to make it your own!
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a must-try dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals. This flavorful recipe requires just five key ingredients and can be ready in only 30 minutes, making it a go-to for any occasion. The prawns are marinated in a zesty combination of garlic, lemon juice, and fresh chillies, then grilled to perfection for a delightful smoky flavor. Serve them alongside crusty bread and lemon wedges, and you’ll have a stunning dish that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these prawns deliver on taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 8 large prawns (cleaned)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1–2 chillies
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your BBQ by lighting charcoal until white-hot.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté grated garlic and sliced chillies for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and zest; cook until fragrant.
- Marinate the cleaned prawns in half the garlic mixture for at least 15 minutes.
- Grill the prawns over high heat for about 1 minute on each side until pink and opaque.
- Drizzle remaining marinade over grilled prawns before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 prawns (80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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