BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a perfect dish for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also come together quickly with just five ingredients. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family meal, this easy recipe will impress everyone at the table. Get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious prawns that are smoky, zesty, and utterly scrumptious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only five simple ingredients needed to create a flavorful marinade.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, these prawns make for a nutritious meal.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer or main course; pair it with crusty bread or salads.
• Grill Perfection: Achieve that delightful charred flavor that only grilling can provide.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and prepare for a seamless experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• BBQ grill
• Firelighters
• Charcoal
• Matches or lighter
• Pan for sauce preparation
• Sharp knife
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• BBQ Grill: Essential for imparting that smoky flavor and achieving the perfect char on the prawns.
• Pan: Needed for making the garlic, lemon, and chili sauce that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 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)
• Fresh parsley (1 Tbsp / 2g)

For Serving:

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

Additional Items:

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

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill

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 ensure you have a concentrated heat source.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While your BBQ heats up, prepare the sauce. In a pan, combine olive oil and 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 two minutes. Then add both the zest and juice of one lemon. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 3: Marinate the Prawns

Pour half of your olive oil and garlic mixture over the cleaned prawns. Massage it under their shells to ensure they are evenly coated with flavor.

Step 4: Check Your Coals

Once your coals have turned white hot without any black areas left, place a clean grill over them. You’re now ready to cook!

Step 5: Grill the Prawns

Your coals should be hot enough so that when you place prawns on the grill, they sizzle immediately. Aim for slight charring on each side without burning them. If flames erupt from dripping oil, use your glass of water to sprinkle lightly over them to calm any intense fires.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

After about 45 seconds to one minute, check if one side is pink and charred before flipping them over. Once both sides are cooked through (the shells should be pinky-orange while meat appears pearl white), remove them from heat onto a clean tray.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Pour over any remaining garlic-lemon-chili sauce before serving right away. Enjoy alongside fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping!

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

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty kick that brightens the prawns’ flavor. Squeeze them over the cooked prawns right before serving.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of fresh crusty bread for dipping in the garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce. This adds texture and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.

Paired with a Green Salad

• A light green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, garlicky prawns. Toss together mixed greens, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette.

On Skewers with Vegetables

• Thread prawns onto skewers along with bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful presentation. Grill them for an even more vibrant meal.

Served Over Rice or Quinoa

• Place the grilled prawns on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This makes for a filling dish that balances well with the grilled flavors.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces like aioli or spicy mayo alongside the prawns. Each bite can be customized for different taste preferences.

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

To achieve mouth-watering BBQ Grilled Prawns, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and cooking technique.

• Choose fresh prawns: Opt for large, fresh prawns for the best texture and taste. Frozen may work but can lack flavor.

• Marinate properly: Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the garlic, lemon, and chilli flavors effectively.

• Preheat your grill: Ensure your BBQ grill is hot enough before adding the prawns. This helps achieve that perfect char without burning.

• Watch cooking time: Grill prawns quickly; they cook fast! Overcooking can lead to rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them.

• Control flare-ups: If flames rise while grilling due to oil drips, sprinkle water to control them without losing too much heat.

• Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the grilled prawns right off the grill while they’re still warm.

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

Complementing your BBQ Grilled Prawns with tasty side dishes enhances your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with garlic butter pairs perfectly with grilled seafood.

2. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor to balance the richness of the prawns.

3. Mediterranean Couscous Salad: A chilled couscous salad featuring tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs brings brightness to your plate.

4. Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that complements grilled meats beautifully.

5. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make a hearty addition alongside your flavorful prawns.

6. Quinoa Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad made from quinoa, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon is light yet satisfying.

7. Spicy Hummus Platter: Serve a platter of spicy hummus with veggies and pita chips for dipping; it’s a delightful appetizer before the main dish.

8. Tomato & Cucumber Salad: A simple salad of diced tomatoes and cucumbers dressed in olive oil keeps things light and refreshing while enhancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Overcooking the prawns – It’s crucial to cook prawns just until they turn pink and charred. Overcooked prawns become rubbery. Keep an eye on them and flip when necessary.
• Using insufficient marination time – Marinating the prawns for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to penetrate better. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the taste significantly.
• Ignoring grill temperature – Ensure your BBQ is hot enough before adding prawns. A properly heated grill gives that desirable char. Wait until coals are white hot for best results.
• Skipping fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic, lemon, and chillies add depth of flavor. Using dried or stale ingredients can lead to a bland dish. Always choose fresh where possible.
• Not preparing enough sauce – The delicious garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce is key to this recipe. Make sure you have enough for dipping or drizzling; nobody likes a dry prawn!
• Forget to soak wooden skewers – If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked prawns in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Place cooled 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place prawns on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place prawns in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the prawns for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli.

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and grilling for even cooking.

What can I serve with BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?

These grilled prawns pair well with rice, salads, or fresh crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

How do I know when my prawns are done?

Prawns should be pink and opaque when cooked through. They will also curl slightly as they cook.

Can I customize the spice level of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust the number of chillies based on your heat preference or even add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli offers a delightful combination of flavors that makes it perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!