These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a fantastic dish to enjoy on warm summer evenings. With just five ingredients and a cooking time of only 30 minutes, they are perfect for casual gatherings or special occasions. The combination of garlic and lemon infuses the prawns with zesty flavor, while the chillies add a delightful kick. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, these prawns are perfect for last-minute meals.
- Minimal Ingredients: Using just five main ingredients makes shopping easy and keeps things simple.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chilli creates an irresistible marinade that enhances the natural sweetness of the prawns.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed in salads for extra flavor.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, these prawns make for a nutritious meal option.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- BBQ grill
- Mixing bowl
- Pan
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- BBQ grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect char on your prawns.
- Mixing bowl: Helps you combine your marinade ingredients easily before applying them to the prawns.
- Pan: Necessary for preparing the garlic and chilli sauce without burning them.
- Sharp knife: Aids in finely slicing chillies and other ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
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 for serving
- Fresh crusty bread of your choice for dipping in the sauce
Additional Items Needed
- Firelighters
- Charcoal
- Matches or lighter
- Glass of water
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Step 1: Start Your Fire
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: Prepare the Sauce
While your BBQ heats up, prepare the sauce:
* Add the olive oil to a pan over medium heat.
* Grate in the cloves of garlic using a grater.
* Finely slice the chillies with a sharp knife and add them to the pan.
* Fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
* Add in the zest and juice of the lemon; cook gently until garlic is not raw. Avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Marinate the Prawns
Pour half of the olive oil and garlic mixture over cleaned prawns.
* Massage it under their shells ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Check Your BBQ
Make sure your coals are white hot with no black areas remaining. Place a clean grill over them when ready.
Step 5: Grill Time
Your coals should be hot enough that prawns sizzle upon contact:
* Place prawns on the grill; cook until slightly charred (about 45 seconds to 1 minute).
* Flip them once they turn pink; cook until both sides are charred but not burnt.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Once cooked properly:
* Remove prawns from grill when shells are pinky-orange and meat is pearl white.
* Place them on a clean tray and pour over remaining garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your BBQ grilled prawns right away alongside optional lemon wedges and fresh crusty bread for dipping into that delicious sauce!
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Serving BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli can elevate any meal. These prawns are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to pair them with various sides and garnishes for a delightful dining experience.
With Fresh Lemon Wedges
- Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty kick. Squeeze over the prawns just before eating for an extra burst of flavor.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Serve with fresh crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic and chilli sauce. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit!
On a Bed of Salad
- Serve the prawns on a bed of mixed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad. This adds a lightness to the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
Paired with Rice
- A side of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice complements grilled prawns beautifully. The rice absorbs the delicious marinade, making every bite satisfying.
As Part of a Seafood Platter
- Include these prawns in a seafood platter alongside grilled vegetables and other seafood options like fish or shellfish for a varied feast.
How to Perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Perfecting your BBQ Grilled Prawns requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.
Use Fresh Prawns: Always opt for fresh prawns instead of frozen ones. They have better texture and flavor.
Marinate Properly: Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps them absorb all those tasty flavors.
Control the Heat: Ensure your grill is hot enough before adding the prawns. This prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time; prawns cook quickly! Overcooking can make them tough.
Use Skewers: If grilling smaller prawns, consider using skewers to keep them from falling through the grill grates.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Pairing side dishes with BBQ Grilled Prawns can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.
Mediterranean Couscous – Fluffy couscous tossed with olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs makes for a refreshing side.
Grilled Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus lightly seasoned and grilled adds color and nutrition.
Garlic Butter Rice – Serve fluffy rice sautéed in garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with prawns.
Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies and dressed in lemon vinaigrette provides a healthy contrast.
Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing brings brightness to your plate.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are a hearty option that complements the prawn dish beautifully.
Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an elegant side that highlights summer flavors.
Roasted Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with herb butter adds sweetness that contrasts nicely with spicy grilled prawns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to achieving the perfect BBQ grilled prawns. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for a successful cookout.
Not preheating the BBQ: Failing to properly heat your grill can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your coals are white hot before placing the prawns on the grill.
Overcooking the prawns: Cooking prawns too long makes them tough. Keep an eye on them; they only need about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Ignoring marination time: Skipping marination or not letting the prawns soak in the garlic and lemon mixture can result in bland flavor. A quick 10-minute marinade makes a big difference.
Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality olive oil or old spices can ruin your dish. Always choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Neglecting to clean the grill: A dirty grill can impact flavor and cause sticking. Make sure to clean your grill grates before cooking to avoid this issue.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover BBQ grilled prawns in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
- Place cooled prawns in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 months when frozen.
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 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place prawns in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 30-second intervals until hot, but be careful not to overcook.
Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of water and heat over medium-low heat. Add prawns and cover until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other seafood instead of prawns?
Yes! You can substitute prawns with other seafood like shrimp or scallops, adjusting cooking times as necessary.
How do I make BBQ grilled prawns spicy?
To add more heat, increase the number of chillies or use different types of peppers that suit your spice level.
Can I prepare BBQ grilled prawns ahead of time?
You can marinate them ahead of time, but it’s best to grill them just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.
What should I serve with BBQ grilled prawns?
These prawns pair wonderfully with fresh salads, crusty bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ grilled prawns with garlic, lemon & chilli are not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. This dish is versatile; you can customize it by adding more spices or adjusting the marinade. Perfect for summer gatherings or any casual meal, give this recipe a try!
BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Enjoy delicious BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli! Quick and easy recipe ready in just 30 minutes. Try it now!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 8 large prawns (shelled and deveined)
- 1–2 chillies (to taste)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh crusty bread of your choice for dipping in the sauce
Instructions
- Start your BBQ grill by lighting firelighters and adding charcoal until hot.
- In a pan over medium heat, combine olive oil, grated garlic, finely sliced chillies, lemon zest, and juice. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Marinate the prawns in half of the garlic mixture for at least 15 minutes.
- Once coals are white hot, grill the prawns for about 1 minute on each side until pink and charred.
- Drizzle remaining garlic mixture over cooked prawns and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 prawns (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: Use fresh prawns for better texture. Adjust chilli levels according to your spice preference. You can substitute prawns with shrimp or scallops if desired.