BBQ Grilled Prawns Garlic

This BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli recipe elevates summer entertaining to a whole new level. The combination of succulent prawns, aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and fiery chilli creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe. With just 5 key ingredients and minimal prep time, it's my go-to dish when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made these prawns during a spontaneous beach cookout with friends, and they've become our signature summer dish. The way the shells slightly char while the meat stays tender and juicy is truly magical.

Ingredients

• Large prawns with shells on but veins removed: These retain moisture during grilling and develop amazing flavor
• Fresh garlic cloves: Provides essential aromatic base; look for firm bulbs with tight skin
• Fresh chillies: Adds customizable heat; use red for more sweetness or green for sharper heat
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with color and herbal notes; choose bunches with vibrant green leaves
• Lemon juice and zest: Provides acidity and freshness; select heavy lemons with smooth thin skins
• Olive oil: Creates the base for the marinade; use a good quality extra virgin for best flavor
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the barbecue:

Position firelighters in the bottom of your BBQ and light them carefully. Pile charcoal in the center to create a concentrated heat source. Allow the coals to heat until they turn completely white hot. This usually takes about 15 minutes and ensures even cooking temperature.

Make the garlic chilli sauce:

Pour olive oil into a pan over medium heat. Grate the garlic cloves directly into the oil. Finely slice the chillies and add to the pan. Cook gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add lemon zest and juice, continuing to cook just until the garlic loses its raw edge. Watch carefully as garlic burns easily and becomes bitter.

Marinate the prawns:

Take half of your prepared garlic lemon chilli oil mixture and pour it over the cleaned prawns. Use your hands to massage the marinade under the shells ensuring every prawn gets coated evenly. This step is crucial for flavor penetration. Let sit for 5 minutes while the barbecue finishes heating.

Grill the prawns:

Place a clean grill grate over the white hot coals. Position the marinated prawns on the grill when it's hot enough to cause immediate sizzling. Allow them to cook until slightly charred and pink on one side approximately 45 seconds to 1 minute. Manage any flareups by sprinkling small amounts of water if flames become too intense.

Flip and finish:

Using tongs carefully turn each prawn to cook the second side. The prawns are done when the shells turn a vibrant pinky orange color and the meat becomes pearly white approximately another 45 seconds. Avoid overcooking as prawns become tough quickly.

Sauce and serve:

Transfer the grilled prawns to a serving tray and immediately pour the remaining garlic lemon chilli sauce over them. The hot prawns will absorb the flavors of the warm sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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The magic of this dish truly lies in the quality of the prawns. I once made this for my seafood hating brother in law using prawns I had bought that morning from our local fishmonger. He ended up eating more than anyone else and now requests them whenever he visits.

Storage Tips

While best enjoyed immediately, prawns can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours after cooking. Store in an airtight container with all the sauce. When ready to eat, gently warm them in a pan over low heat just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them during reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible. No prawns available? Try this same technique with scallops or firm white fish steaks. The garlic chilli sauce works beautifully with chicken thighs or even thick slices of halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option. If you can't get fresh chillies, dried chilli flakes work wonderfully too; start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

These prawns make a spectacular appetizer served straight from the grill with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair them with a simple green salad and grilled vegetables that can cook alongside the prawns. A chilled crisp white wine like Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing.

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Cultural Context

Grilled prawns or shrimp appear in coastal cuisines worldwide, from Spanish gambas al ajillo to Greek garides saganaki. This particular preparation draws inspiration from Mediterranean cooking traditions, where seafood is often prepared simply with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, allowing the quality of the main ingredient to shine through.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What are the key flavors in these prawns?

The key flavors are smoky grilled prawns with a zesty, garlicky, and slightly spicy touch from lemon, garlic, and chilli.

→ How to prepare the prawns for grilling?

Make sure the prawns are deveined with the shells still on. Coat them thoroughly in the garlic, lemon, and chilli marinade for even flavor.

→ How do I prevent the prawns from overcooking?

Cook the prawns briefly on each side over a hot grill until the shells turn pink-orange and the meat is pearl white. Avoid prolonged cooking to prevent toughness.

→ Can I use an indoor grill?

Yes, you can use an indoor grill or grill pan as an alternative to a BBQ. Ensure it’s preheated to achieve a similar charred effect.

→ What can I serve alongside these prawns?

Serve with fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, or pair with a light salad for a complete meal.