BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are a delightful way to elevate any gathering. Perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners, this dish is not only easy to prepare but bursting with flavor. With just five ingredients, you’ll enjoy succulent prawns marinated in a zesty garlic and chilli sauce, ready in only 30 minutes. Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chilli creates a delicious marinade that enhances the prawns’ natural sweetness.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, these grilled prawns are a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Versatile Serving: Serve these prawns as an appetizer or main dish; they pair beautifully with crusty bread or fresh salads.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to be a hit at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather the necessary tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• BBQ grill
• Firelighters
• Charcoal
• Pan
• Sharp knife
• Grater
• Clean grill

Importance of Each Tool

• BBQ Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and perfect char on the prawns.
• Pan: Used for preparing the marinade, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for finely slicing chillies, ensuring even distribution of heat in the dish.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 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)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 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 the Fire

Get your fire started by placing a few firelighters into the bottom grill of the BBQ. Once alight, top with charcoal, piling it in the middle to create a concentrated central heat source.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

While your BBQ is heating up, make the sauce for the prawns:
1. Add the olive oil to a pan.
2. Grate in the cloves of garlic.
3. Finely slice the chillies using a sharp knife and add them to the pan.
4. Fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
5. Add lemon zest and juice; cook gently until garlic is no longer raw. Avoid overcooking.

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.

Step 4: Prepare Your BBQ

Check your BBQ; ensure coals are all white hot with no black areas left. Place a clean grill over them so you’re ready to cook.

Step 5: Grill the Prawns

Your coals should be hot enough that prawns sizzle upon contact:
1. Place prawns on the grill; ensure they get slightly charred but not burnt.
2. Monitor closely as flames may spring up from dripping oil; sprinkle some water if needed.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

Once prawns are pink and charred on one side (about 45 seconds to 1 minute), flip them over:
1. Cook until shells are pinky-orange and meat is pearl white.
2. Remove from heat and place them on a clean tray.
3. Pour remaining garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce over them.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges and fresh crusty bread for dipping in that flavorful sauce! Enjoy your delicious BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli!

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

Serving BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is a delightful experience that enhances any outdoor gathering. These juicy prawns can be presented in various ways to impress your guests and elevate your meal.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the prawns just before serving for an extra zesty flavor.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic and chilli sauce.

On a Bed of Greens

• Place the grilled prawns over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a refreshing contrast.

As Part of a Seafood Platter

• Include the prawns in a seafood platter alongside other offerings like grilled fish or calamari for variety.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer sauces like aioli or a spicy chilli dip on the side for added flavor options.

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

Achieving perfection in your BBQ Grilled Prawns requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Choose Fresh Prawns: Select large, fresh prawns for the best taste and texture. Freshness makes all the difference.

• Marinate Adequately: Allow the prawns to marinate in the garlic and lemon mixture for at least 15 minutes. This helps infuse flavors deeply.

• Control Your Heat: Ensure your BBQ coals are evenly heated. This allows for consistent cooking without burning the prawns.

• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your prawns while grilling. They only need about 1-2 minutes per side to avoid becoming tough.

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor of the marinade and adds richness to the dish.

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

Pairing side dishes with BBQ Grilled Prawns elevates your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic complements the succulent prawns perfectly.

2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition to your plate.

3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch.

4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that balances the tenderness of grilled prawns.

5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs serve as a hearty side that everyone loves.

6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds a crisp element to your meal.

7. Roasted Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and herbs is a classic summer side that pairs beautifully.

8. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad mixed with diced veggies and lemon dressing complements the prawns wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Prawns: Cooking prawns for too long can make them tough. Aim for a cooking time of about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

• Not Prepping the Grill Properly: A dirty grill can affect your prawns’ flavor. Always ensure your grill is clean and preheated before cooking.

• Ignoring Marination Time: Not allowing the prawns to marinate can lead to bland flavors. A quick 15-minute marination is recommended for the best taste.

• Using Too Much Oil: Excess oil can cause flare-ups on the grill. Use just enough to coat the prawns lightly for flavor without excessive dripping.

• Skimping on Seasoning: Forgetting to season properly can leave your dish lacking in flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper generously before grilling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Place the cooled grilled 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 the prawns on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 8-10 minutes.

• Microwave: Put the prawns on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil. Sauté the prawns for 2-3 minutes until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli that might help you out!

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just make sure they are thawed completely before marinating and grilling.

How do I know when the prawns are done?

Prawns are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl slightly but not tightly.

What other seasonings can I add?

Feel free to experiment! Adding herbs like oregano or spices like paprika can enhance the flavor of your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and marinate the prawns ahead of time but cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is not only quick and easy but also packed with delicious flavors that make it perfect for summer gatherings. You can customize this recipe by adjusting the garlic or adding different herbs. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful seafood experience!