Name: BBQ Prawns in 30 Minutes: Easy, Zesty & Totally Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 grams Fresh Prawns (Substitute with shrimp if desired); 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (High-quality extra virgin); 4 cloves Garlic (Minced; substitute with garlic powder if out); 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (Optional); 1 whole Lemon (Zest and juice)

The grill sizzles, and the tantalizing aroma of garlic and lemon dances through the air—that’s when I know summer has truly arrived. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for BBQ Prawns, a dish that’s as quick and easy as it is delicious. With just five fresh ingredients, you can whip up these succulent prawns in no time, making them a perfect choice for your next backyard gathering or weeknight dinner. Not only do they boast vibrant flavors that capture the essence of sunny days, but they’re also gluten-free, ensuring everyone can join in on the feast. Ready to elevate your grilling game? Stick around as we dive into the delightful world of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon, and Chilli! What’s your favorite way to enjoy a summer BBQ?

Why Are BBQ Prawns So Irresistible?

Effortless Preparation: You’ll love how simple it is to create a gourmet dish using just five ingredients. This means less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying!

Zesty Brightness: The pairing of garlic and lemon elevates the flavor profile, infusing a fresh, lively taste that screams summer.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or casual dinners, your friends and family will rave about these juicy BBQ prawns!

Quick Cooking Time: Grill them up in just 30 minutes, making this a fantastic option for last-minute meals or spontaneous BBQ parties.

Versatile and Adaptable: Feel free to swap in herbs or spices to match your mood. For a different twist, try them alongside your favorite salad, grilled vegetables, or even as a topping for rice.

Healthy and Light: Being gluten-free and low on ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also aligns perfectly with healthier eating habits. For more exciting flavors, check out my Korean BBQ Meatballs for something different to try!

BBQ Prawns Ingredients

• Get ready to dive into a flavorful journey with these simple and fresh BBQ Prawns!

For the Marinade

Fresh Prawns – Ensure they are fresh for the best taste; you can swap them with shrimp if desired.
Olive Oil – Use high-quality extra virgin to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses depth; if you’re out, garlic powder can step in as a substitute.
Chili Flakes (optional) – Add a kick of heat; feel free to leave them out for milder BBQ prawns.
Lemon (zest & juice) – Brightens the dish beautifully, or swap it with lime juice for a twist.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Grilled Prawns

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
Start by cleaning and deveining your fresh prawns, ensuring to remove the shells while leaving the tails intact for that lovely presentation. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your BBQ prawns.

Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine high-quality extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, optional chili flakes, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk together until well blended. This marinade not only enhances the flavors of the prawns but also keeps them moist on the grill, resulting in delicious BBQ prawns.

Step 3: Marinate the Prawns
Toss the cleaned prawns in the marinade, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the prawns to absorb all the wonderful flavors. This step is essential for infusing the prawns with that zesty garlic and lemon kick that makes this dish irresistible.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for around 280°C (or approximately 550°F). Ensure that the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. A hot grill is key for achieving the perfect char and caramelization on your BBQ prawns, so don’t rush this step!

Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Once the grill is hot, arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer on the grates. Grill for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until you see the shells turn pink and the meat becomes pearly white. Keep a close eye on them, as overcooking can result in rubbery prawns.

Step 6: Serve the BBQ Prawns
As soon as the prawns are cooked through, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges for an extra squeeze of zest. Pair them with crusty bread to mop up any delicious juices, making this a perfect BBQ prawns dish for your summer gatherings.

BBQ Prawns: Swap & Style

Feel free to get creative and customize these BBQ prawns to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Spice Level: Add fresh chopped jalapeños for a zesty kick. If you’re a fan of heat, this addition will ignite your palate!
Dairy-Free: Replace olive oil with coconut oil for a subtle sweetness that complements the prawns beautifully.
Herb Twist: Include fresh basil or dill in your marinade. These herbs will elevate your BBQ prawns with a burst of refreshing flavor.
Smoky Flavor: Substitute chili flakes with smoked paprika to give your prawns an intriguing smoky touch that brings depth to every bite.
Alternative Protein: Swap prawns for scallops or firm white fish, adjusting grill time to ensure they cook perfectly. Each alternative offers a new and delightful experience.
Zesty Marinade: Consider adding soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami boost that enhances the overall flavor profile. You’ll be amazed how it enriches the dish!
Vegetarian Option: For a non-seafood twist, try this marinade on grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, perfect for summer BBQs.
Savory Accompaniment: Pair your prawns with a tangy mango salsa for an explosion of flavor and color. For a heftier side, serve with a refreshing quinoa salad, creating a complete meal. For inspiration, check out my Korean BBQ Meatballs for an extra flavor-packed option!

Storage Tips for BBQ Prawns

Fridge: Store any leftover BBQ prawns in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as they sit.
Freezer: You can freeze marinated BBQ prawns for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible for best results.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, taking care not to overcook.
Serving Suggestions: Reheat and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of flavor, enhancing the delightful taste of your BBQ prawns.

Make Ahead Options

These BBQ Prawns are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can marinate the prawns up to 24 hours in advance; just combine them with the marinade and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their delicious flavor and texture, ensure the prawns are well-coated with the marinade and avoid overcrowding in the container. When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to high heat and cook the prawns for 2-4 minutes on each side, just as you would if they were freshly marinated. You’ll have succulent, restaurant-quality BBQ prawns ready to impress with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for BBQ Prawns

Freshness Is Key: Always opt for the freshest prawns available; their quality makes a huge difference in taste and texture. Visit a trusted fishmonger if possible.
Hot Grill: Preheat your grill until it’s very hot before adding the prawns. This prevents sticking and achieves that perfect caramelization for tasty BBQ prawns.
Watch the Time: Prawns cook very quickly; aim for 2-4 minutes per side. Overcooking can lead to rubbery seafood, so keep an eye on color changes.
Flavor Experiment: Feel free to adjust spices in the marinade or add fresh herbs, like cilantro, for a unique twist that personalizes your BBQ prawns!
Serve Immediately: For the best dining experience, serve the prawns right off the grill to maintain their juicy tenderness and vibrant flavors.

What to Serve with BBQ Grilled Prawns?

Experience the joy of crafting a vibrant summer meal that’s not just about the prawns but the delightful company of delicious sides.

Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the prawns’ smoky flavor while adding freshness. It’s the perfect palate cleanser!
Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread is a must-have for mopping up all those delightful juices. Its crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender prawns.
Grilled Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus brings not only flavor but also a lovely crunch. They pair wonderfully with the zesty marinade.
Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with lemon and herbs captures the essence of summer and balances the savory prawns. This light side gives a filling option without overpowering.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors of the dish, creating a delightful pairing that feels effortlessly elegant.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with berries, citrus, and mint offers a sweet, refreshing contrast to the spiced prawns. It’s a light dessert choice that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Tzatziki Dip: A creamy tzatziki made from yogurt, cucumber, and mint adds a cool and tangy note to your meal. It’s a delightful way to enhance every bite of juicy prawns.
Pesto Pasta: Serve with pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto for an Italian touch that complements the flavors of garlic and lemon, making each mouthful taste like summer.
Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finale, a light, airy chocolate mousse serves as an indulgent end to your meal. Its richness will make your dinner unforgettable.

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when choosing fresh prawns?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh prawns, look for ones that have a firm texture and a mild, slightly briny smell. The shells should be glossy and should not have any dark spots all over, which can indicate spoilage. If you’re choosing frozen prawns, make sure they’re still individually frozen and not stuck together in a solid mass—this ensures they were properly handled.

How long can I store leftover BBQ prawns?
You can store leftover BBQ prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as they sit. If you’re looking to enjoy them later, it’s best to eat them fresh to maintain that juicy, tender bite!

Can I freeze marinated prawns?
Absolutely! You can freeze marinated BBQ prawns for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to cook them, thaw in the fridge overnight and then grill or sauté over medium heat until cooked through.

What are some common troubleshooting tips for grilling prawns?
Very! One common issue is sticking to the grill. To prevent this, ensure your grill is well-preheated and the grates are oiled. Another tip is to watch the cooking time carefully; prawns cook quickly—only 2-4 minutes per side. If they start to curl tightly or turn rubbery, they’ve likely been overcooked, so keep a close eye on their color.

Are these BBQ prawns suitable for those with allergies?
Yes! This BBQ prawns recipe is gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. However, always be cautious of any allergies, especially concerning shellfish. If you’re serving guests, I recommend checking their dietary restrictions beforehand to ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish without worry!

Can I add other ingredients to the marinade?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a splash of soy sauce for umami. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, can also be added for a fresh twist. Just remember to balance flavors to keep the dish feeling light and zesty!