Zesty BBQ Grilled Prawns With Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe

Juicy bbq grilled prawns dance with zesty flavors that promise a mouthwatering seafood adventure.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired this simple yet spectacular dish.

Garlic and chilli create a spicy harmony against bright lemon notes.

Fresh prawns sizzle dramatically when kissed by flame-licked grill surfaces.

Salt and pepper whisper subtle undertones through each succulent morsel.

Crisp marinades infuse delicate seafood with intense character, making every bite memorable.

You’ll want to dive straight into this vibrant recipe that celebrates summer’s fresh ingredients.

Why BBQ Grilled Prawns With Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Are A Summer Must

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with zesty ingredients like garlic, lemon, and chilli, this recipe transforms simple prawns into a mouthwatering dish that delivers big taste in minimal time.
• Master Grilling Skills: Perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their barbecue techniques, this recipe teaches precise grilling methods to achieve restaurant-quality seafood with beautiful grill marks and perfect texture.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Ideal for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or casual weekend meals, these BBQ prawns appeal to seafood lovers and offer a delightful protein option that's sure to impress guests with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for appetizers, main courses, or party platters, these grilled prawns work wonderfully with multiple side dishes and can be prepared quickly for spontaneous meal plans.

Ingredients For BBQ Grilled Prawns With Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

• Prawns: Fresh seafood that serves as the star of this barbecue dish and provides a delicate, sweet marine flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a smoky and rich texture to the grilled prawns.

• Garlic, Chilli, Parsley: Vibrant ingredients that create a flavor-packed mixture enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil, BBQ Sauce, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, White Wine Vinegar, Butter, Salt, Black Pepper: A zesty and complex blend of liquids and seasonings that tenderize the prawns and provide a rich, tangy flavor foundation.

How To Grill Prawns That Pop With Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Step 1: Prepare Prawns

Clean and devein prawns. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to help seasonings stick perfectly.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Garlic
• Chilli
• Parsley

This combination creates an incredible aromatic blend for maximum taste.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy. Chop into small bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Whip Up Marinade

• Olive oil
• BBQ sauce
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• White wine vinegar
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until everything combines smoothly.

Step 5: Marinate Prawns

Pour marinade over prawns, ensuring complete coverage. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 6: Fire Up Grill

Heat grill to high temperature (around 450°F). This creates perfect grill marks and helps caramelize the prawns.

Step 7: Skewer Prawns

Thread marinated prawns onto skewers. Alternate with crispy bacon pieces for extra texture and flavor complexity.

Step 8: Grill To Perfection

Grill prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.

Step 9: Garnish

Remove prawns from grill. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Plate hot prawns right away. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for an extra flavor punch.

Tips To Nail BBQ Grilled Prawns Every Time

• Prevent Overcooking: Watch prawns carefully on the grill, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
• Moisture Retention Trick: Pat prawns completely dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere and create a perfect caramelized exterior.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Let prawns marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and ensure even seasoning.
• Skewer Smart: Alternate prawns with bacon pieces on skewers to distribute heat evenly and add extra smoky flavor complexity.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle remaining marinade immediately before serving to lock in maximum taste and aroma.

Tasty Variations On These Grilled Prawns

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace BBQ sauce with harissa paste, add oregano and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired prawn skewer with bold, complex flavors.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Swap white wine vinegar with coconut milk, incorporate ginger and lime zest for a creamy, tropical-style grilled prawn experience with Southeast Asian undertones.
• Smoky Cajun Seafood Style: Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt, add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to create a bold, spicy New Orleans-inspired prawn preparation with deep, rich undertones.
• Asian Teriyaki Infusion: Replace BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce, include grated ginger, green onions, and sesame seeds for an umami-rich Asian-inspired grilled prawn variation that offers sweet and savory complexity.

What To Serve With BBQ Grilled Prawns

• Enhance Seafood Flavor: Pair crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its citrusy notes perfectly complementing the zesty lemon and garlic marinade.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread to soak up delicious marinade and provide a crunchy counterpoint to tender prawns.
• Boost Spice Balance: Add a light Mediterranean herb salad with arugula, mint, and cucumber to cool down the chilli's heat and refresh the palate.
• Elevate Protein Experience: Include grilled asparagus spears seasoned with similar herbs to create a harmonious side dish that echoes the main course's flavor profile.

How To Keep BBQ Grilled Prawns Fresh And Flavorful

• Store leftover grilled prawns in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Allow prawns to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Consume refrigerated prawns within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety, ensuring the best quality and texture.
• Wrap cooled prawns tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe containers, storing them for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.

BBQ Grilled Prawns FAQs—Get The Scoop

• Why should I pat the prawns dry before marinating?

Patting prawns dry ensures the marinade sticks better, creating a more intense flavor and helping achieve a perfect sear on the grill.

• Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could prevent proper caramelization during grilling.

• How do I know when prawns are perfectly cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn opaque and pink, and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during grilling.

• What's the purpose of adding bacon to the skewers?

Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the prawns and creates an additional layer of texture and richness to the dish.

BBQ Grilled Prawns With Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli bring Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your plate. Succulent seafood meets zesty spices, promising a quick, mouthwatering meal that transports diners to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 500g / 1.1 lb prawns
• 4 slices bacon

Herbs and Spices:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 red chilli
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp bbq sauce
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Clean and devein prawns, patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning absorption.
2. Finely mince garlic, chilli, and parsley, creating a vibrant aromatic mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy, then chop into small pieces.
4. Whisk together olive oil, bbq sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, white wine vinegar, butter, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a zesty marinade.
5. Coat prawns completely in the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is generously covered and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
6. Preheat grill to high heat (around 450°F), creating distinct grill marks and promoting caramelization.
7. Thread marinated prawns onto skewers, alternating with crispy bacon pieces for added texture and flavor complexity.
8. Grill prawns for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, succulent texture.
9. Remove from grill and garnish with additional fresh parsley for a bright, fresh presentation.
10. Serve immediately while hot, drizzling any remaining marinade over the grilled prawns for extra flavor intensity.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat prawns completely dry to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming during grilling.
• Marinating Magic: Allow prawns to marinate at room temperature for optimal flavor absorption without compromising food safety.
• Skewer Strategy: Use metal skewers or pre-soak wooden skewers to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Heat Management: Watch prawns closely while grilling, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace BBQ sauce with gluten-free alternative and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify chilli quantity to suit personal heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip BBQ sauce or use sugar-free version to maintain ketogenic diet compatibility.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg