BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Name: BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 cloves of garlic; 1-2 chillies; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 8 large prawns (shells on, deveined); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Published: February 7, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy delicious BBQ Grilled Prawns without spending hours in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients: Using only five key ingredients, this recipe is accessible and allows the flavors to shine through.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these prawns can be served alongside various sides like fresh salads or crusty bread.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Great for Entertaining: Impress your friends and family with minimal effort while serving up a vibrant dish full of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything prepared will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill or BBQ
Pan for sauce
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Grill or BBQ: This is crucial for achieving that perfect char on the prawns, enhancing their flavor significantly.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing chillies and mincing garlic quick and easy, ensuring even distribution in your marinade.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining your marinade ingredients before applying them to the prawns.

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

Miscellaneous

Firelighters
Charcoal
Matches or lighter
Glass of water

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

Step 1: Get Your Fire Started

Start by preparing your BBQ. Place a few firelighters into the bottom grill and light them. Once they are alight, top with charcoal. Pile it in the middle to create a concentrated heat source.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

While your BBQ heats up:
* Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat.
* Grate in the cloves of garlic.
* Finely slice the chillies using a sharp knife and add them to the pan.
* Fry these ingredients for about 2 minutes.
* Add lemon zest and juice, cooking gently until the garlic loses its raw edge. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 3: Marinate the Prawns

Pour half of your olive oil and garlic mixture over the cleaned prawns.
* Massage this marinade under each shell so that it evenly coats all sides.

Step 4: Check Your BBQ Heat

Ensure that your coals are white hot with no black areas remaining. Place a clean grill over them; you’re now ready to cook!

Step 5: Grill the Prawns

Once your coals are hot enough:
* Place prawns on the grill; they should sizzle upon contact.
* Aim for slight charring on each side but avoid burning. If flames flare up due to dripping oil, sprinkle some water lightly from your glass.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

After about 45 seconds to 1 minute:
* Flip each prawn when they turn pink and charred on one side.
Once cooked through (the shells should be pinky-orange), remove them from heat onto a clean tray. Drizzle with remaining garlic, lemon, and chilli sauce.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve your BBQ Grilled Prawns hot off the grill with optional lemon wedges and fresh crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful sauce! Enjoy!

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

Serving BBQ Grilled Prawns is a delight that brings a burst of flavor to any gathering. These prawns are best enjoyed fresh off the grill and can be paired with various accompaniments to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Lemon Wedges

Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the prawns just before serving to enhance their zesty flavor.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

Serve with slices of fresh crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic and chilli sauce.

Paired with a Green Salad

A light green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon complements the prawns beautifully, adding freshness to your plate.

Alongside Grilled Vegetables

Grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini make a colorful side that pairs well with the smokiness of the prawns.

Served on Skewers

For a fun presentation, thread the grilled prawns onto skewers. This makes them easy to handle and perfect for sharing.

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

Achieving perfectly grilled prawns involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a hit every time.

Choose fresh prawns: Select large, fresh prawns for better texture and flavor.
Marinate properly: Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is hot enough so that the prawns sizzle immediately upon contact.
Watch cooking time: Avoid overcooking; prawns are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Use high-quality olive oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the taste of the marinade significantly.
Control flare-ups: Keep a glass of water nearby to sprinkle on flames if they become too intense while grilling.

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

To create a well-rounded meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully with BBQ grilled prawns.

Garlic Rice
A fragrant rice dish cooked with garlic provides a comforting base that balances the spice of the prawns.
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness, complementing the rich flavors of the grilled dish.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs offers a nutritious option alongside your meal.
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that everyone will enjoy.
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar and herbs helps cool down any heat from the chillies.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled adds a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with savory prawns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the prawns can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to massage the marinade into the prawns for maximum flavor.
Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many prawns on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches to achieve that perfect char.
Ignoring the heat: Cooking on a grill that isn’t hot enough will result in rubbery prawns. Wait until your coals are white hot before adding the prawns.
Leaving shells on without cleaning: If you don’t clean the prawns properly, they may retain grit or impurities. Always remove the vein and rinse under cold water.
Not watching closely: Prawns cook quickly, and overcooking will make them tough. Keep an eye on them and flip when they turn pink and opaque.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ grilled prawns in an airtight container.
They can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Place cooled grilled prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container after freezing for up to 3 months.

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 10 minutes.
Microwave: Use medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli that can help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns work well but ensure they are thawed completely before marinating and grilling.

What can I substitute for garlic in this recipe?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, consider using shallots or onion as an alternative for flavor.

How can I adjust the spice level in BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?

To modify spice levels, reduce the number of chillies or use milder varieties such as banana peppers.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. The simplicity of ingredients allows for customization; feel free to add herbs like cilantro or spices like paprika for extra flair. Try this recipe today and enjoy deliciously charred prawns that everyone will love!

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