Name: BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 large prawns, shell on and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 1–2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced; zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; lemon wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking to light up your next cookout with the vibrant flavors of summer, this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Each glistening prawn is perfectly charred and juicy, soaking up a lively marinade of garlic, lemon, and slices of fresh chili. It’s a dish that manages to be both elegant and lightning-fast, giving you bold flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard gathering or making a weeknight seafood treat, BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli delivers pure Mediterranean magic every time you make it.

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a short list of quality ingredients adds up to such show-stopping flavor. Freshness is key: each component brings its own spark—whether it’s the briny sweetness of the prawns or the zingy brightness of lemon—making BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli a real feast for the senses.

8 large prawns, shell on and deveined: Leaving the shell on keeps the prawns juicy and imparts a smoky char while grilling.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling beautifully and adds a lush, fruity base.
2 garlic cloves, grated: Grated garlic blends seamlessly into the marinade and gives a pungent depth.
1–2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced: Tailor the heat to your preference with these vibrant, fiery additions.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Double-duty! The zest adds intense citrus aroma, while the juice balances everything with refreshing acidity.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the prawns are perfectly seasoned.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Brings gentle heat and complexity to each bite.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Sprinkled on top for herbal freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon wedges for serving: Essential for that final, zesty squeeze right before digging in.

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

Step 1: Fire up the Grill

Crank your BBQ or grill to high heat. The grill should be nice and hot before you get the prawns involved—this ensures a quick, even cook with those irresistible char marks and lets the prawns stay perfectly juicy inside. Have your grilling tools handy, because once things get sizzling, it all comes together fast!

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, grated garlic, sliced chillies, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it all a quick whisk. Don’t forget to reserve a tablespoon of this zingy marinade for serving—it makes a wonderful finishing drizzle that really brings out the flavors of the BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli.

Step 3: Marinate the Prawns

Place the prawns on a tray and brush or spoon the marinade generously over them, making sure to work some under the shells so that the flavors can really soak in while they cook. This step is your big flavor moment—let each prawn get a good coating of all that garlicky, lemony, and spicy magic.

Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Lay the prawns directly on the hot grill. Cook for just 45 seconds to 1 minute per side, flipping once, until their shells turn pink and get a little char, and the meat is just opaque. Keep a close eye—prawns are best when they’re just barely cooked through, staying sweet and succulent.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Quickly transfer the cooked prawns to a platter. While they’re still hot, drizzle with the reserved marinade and sprinkle with that fresh, vibrant parsley. The aroma should be outrageously inviting. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and watch them disappear!

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

Garnishes

A liberal scattering of fresh parsley is the perfect way to finish BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli. Those juicy lemon wedges are a must for squeezing over right at the table—nothing beats that burst of fresh citrus. If you love a touch of drama, add a few extra slices of red chili or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.

Side Dishes

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli pairs beautifully with charred corn, a simple green salad, or a mound of fluffy couscous. Don’t forget the bread: a crusty baguette or rustic sourdough is essential for mopping up the outrageous garlicky lemon-chilli juices left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the prawns onto skewers for easy serving at a party, or serve family-style on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges and colorful herbs. For a showstopping starter, lay the prawns atop a crisp salad or heap onto toasted crostini for finger-friendly bites. However you serve them, BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli always steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the grilled prawns cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will mellow and infuse even more, making them a fantastic addition to salads or cold platters the next day.

Freezing

While BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are truly at their best fresh off the grill, you can freeze cooked leftovers if needed. Place the cooled prawns in a single layer in a freezer bag or container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or using cold.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, or place them under a broiler for a quick blast. Avoid overcooking—they just need to be heated through. Alternatively, serve them cold—leftover BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are delicious in wraps, sandwiches, or tossed with greens.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating and grilling, so the marinade doesn’t get watered down and you still get that great char.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is totally up to you—add just one chili for gentle warmth, or go bold with two for extra fire. Removing the seeds will also reduce the spiciness if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli without a BBQ?

Yes! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet works wonderfully. You may not get as much smokiness, but the flavors of garlic, lemon, and chili will still shine.

What’s the best way to devein prawns with the shell on?

Use a sharp paring knife or kitchen scissors to cut along the back of the prawn shell, then lift out the vein with the tip of the knife or a toothpick. Keeping the shell protects the meat during grilling and maximizes juiciness.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply scale up your ingredients, and grill the prawns in batches. They cook in minutes, so it’s easy to keep the party moving—and everyone will be clamoring for more BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about gathering friends and family around a table of perfectly grilled seafood, and BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli never disappoints. Take this as your cue to roll up your sleeves, fire up the grill, and make some delicious memories—one juicy, flavor-packed prawn at a time!

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight your taste buds with these BBQ Grilled Prawns with a burst of garlic, lemon, and chilli flavors. A Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick and delicious seafood BBQ.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

8 large prawns, shell on and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil

Marinade:

2 garlic cloves, grated
1–2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
lemon wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat BBQ or grill: Heat to high heat.
Prepare marinade: Mix olive oil, garlic, chillies, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside 1 tablespoon.
Marinate prawns: Coat prawns with marinade, ensuring some gets under the shells.
Grill prawns: Cook for 45 seconds to 1 minute per side until pink and charred.
Serve: Drizzle reserved marinade, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.