If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that's perfect for barbecues, then you can't go wrong with BBQ garlic prawns. These succulent prawns are cooked to perfection on the grill, then coated in a spicy garlic lemon butter sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, BBQ garlic prawns are a great choice.
To prepare the prawns, you'll need to start by marinating them in a mixture of oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, and salt. After marinating for a few hours, you can then grill the prawns until they're cooked through and slightly charred. Once they're done, simply coat them in the garlic lemon butter sauce and serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new twist on traditional barbecue fare, BBQ garlic prawns are a must-try. With their bold, spicy flavour and succulent texture, these prawns are sure to become a favourite in no time. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious seafood feast that's perfect for any occasion.
Key Takeaways
- BBQ garlic prawns are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that's perfect for barbecues.
- To prepare the prawns, you'll need to marinate them in a mixture of oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, and salt before grilling them to perfection.
- Once they're done, simply coat the prawns in a spicy garlic lemon butter sauce and serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Preparing the Prawns
Before you start grilling your garlic prawns, you need to prepare them properly to ensure they are delicious and full of flavour. Here are the steps to take when preparing your prawns for the BBQ:
Selecting the Best Prawns
When selecting prawns, it's important to choose fresh ones that have a firm texture and a sweet smell. Look for prawns that are still in their shells as this will help keep them moist and flavourful during cooking. You can also use shrimp if you prefer, but make sure they are of good quality and have been sustainably sourced.
Cleaning and Deveining
Once you have your prawns, you need to clean and devein them. To do this, remove the head and shell, leaving the tail intact. Then, using a sharp knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the dark vein. Rinse the prawns under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
Marinating for Flavour
To give your prawns a delicious garlic and lemon flavour, you need to marinate them before cooking. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon rind, garlic, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Add the prawns to the marinade, making sure they are well coated, and cover the bowl with cling film. Leave the prawns to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.
Skewering the Prawns
Once your prawns have been marinated, it's time to skewer them. If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the BBQ. Thread the prawns onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each one to ensure they cook evenly.
Cooking Techniques
Grilling on the BBQ
Grilling is an excellent way to cook prawns on the barbecue. It imparts a delicious smoky flavour and gives the prawns a lovely texture. You can use skewers to keep the prawns from falling through the grill grates. Preheat the grill to high heat and brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Place the prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and slightly charred.
Creating Garlic Butter Sauce
Garlic butter sauce is a perfect complement to grilled prawns. To make it, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice, salt, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute. You can also add chilli flakes for a bit of spice. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the grilled prawns before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled prawns are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with crusty bread, green salad, and lemon wedges. Serve them hot off the grill with a side of garlic butter sauce for dipping. You can also skewer the prawns and serve them as an appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good marinade for barbecued prawns?
A good marinade for barbecued prawns should be simple yet flavourful. You can make a marinade with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients and marinate the prawns for at least an hour before grilling them.
How do you grill prawns with their shells on?
Grilling prawns with their shells on is easy. Make sure to clean the prawns properly and marinate them as per your liking. Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat, then place the prawns on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Can you suggest some accompaniments for garlic prawns?
Garlic prawns go well with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular options include a salad, grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple rice dish. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic.
What's the best way to cook prawns on a barbecue?
The best way to cook prawns on a barbecue is to preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean the prawns and marinate them as per your liking, then place them on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook them.
Should I remove the shells from prawns before barbecuing them?
It's up to you whether you want to remove the shells from prawns before barbecuing them. Some people prefer to remove the shells for ease of eating, while others like to keep them on for added flavour. If you decide to keep the shells on, make sure to clean them properly before grilling.
How can I make grilled prawns in an Indian style?
To make grilled prawns in an Indian style, you can use a marinade made with yoghurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala. Marinate the prawns for at least an hour before grilling them. Serve them with a side of mint chutney for a delicious and authentic Indian flavour.