Grilled Prawns Recipe: Quick and Easy Summer BBQ Dish

Grilled prawns are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party, this grilled prawns recipe is sure to impress.

To prepare your prawns, start by cleaning and deveining them. Then, marinate them in a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Once the prawns have marinated for at least 30 minutes, they are ready to be grilled.

Grilling prawns is quick and easy, and it's the perfect way to bring out their natural sweetness and flavour. Simply grill the prawns for a few minutes on each side until they are pink and slightly charred. Serve them with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Key Takeaways

• Preparing your prawns is quick and easy with a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
• Grilling your prawns is the perfect way to bring out their natural sweetness and flavour.
• Grilled prawns are a healthy and nutritious addition to any meal.

Preparing Your Prawns

When it comes to grilling prawns, preparation is key. Follow these simple steps to ensure your prawns are delicious and full of flavour.

Selecting the Best Prawns

When selecting prawns, look for fresh, firm prawns with a bright, shiny shell. Avoid prawns that have a dull or discoloured shell, as this can indicate that they are not fresh.

Deveining and Skewering

Before grilling your prawns, you will need to devein and skewer them. Deveining your prawns is important as it removes the digestive tract, which can be gritty and unappetising. To devein your prawns, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the vein.

To skewer your prawns, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the prawns onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each prawn to ensure they cook evenly.

Marinating for Flavour

Marinating your prawns is a great way to add flavour and tenderise the meat. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper works well with prawns. Simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl and coat the prawns in the mixture, leaving them to marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Remember not to marinate the prawns for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the protein in the prawns and make them tough.

Grilling to Perfection

Mastering the Grill

Grilling prawns is an art that requires some finesse. The key is to get the grill hot and ready before you start cooking. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat or use lump charcoal for better flavour. Direct heat is essential for getting that charred texture on your prawns, so make sure you place them directly on the grill grates.

To avoid overcooking your prawns, keep a close eye on them. They cook quickly, so don't wander off. Flip them over once they turn pink and start to curl up. You want them to be cooked through but still juicy and tender.

One way to add some texture and flavour to your grilled prawns is to brush them with a garlic butter sauce. This will give them a rich, buttery taste that complements the smoky flavour of the grill. You can also serve them with lemon wedges and crusty bread to round out the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled prawns are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even as part of a salad. They pair well with a variety of sides, such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

To make your grilled prawns stand out, try serving them with a garlic butter sauce. This will add a rich, buttery taste to the prawns and make them even more delicious. You can also serve them with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to keep prawns juicy while grilling?

The best way to keep prawns juicy while grilling is to avoid overcooking them. Prawns are delicate and cook quickly, so it's important to keep an eye on them while grilling. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, and then remove them from the heat immediately. Overcooking will cause them to become tough and rubbery.

Can you suggest a simple method for grilling prawns with their shells on?

Grilling prawns with their shells on is easy and adds extra flavour. First, brush the prawns with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and the shells are slightly charred. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of garlic butter.

What are some tasty accompaniments for grilled shrimp?

Grilled shrimp pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular options include garlic butter, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and mango salsa. You can also serve grilled shrimp with a side of rice or a salad for a complete meal.

Is it necessary to marinate prawns before grilling them?

While marinating prawns before grilling them is not necessary, it can add extra flavour and moisture to the prawns. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can work wonders. However, if you are short on time, you can skip the marinade and still have delicious grilled prawns.

How long should prawns be grilled to achieve the perfect doneness?

The perfect doneness for grilled prawns is achieved when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on a medium-high grill. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size of the prawns, so it's important to keep an eye on them while grilling.

Could you provide a tip for grilling prawns in a pan?

Grilling prawns in a pan is a great alternative to using a grill. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Serve with a side of garlic butter or your favourite sauce.