If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish, grilled prawns are a great option. Not only are they packed with flavour, but they're also a healthy choice for those looking to cut down on red meat. Grilling prawns is a quick and simple process that yields a tasty and impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion.
To prepare your prawns for grilling, you'll need to start by cleaning and deveining them. Once they're ready to go, you can marinate them in your favourite seasoning or sauce to add extra flavour. When it's time to grill, you'll want to make sure that your grill is hot and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Grilled prawns are best served hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Key Takeaways
- Grilled prawns are a healthy and delicious seafood option that's perfect for any occasion.
- To prepare prawns for grilling, start by cleaning and deveining them and marinating them in your favourite seasoning or sauce.
- When grilling prawns, make sure your grill is hot and well-oiled to prevent sticking, and serve them hot off the grill with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Preparing the Prawns
Before you start grilling your prawns, it is important to prepare them properly. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have the best flavour possible. Here are the steps you need to follow to prepare your prawns:
Selecting Quality Prawns
The first step in preparing your prawns is to select high-quality seafood. Look for prawns that are firm to the touch and have a shiny appearance. Avoid prawns that have a strong fishy smell or are discoloured.
Deveining and Cleaning
Once you have selected your prawns, it's time to clean them. Start by removing the head and shell. Then, using a small knife, make a shallow cut along the back of the prawn and remove the vein. Rinse the prawns under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
Marinating for Flavour
Marinating your prawns is a great way to add flavour to your dish. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a delicious marinade. Some popular options include lemon juice, olive oil, garlic butter, soy sauce, and spices.
To marinate your prawns, simply mix your chosen ingredients together in a bowl and add the prawns. Make sure that each prawn is coated in the marinade and then cover the bowl with cling film. Leave the prawns to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavours to develop.
Grilling and Serving
Achieving the Perfect Char
Grilling prawns is all about achieving the perfect char. To do this, you'll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450°F). If you're using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your prawns onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning.
Once your grill is hot, place your prawns directly onto the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are bright pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Sides and Accompaniments
When it comes to serving your grilled prawns, there are plenty of sides and accompaniments that pair well with this dish. A simple side salad or some grilled veggies can be a great way to balance out the richness of the prawns. You could also serve them with some rice or polenta to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when it comes to serving grilled prawns. One simple way to make them look more appetizing is to serve them with some fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This will not only add some colour to the dish but also provide a burst of fresh flavour.
If you're looking to take things up a notch, try serving your prawns on a bed of crusty bread or with some lobster for a truly indulgent meal. You could also skewer your prawns and serve them as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to keep prawns juicy while grilling?
To keep prawns juicy while grilling, it's important not to overcook them. Prawns cook quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque. You can also marinate them in a mixture of oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling to add moisture and flavour.
Can you share a recipe for Indian style grilled prawns?
For Indian style grilled prawns, you can marinate the prawns in a mixture of yoghurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chilli powder for at least an hour before grilling. Skewer the prawns and grill them over medium-high heat until they are pink and opaque. Serve with a side of mint chutney for added flavour.
How long should prawns be grilled in the oven?
To grill prawns in the oven, preheat the oven to 200°C and place the prawns on a baking sheet. Grill for 5-7 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook.
What are some tasty marinades for BBQ prawns?
Some tasty marinades for BBQ prawns include a mixture of oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can also try a spicy marinade with chilli flakes, cumin, and coriander.
Is it better to grill prawns with the shell on or off?
It's a matter of personal preference, but grilling prawns with the shell on can help keep them moist and add flavour. Just be sure to remove the shell before eating.
What are some good sides to serve with grilled prawns?
Some good sides to serve with grilled prawns include a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of rice pilaf. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as garlic butter or aioli, for added flavour.