Bbq Grilled Prawns Recipe With Crispy Lemon Butter Sauce

Name: Bbq Grilled Prawns
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 90g unsalted butter; – 1/4 tsp salt; – 3 tsp finely chopped garlic; – 1.5 tbsp lemon juice (plus more to taste); – 500g large raw peeled and deveined shrimp or prawns; – 1 tsp garlic powder; – 1 tsp smoked paprika (plain or sweet); – 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; – 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional if cooking on stove); – 2 tbsp olive oil; – 1/2 tsp salt; – 1/4 tsp pepper; – 1 lemon, halved and grilled if desired; – Lemon wedges or slices; – 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

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Why You’ll Love This Bbq Grilled Prawns

Get your grill ready because these juicy, crispy BBQ grilled prawns will have you licking your fingers in no time. There is something magical about the combination of smoky heat from the grill and the fresh, zesty pop of lemon butter. It is a flavor explosion that feels fancy but comes together in a flash.

First off, the ease of preparation is unbeatable. We all have those nights where we want something delicious but dread spending hours in the kitchen. This barbecue prawns recipe is your savior. It requires minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time of just a few minutes on a hot grill. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests show up.

Beyond convenience, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse. Prawns are a lean source of protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Making this dish a nutritious choice that supports heart health and weight management means you can enjoy seconds without the guilt. It fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle for you and your family.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you are gluten-free, watching your calories, or just a picky eater, this prawn recipe adapts easily to various dietary needs. You can customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste or even find plant-based alternatives that mimic the texture beautifully.

Finally, the distinctive flavor is what sets this apart. The smoky char from the grill combined with a flavorful marinade gives these BBQ grilled prawns a unique, savory taste that stands out from typical seafood dishes. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time, turning a simple dinner into a memorable event around the table.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Bbq Grilled Prawns
2. Essential Ingredients for Bbq Grilled Prawns
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Bbq Grilled Prawns: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Bbq Grilled Prawns
5. Mastering Bbq Grilled Prawns: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Bbq Grilled Prawns: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Bbq Grilled Prawns
8. Bbq Grilled Prawns

Essential Ingredients for Bbq Grilled Prawns

To make the best crispy grilled shrimp with lemon butter sauce, you need to start with the right components. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. We have broken it down into the sauce and the shrimp so you can prep like a pro.

For the lemon garlic butter:

90g unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt
3 tsp finely chopped garlic
1.5 tbsp lemon juice (plus more to taste)

For the shrimp:

500g large raw peeled and deveined shrimp or prawns
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika (plain or sweet)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional if cooking on stove)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Optional for serving:

1 lemon, halved and grilled if desired
Lemon wedges or slices
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Check out this guide on selecting the freshest seafood to ensure your prawns are top-notch before you even turn on the heat.

Special Dietary Options

While this shrimp recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, you might want to switch things up. For a vegan option, use large king oyster mushrooms or thick slices of firm tofu to mimic the prawns. They absorb the marinade beautifully and grill up nicely. Just ensure your sauce ingredients align with your dietary preferences.

How to Prepare the Perfect Bbq Grilled Prawns: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the ultimate BBQ grilled prawns recipe is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you will have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. The key is to prep everything before the grill gets hot so you are not scrambling.

Step 1: Prep the Prawns

Start by peeling and deveining your 500g of large raw shrimp or prawns. Leave the tails on if you like them because they look great on the plate and make for easy handling. Pat them very dry with paper towels. This is crucial because wet shrimp will steam instead of getting that crispy char we all love.

Step 2: Season the Seafood

In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the optional lemon juice if you are cooking on the stove. Toss the prawns in this mixture until they are evenly coated. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to soak up those flavors.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter

While the prawns are marinating, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the finely chopped garlic and let it simmer gently for a minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and salt. This tangy lemon butter sauce for shrimp is liquid gold.

Step 4: Get the Grill Ready

Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat. If you are using charcoal, you want a nice bed of hot coals. If you are using gas, preheat to about 400°F. Clean the grates well and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Skewer for Success

Thread the seasoned prawns onto skewers. Using two skewers per row of prawns helps stabilize them and makes flipping much easier. This prevents them from spinning around when you try to turn them. If you are making the vegetarian version, do the same with your mushrooms or tofu.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You are looking for them to turn opaque and develop a slight char. Do not overcook them, or they will become rubbery. If you enjoy other grilled seafood, you might also love these butter grilled wahoo steaks for your next cookout.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the prawns from the grill and let them rest for just a couple of minutes. Place them on a serving platter and drizzle that warm lemon garlic butter sauce all over them. Garnish generously with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. Dig in while they are hot!

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Bbq Grilled Prawns

Cooking should be fun and flexible. One of the best things about this prawn recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever dietary needs or preferences you have. Whether you are cooking for a vegan friend or trying to cut back on calories, we have got you covered.

Protein Alternatives

If you or a guest does not eat shellfish, do not worry. You can replace prawns with scallops, which cook in a similar time frame and pair wonderfully with the lemon butter sauce. For a completely plant-based option, king oyster mushrooms are fantastic. They have a dense, meaty texture that holds up on the grill. Firm tofu cubes also work well, just press them well to remove excess water before marinating.

Sauce and Seasoning Swaps

Maybe you want to change the flavor profile. You can swap the smoked paprika for chili powder or cumin to give it a more southwestern vibe. If you need to keep it soy-free but miss that umami kick, try using a splash of coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in your marinade adjustments. For those watching sodium, simply reduce the salt in both the seasoning and the butter sauce. You will be surprised at how flavorful the garlic and lemon are on their own.

Mastering Bbq Grilled Prawns: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have made this recipe a few times, you might want to level up your game. Here are some pro tips to take your BBQ grilled prawns from great to absolutely extraordinary.

The Two-Zone Grilling Method

One of the best techniques for grilling seafood is the two-zone fire. This means piling your coals or turning on the burners on one side of the grill only, leaving the other side cooler. This gives you a safe zone. If your prawns are cooking too fast or flare-ups occur, you can move them to the cool side instantly. It gives you total control over the cooking speed and prevents drying out the prawns.

Basting for Extra Moisture

While the lemon butter sauce is usually a finishing sauce, you can reserve a small amount of it (without the lemon juice to prevent burning) to brush onto the prawns during the last minute of grilling. This adds an incredible layer of flavor and keeps the meat incredibly juicy. Just be careful because butter burns quickly over high heat!

Flavor Variations

Do not be afraid to experiment with herbs. Infuse your marinade with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a Mediterranean twist. If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chipotle powder to the mix for a smoky spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the prawns. To truly master your grill skills, you can read more about BBQ grilling techniques that apply to all kinds of proteins.

Presentation Matters

We eat with our eyes first. Serve your prawns on a rustic wooden plank or a bright-colored plate to make the colors pop. Garnish with thin lemon slices and a heavy sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. It makes the dish look like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen.

How to Store Bbq Grilled Prawns: Best Practices

Sometimes we cook a little too much, or perhaps you are prepping meals for the week ahead. Knowing how to properly store your leftovers ensures you can enjoy that delicious flavor later without sacrificing texture or safety.

Refrigeration

If you plan to eat the leftovers within a day or two, the fridge is your best friend. Place the grilled prawns in an airtight container. It is best to store them without the sauce to prevent them from getting soggy. Keep the sauce separate. Consume within 2 days to maintain the best texture and freshness.

Freezing for Later

For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled prawns in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much excess air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Without the Rubber

The biggest challenge with leftover shrimp is reheating it without turning it into rubber. The best method is to reheat gently. You can warm them in a skillet over very low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. Alternatively, use the microwave at medium power in short bursts. Just be careful not to overheat them.

Meal Prep Magic

These prawns are excellent for meal prep. Portion them out into individual containers along with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or some grilled veggies. This makes assembling lunch or dinner a breeze. Having a high-protein meal ready to go keeps you on track with your healthy eating goals without sacrificing taste.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Bbq Grilled Prawns

What is the main difference between prawns and shrimp?

Prawns and shrimp are often used interchangeably, but they belong to different suborders of crustaceans. The key difference lies in their gill structure, claw size, and body shape. In the US and Canada, the term “shrimp” is commonly used for both, while most other countries use “prawns.” For cooking purposes, both can be prepared similarly, though prawns are generally larger with a slightly sweeter flavor.

How long should I grill prawns on a BBQ for the best results?

Grill prawns on medium-high heat for about 4 minutes total—approximately 2 minutes on each side. Overcooking can make them tough, so aim for an opaque, firm texture with a slight char. Adding a lemon garlic butter sauce after grilling enhances flavor and keeps the prawns moist.

Should I marinate prawns before grilling, and for how long?

It’s best not to marinate prawns for too long as this can draw out moisture and result in a rubbery texture. A quick 5 to 10-minute seasoning with spices, herbs, or a light marinade is enough to infuse flavor without compromising juiciness. Apply seasoning shortly before grilling to maintain the best texture.

What’s the best way to prevent prawns from falling through the grill grates?

To keep prawns secure while grilling, thread them onto skewers—using two parallel skewers per row works well to stabilize the prawns and makes flipping easier. Alternatively, use a grill basket designed for small seafood pieces to avoid losing any prawns through the grates.

How can I serve BBQ grilled prawns for a delicious and appealing meal?

Serve grilled prawns immediately, topped with a drizzle of lemon garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. Include lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. Pair with crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce and a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete, flavorful meal.