Imagine that irresistible aroma of sizzling seafood weaving through the air—vivid bursts of citrus, garlicky undertones, and a playful kick of chilli mingling on your plate. That’s exactly what you get with BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. It’s a sunny, flavor-packed feast made for sharing, shining with bold Mediterranean notes and heartwarming Australian BBQ spirit! Each bite offers succulent prawn nestled in a zesty, herb-studded marinade, finished with just the right smack of heat. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving something quick-but-special, this dish delivers the freshness and wow factor you want every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be amazed at just how short and simple the ingredient list is for such an impressive dish! Each component plays a unique and crucial role—whether it’s brightening up the flavor profile, adding texture, or giving that classic BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe color and flair.
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw prawns (or shrimp), peeled and deveined, tails on: Choose fresh, plump prawns for the sweetest flavor and juiciest texture.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Acts as the base for the marinade and keeps the prawns luscious and moist during grilling.
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced: Delivers robust savory notes that permeate every bite.
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat): Lends just the right level of zing and color—adjust the seeds for spiciness!
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Brings intense citrus fragrance and brightness you taste immediately.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lifts and lightens, giving the prawns a subtle tang that keeps things fresh.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Pops of herbal vibrancy and color—don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the prawns.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and depth to the marinade, rounding out the taste.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: Essential for adding that final zesty touch tableside.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chilli, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it looks emulsified and you can really smell those garlicky, citrusy notes coming alive. This marinade isn’t just about flavor; it’s also the key to keeping your prawns tender and juicy while they cook.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Toss your raw, cleaned prawns into the bowl, making sure every nook and cranny is coated with that vibrant marinade. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and pop into the fridge to marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick marinade infuses the prawns with bold flavors without making them mushy—just enough time to prep your grill and gather friends!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your prawns are soaking up all those gorgeous flavors, preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers for easy flipping, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 20 minutes first. This small step prevents any unwanted charring or burning!
Step 4: Thread and Grill the Prawns
Once marinated, thread the prawns onto skewers (if you’d like a bit more control while grilling). Place them on the hot grill, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for just-done: the prawns should turn delightfully pink and opaque, with those beautiful, lightly charred edges. Brush with extra marinade while grilling for even more flavor if you like!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Quickly transfer your cooked prawns to a serving platter and drizzle any leftover marinade over the top. Scatter with a bit of extra fresh parsley and a few squeezes from your lemon wedges. The result? A gloriously fresh BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe ready to be devoured.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
No dish this tempting is complete without some visual flair! Add a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for color, a few more turns of cracked black pepper, and plenty of lemon wedges on the side. The BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe practically begs for that extra spritz of citrus just before eating. If you want a dash of heat, tuck in a few thin slices of fresh red chilli for garnish too.
Side Dishes
You can keep it light with a crisp green salad or go full-on summery with bowls of fluffy rice or warm, charred flatbreads. These prawns are sensational alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. For an unforgettable BBQ feast, pair them with potato salad, a herby couscous, or even buttery corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer the prawns and serve upright in a rustic wooden board for easy, eye-catching finger food, or tumble them elegantly over a salad for a fresh lunch. For a dramatic dinner plate, simply fan the prawns around a mound of herbed rice with a zesty lemon wedge perched on top. The magic of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is that it looks every bit as impressive as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe left over (I’d be surprised!), simply pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making them a perfect topper for salads or quick grain bowls the next day.
Freezing
Freezing works best if you freeze the prawns raw in their marinade; this means that when you’re ready to eat, all that’s left to do is grill! However, if you’ve already cooked them, layer them between parchment sheets in a freezer-proof container. Try to eat within a month for best texture when reheated.
Reheating
To keep your prawns from turning rubbery, reheat gently: a quick toss in a hot skillet, or a short zapping in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel, works wonders. Only heat until just warmed through. These prawns are also fantastic cold, so don’t be shy about slicing leftovers into a fresh salad!
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! This marinade is equally delicious with shrimp, scallops, or even chunks of firm white fish. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your seafood for the true BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe experience.
Is this recipe spicy?
You’re in control! With the seeds removed from the red chilli, the heat is quite minimal—more fragrant than fiery. If you like things hotter, simply leave in some seeds or add an extra half chilli to the marinade.
Do I need to marinate the prawns, or can I cook them right away?
Marinating is a quick but essential step for this BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe—it infuses every morsel with depth and moisture. Even a 20-minute marinade makes a huge difference, so don’t skip it if you want maximum flavor!
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this marinade?
Definitely! Try tossing halloumi, firm tofu, or even thick slices of zucchini in the same marinade before grilling. You’ll get those same punchy flavors—just minus the seafood.
Can I cook the prawns indoors if I don’t have a barbecue?
For sure! A grill pan or even a very hot regular skillet will do the trick. Simply follow the same instructions, cooking over medium-high heat until the prawns are just opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to impress your guests—and honestly, yourself—with these fabulous BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Whether it’s a big outdoor bash or an impromptu weeknight treat, this recipe delivers flavor, color, and pure summery joy with every bite. Give it a try, and watch it become a star of your grill season!