Get ready for a show-stopping seafood centerpiece: Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon. This is truly An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, bursting with smoky flavors, bright citrus, and irresistible juiciness. The magic lies in the simple marinade and just a quick turn on the grill, letting the sweet, briny prawns shine. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or craving a taste of the Mediterranean at home, this recipe is guaranteed to create memories and have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to make An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Each one plays a special role, from adding depth and heat to delivering that signature zesty pop.
- King prawns (2 pounds, shells on and deveined): These are the star of the show—choose large, fresh prawns for juicy texture and bold seafood flavor.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): A Mediterranean classic that helps the marinade cling to the prawns and keeps them moist on the grill.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that infuses the prawns as they marinate.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides essential tang and brightness, balancing the richness of the prawns.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the lemony aroma and gives each bite a lively, fresh taste.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color, enhancing the grilled effect.
- Chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate—add more or less to taste.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled on at the end, parsley adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy, as the prawns can handle it!
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Squeeze over just before eating for an extra hit of citrus and juiciness.
How to Make An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Prawns
Start by rinsing your king prawns under cold water, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures the marinade will stick and helps you achieve that perfect char later. Keeping the shells on not only boosts flavor, but also protects the delicate flesh from overcooking on the grill.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. This quick, robust marinade is the secret behind An Incredible Ultimate Recipe—it infuses every prawn with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Prawns
Place the prawns in a large bowl, pour the marinade over, and toss gently to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. If you have a little extra time, marinate up to 2 hours—just don’t go longer, as the acid from the lemon can start to cure the prawns.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Arrange the prawns directly on the hot grill (or thread onto skewers for easier flipping).
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Cook the prawns for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a lovely pink color, a touch of char, and flesh that’s opaque but still juicy. Don’t overcook—they’ll finish quickly! As soon as they’re ready, transfer to a platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Arrange the prawns on a serving dish with plenty of lemon wedges. The combination of smoky grill marks, herby brightness, and a squeeze of fresh lemon is what makes this An Incredible Ultimate Recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a shower of flaky sea salt take these char-grilled king prawns from great to unforgettable. Always serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing—citrus is the finishing touch that brings all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
These prawns are perfect with a hunk of crusty bread to mop up the zesty juices, or a crisp green salad tossed with olive oil and vinegar. For a feast, pair with grilled vegetables or a bright Mediterranean grain salad—each side highlights a different element of An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the prawns onto skewers for a fun, party-ready presentation, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board for a family-style meal. For appetizers, serve individually with toothpicks and a little bowl of lemon aioli. However you plate them, these prawns always impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The prawns will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, ready to be tossed into salads or pasta for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked prawns cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat prawns gently in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the prawns rubbery. A quick reheat on the grill also works beautifully to revive that smoky flavor.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of king prawns?
Absolutely! Large shrimp work just as well in An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as shrimp may cook even faster than king prawns.
Should I peel the prawns before grilling?
Leaving the shells on adds extra flavor and helps protect the meat from drying out. If you prefer, you can peel after grilling for easier eating, but try grilling with shells at least once for the full experience.
Is it okay to marinate the prawns overnight?
It’s best not to marinate for more than 2 hours. The acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the prawn’s texture and make them mushy. For An Incredible Ultimate Recipe, stick to 20–30 minutes for perfect results.
Can this be made indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. You’ll still get that charred flavor and beautiful grill marks that define An Incredible Ultimate Recipe.
What’s the best way to devein prawns?
Use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back, then gently pull out the dark vein with the tip of the knife or a toothpick. Many fishmongers will do this for you if you ask!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something special, look no further than An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. These char-grilled king prawns are a celebration of great ingredients and simple techniques, guaranteed to brighten your table and wow your taste buds. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and give this a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring char-grilled king prawns marinated in lemon, garlic, and smoky paprika. Perfectly cooked on the grill, these succulent prawns offer a smoky char and zesty freshness, making them an ideal main course or appetizer for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 pounds king prawns, shells on and deveined
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Rinse the king prawns under cold water and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl to get ready for marinating.
- Make the Marinade: In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, chili flakes if using, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Prawns: Pour the marinade over the prawns in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly ensuring every prawn is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to char the prawns without overcooking.
- Grill the Prawns: Place the prawns directly on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink with lovely grill marks, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until just cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove the prawns from the grill, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley, and arrange on a serving platter. Offer lemon wedges on the side for extra zest at the table. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For more pronounced flavor, marinate the prawns for up to 2 hours but avoid longer as the acids can start curing the seafood excessively.
- These char-grilled prawns complement crusty bread, fresh green salads, or grilled vegetables wonderfully for a complete meal.
- Using skewers can make grilling easier and prevent the prawns from falling through the grill grates.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and dairy-free, fitting well into Paleo diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 pound prawns
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 240 mg
