Grilled prawns can rival any restaurant dish and take just minutes to prepare at home. Their tender, succulent texture paired with a slightly charred exterior delivers an impressive meal without complicated techniques or fancy ingredients.
You might prefer classic garlic butter prawns or want to try BBQ prawn recipes. Becoming skilled at this seafood favorite is easier than you think. A hot grill turns fresh prawns into a delicious main course in less than 10 minutes.
This piece shows you everything you need to know about creating the perfect grilled prawns recipe. You’ll discover proper preparation techniques, ideal cooking times, and flavorful marinade options that ensure restaurant-worthy results every time you cook.
Table of Contents
Why Grilled Prawns Are a Must-Try Dish
Need a protein-rich meal that tastes great and keeps you healthy? Grilled prawns could become your next favorite dish. These versatile crustaceans match the protein content of red meat or poultry but contain just 115 calories per 100 grams – half of chicken’s calories and a third of beef’s.
Grilled prawns pack impressive nutritional value. A single 100-gram serving gives you about half of your daily recommended protein intake. You’ll also get high levels of vitamin B6, B12, and niacin that boost energy and help build lean muscle.
Grilling makes prawns taste amazing because:
- The intense, smoky flavor improves their natural sweetness.
- Quick cooking time fits busy weeknight meals.
- The outside gets crispy while the inside stays tender.
Grilled prawns give your body exactly what it needs. They contain zinc that helps regulate appetite and fat storage. The selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant that strengthens your teeth, hair, and nails while fighting free radicals.
Your grilled prawns’ pink color comes from astaxanthin, a compound that reduces inflammation and might lower heart disease risk. The omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy cardiovascular system and help your organs function properly.
Weight-conscious food lovers will love prawns. The low saturated fat content combines with complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. People who want a toned, muscular body can make a smart switch from their usual protein sources to grilled prawns.
The possibilities seem endless with prawns. Simple garlic butter or exotic spice blends work great while preserving their natural sweetness. The grill’s high heat creates deep, smoky notes that make each bite better.
Read also: Grilled Pompano Fish
What You Need for the Best Grilled Prawns Recipe
The perfect grilled prawns start with gathering the right ingredients and tools. Let’s explore what you need to make this delicious seafood dish.
Essential Ingredients:
- Large or jumbo prawns (500g/1 lb) – fresh or good quality frozen.
- Unsalted butter (90g/6 tbsp).
- Fresh garlic cloves (3 tsp, finely chopped).
- Olive oil for coating.
- Lemon juice (1.5 tbsp).
- Simple seasonings: salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Your choice of prawns makes a big difference. Fresh prawns taste amazing, but high-quality frozen ones work just as well for everyday cooking. Large or jumbo-sized prawns give the best results on the grill because they’re easier to handle and won’t slip through the grates.
Essential Tools for Success: A good setup will give a smooth grilling experience. You need a reliable grill or grill pan as your cooking surface. Silicone-tipped barbecue tongs help protect the delicate prawns. An instant-read thermometer helps achieve perfect doneness every time.
You can use an oil mister to coat your grill grates and prevent sticking. A fish grill basket with a non-stick finish helps keep prawns secure on the grill.
Hardwood grill planks can lift your dish to new heights – you’ll find them in cedar, maple, cherry, and hickory varieties. These planks create a safe cooking surface and add a subtle smoky flavor to your prawns.
Marinade Essentials: Full-fat yogurt works as your secret ingredient for the most flavorful results. It keeps the prawns juicy and adds rich flavor. Mix it with:
- Fresh garlic (minced).
- Lemon juice.
- Chopped fresh herbs.
- Your choice of seasonings.
Keep a large serving platter ready for your finished prawns and some extra lemon wedges for serving. This preparation will help you create perfect grilled prawns whenever you want.
Read also: Kingklip Fish Recipe
How to grill prawns
Becoming skilled at grilling prawns requires proper preparation and precise timing. These steps will help you grill perfect prawns consistently.
Prepare the Prawns: Peel and devein the prawns, then marinate them for 15-30 minutes to boost flavor.
Paper towels should be used to pat your prawns dry for proper searing. The best results come from prawns no smaller than 15-20 size (meaning 15-20 prawns per pound).
Your preparation sequence should be:
- Remove the shells (except for the tail if desired).
- Make a long incision down the back with a sharp knife.
- Remove the black vein while rinsing under cold water.
- Pat dry again and add your chosen marinade.
- Let rest for 15-30 minutes, but no longer to prevent watery texture.
Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
The grill should reach 350-450°F for direct cooking. Charcoal grill users should pile up a full chimney of hot coals under one half of the grill. The grill needs at least 15 minutes to heat up before cooking.
Your prawns should be placed on the hot grill grates and cooked for approximately 2-2½ minutes per side. Even cooking requires spreading prawns across the grill and adding them simultaneously.
Check Doneness: Prawns should curl into a “C” shape and be firm to the touch when fully cooked.
Perfect prawns show these signs of doneness:
- An opaque white color on the outside with pink tones.
- A firm texture to the touch.
- A curved “C” shape.
- Internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as recommended by USDA.
Cutting one open can confirm doneness – the interior should match the whitish exterior color and be completely opaque. The total cooking time should not exceed 5 minutes, as prawns become tough and rubbery when overcooked.
Pro Tip: Smaller prawns that might fall through the grates should be threaded onto skewers before grilling. This makes flipping and removing them from the heat easier.
Grilled Prawns Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Make your backyard BBQ a gourmet experience with this simple yet flavorful grilled prawns recipe. The classic combination of garlic and lemon pairs perfectly with the smoky charm of outdoor grilling.
This BBQ grilled prawns recipe showcases jumbo prawns in a zesty marinade of garlic, lemon, and olive oil. The prawns are grilled until they develop a slightly crispy exterior while staying tender and juicy inside.
Ingredients
- 18–24 very large prawns (cleaned and deveined).
- 50g red wine vinegar.
- 30g olive oil.
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed.
- 1 lemon (finely zested and cut into wedges).
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Mix vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings to create your marinade.
- Add prawns to a baking dish and pour the marinade over them to coat evenly.
- The prawns need to be refrigerated for 20-30 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through marinating.
- Your grill should be preheated to 230°C (450°F) during the marinating time.
- Place prawns on the hot grill and brush them with the remaining marinade.
- Each side needs 2-3 minutes until the prawns turn completely orange.
- Serve the prawns immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
– Shell-on Tip: Marinate shell-side down first if leaving shells on.
– Temperature Check: The prawns should sizzle when they touch the grill.
– Doneness Indicator: Properly cooked prawns feel firm and show an orange color.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
Adding Flavor with Marinades for Grilled Prawns
Creating irresistible grilled prawns starts with becoming skilled at marination. Prawns naturally have a mild flavor. The right marinade can change them into a taste sensation that will make your guests ask for seconds.
The Perfect Timing Matters Your dish’s success depends on marinade timing. To get the best results, let your prawns soak in the marinade for 15-30 minutes. The acid in citrus-based marinades can start cooking the prawns and make them tough, so don’t exceed 2 hours.
Essential Marinade Components Every great prawn marinade needs three elements:
- Oil – helps preserve moisture and prevents sticking to the grill.
- Acid (citrus or vinegar) – adds brightness and helps tenderize.
- Seasonings – provides depth of flavor.
Winning Flavor Combinations These tested marinade combinations bring out your grilled prawns’ best flavors:
- Classic Mediterranean: Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Asian-inspired: Soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili powder.
- Spicy Citrus: Worcestershire sauce, garlic, dijon mustard, and fresh citrus.
Your prawns will absorb maximum flavor in a large resealable plastic bag with the marinade. Note that you should reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding raw prawns if you plan to baste while grilling.
Pro Tips for Marinating Place your marinade bag in a dish while refrigerating to prevent leaks. Even a quick 15-minute marinade can make a big difference in flavor. Your preferred marinade base can become spicier with cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Frozen prawns must be completely thawed before marinating. This helps better flavor absorption and ensures even cooking on the grill. Your marinade can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but add it to the prawns only when you’re ready to start cooking.
Prawns’ delicate flavor needs a marinade that improves rather than overpowers their natural sweetness. A well-balanced marinade complements the prawns while letting their own flavor shine through.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Prawns
Want to lift your grilled prawns from a simple dish to an impressive meal? This seafood favorite’s versatility lets you create countless delicious combinations for any occasion.
A refreshing salad makes a perfect match for grilled prawns in summer meals. Seasonal vegetables with a tangy citrus dressing create magic. Your prawns on top of a crisp green salad become the perfect light lunch or dinner choice during warm weather.
Classic Side Pairings That Never Fail:
- Grilled corn on the cob for a complete BBQ experience.
- Fresh potato salad for a hearty touch.
- Crispy coleslaw for added crunch.
- Rice dishes for a filling meal.
- Grilled vegetables for a healthy option.
Your grilled prawns taste amazing over Mediterranean-inspired couscous or with pasta dishes for substantial meals. These heartier options shine especially when you have cooler months and need something more filling.
A stunning appetizer platter awaits your guests. Place your grilled prawns on a large serving board. Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges add visual appeal and extra flavor. This style works great at parties where guests serve themselves.
Your hot grill opens up more possibilities for a complete BBQ experience. Vegetable skewers or corn in foil packets cook perfectly alongside your prawns. You’ll save on cleanup and everything gets that wonderful smoky flavor.
Pro Tip: Different textures and temperatures create interest in grilled prawns as a main course. Cool salads or room-temperature sides complement warm prawns beautifully. Summer entertaining becomes casual yet impressive with this approach.
Rice bowls or taco-style presentations add a fusion twist to your grilled prawns. These modern serving styles create fun, interactive dining perfect for casual gatherings or family meals.
You may like: Mediterranean Grilled Branzino
Note that dipping sauces make grilled prawns even more exciting. Classic cocktail sauce, tangy cilantro lime, or rich bacon aioli turn simple grilled prawns into a customizable feast. Your guests will love having options.
Health Benefits of Grilled Prawns
Grilled prawns taste amazing and pack a powerful nutritional punch that makes them perfect for health-conscious food lovers. A lean protein source, they contain just 115 calories per 100 grams – half the calories of chicken and a third of beef.
Your body gets all nine essential amino acids from prawns’ impressive protein content, which helps with muscle repair and immune function. Each 100-gram serving gives you about 19 grams of protein, making them great for building and maintaining muscle mass.
These essential nutrients are packed into every serving of grilled prawns:
- 11% of your daily calcium needs.
- 15% of your recommended iron intake.
- 33% of your daily phosphorus requirement.
- 20% of your zinc needs.
- 25% of your selenium requirement.
Grilled prawns are excellent for heart health. They might contain cholesterol, but they’re low in saturated fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce heart disease risk. These omega-3s are great for your brain health and cognitive function, and they might even improve your mood and memory.
Weight-conscious people love prawns because they’re naturally low in calories yet protein-rich. This helps you feel full and satisfied, so you’re less likely to overeat. Prawns’ zinc content connects directly to leptin, a hormone that controls your appetite and fat storage.
The high levels of iodine in prawns boost your thyroid health by controlling thyroid hormones and supporting metabolism. On top of that, selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant that strengthens your teeth, hair, and nails while fighting harmful free radicals in your body.
That beautiful pink color you see comes from astaxanthin, an antioxidant compound with impressive health benefits. This natural pigment protects against inflammation and might lower your risk of certain chronic diseases. Research shows that astaxanthin could strengthen your arteries and boost levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which leads to better heart health.
Reference: Healthline
Brain Health Bonus: Prawns’ omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants protect your brain cells from damage that often causes memory loss and neurodegenerative conditions. Each delicious bite of grilled prawns supports both your brain and body health.
Nutrition Facts of Grilled Prawns
The nutritional profile of grilled prawns can help you plan your meals better and control your portions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each serving of this tasty seafood offers.
A standard 100-gram serving of grilled prawns contains approximately:
- 102-103 calories.
- 23.5 grams of protein.
- 0.9 grams of total fat.
- 0 grams of carbohydrates.
A typical serving of six grilled prawns (42g) gives you:
- 43 calories.
- 9.9 grams of protein.
- 0.4 grams of fat.
These grilled prawns pack essential fats and nutrients:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 140g per serving.
- Cholesterol: 193mg.
- Potassium: 181mg.
- Calcium: 59mg.
A standard 85-gram portion delivers these vital minerals:
- Iron: 0.3mg.
- Calcium: 77mg.
- Potassium: 144.5mg.
- Sodium: 805mg.
The healthy fat composition in grilled prawns includes:
- Saturated fat: 0.2g.
- Polyunsaturated fat: 0.3g.
- Monounsaturated fat: 0.1g.
You can burn 100 calories from grilled prawns through:
- 24 minutes of walking at 5km/h.
- 9 minutes of running at 10km/h.
- 14 minutes of bicycling at 16km/h.
A cup serving (238 grams) gives you:
- 236 calories.
- 57 grams of protein.
- 0.7 grams of fat.
- 0.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Grilled prawns are rich in B vitamins and trace minerals. They contain 22 times more vitamin E than chicken or beef. The prawns’ pink color comes from astaxanthin, a beneficial compound they get from algae in their natural diet.
These prawns make an excellent choice for calorie-controlled diets because they’re low in calories and high in protein. You can increase your protein intake without adding extra calories or fats to your meals.
You may like: Japanese Grilled Fish
Conclusion
Grilled prawns deliver the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor. You can prepare them quickly, serve them in various ways, and benefit from their impressive health properties. These qualities make them an ideal choice for everyday meals and special occasions.
Your grilled prawn success relies on proper preparation, precise timing, and the right marinade choices. These seafood delights need just 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. This cooking time makes them faster than most proteins while offering better nutritional value.
The health benefits are clear. These crustaceans pack protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals that support muscle growth and brain function. Their low calorie content and high protein levels help you maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
Simple marinades and classic pairings work best for beginners. As your confidence grows, you can explore different flavor combinations. These versatile crustaceans complement fresh salads and grilled vegetables perfectly, and they’ll soon become a staple in your cooking routine.
