The aroma of Barbecued King Prawns wafts through the air, igniting a flame of anticipation in everyone nearby. Imagine juicy, tender prawns, marinated to perfection and kissed by smoke, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
I remember the first time I made these delightful morsels for my family at a summer barbecue. The sizzling sound made everyone rush to the grill, their mouths watering in eager expectation. Little did I know, this would become our go-to dish for every family gathering.
Why You'll Love This Barbecued King Prawns
- This incredible Barbecued King Prawns transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
Every time I whip up these Barbecued King Prawns, I can always count on my friends’ eyes lighting up as they take their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh King Prawns: Opt for large, plump prawns with firm shells for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the marinade’s richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punchy flavor that elevates the prawns significantly.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Paprika: Smoky paprika gives a beautiful color and an earthy depth to your prawns.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the wonderful flavors in this dish.
- Fresh Herbs (like parsley or cilantro): Chopped herbs add freshness and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Barbecued King Prawns
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse.
Marinate the Prawns: Add fresh king prawns to your marinade and toss them gently until each prawn is thoroughly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this allows flavors to seep in deeply.
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Make sure it’s hot enough to create beautiful grill marks but not so hot that it burns your prawns quickly.
Grill the Prawns: Place each prawn on the grill grates carefully. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and have lovely charred marks—this is where magic happens!
Add Fresh Herbs: Once off the grill, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over your prawns for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color. It’s like giving your dish a stylish new outfit!
Serve Hot: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over those succulent prawns; it’s pure bliss on a plate!
Now you’re equipped with everything you need to impress family and friends with these fantastic Barbecued King Prawns! Enjoy every bite as they take you on a flavorful journey.
You Must Know About Barbecued King Prawns
- This showstopping Barbecued King Prawns delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Starting with a hot grill ensures those beautiful char marks. Marinate the prawns while preheating the grill. Once ready, skewer the prawns for easier flipping and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with marinades! Swap the garlic and lemon for chili and lime or add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate your dish’s flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Barbecued King Prawns
- This professional-quality Barbecued King Prawns relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Sharing my first experience grilling prawns brings back delightful memories of smoky aromas wafting through my backyard, while friends declared me a culinary genius after just one bite.
FAQ
What type of prawns are best for barbecuing?
For barbecuing, large king prawns are ideal because they hold up well on skewers and offer a meaty texture that enhances grilling flavors. Look for fresh or frozen prawns that are pinkish-grey when raw, as they indicate freshness.
How long should I marinate barbecued king prawns?
Marinating king prawns for 30 minutes is usually enough time to infuse them with flavor without compromising their texture. If left too long, they can become mushy due to the acidity in marinades.
Can I use frozen king prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw them properly overnight in the fridge or under cold running water before marinating to achieve that perfect grilled taste.
What sides pair well with barbecued king prawns?
Pair these succulent prawns with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread; they bring out seafood’s delightful flavors while providing a lovely contrast in texture and color!
Conclusion for Barbecued King Prawns
Barbecued King Prawns can transform any gathering into a memorable feast with their vibrant flavors and stunning presentation. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll impress your friends and family while enjoying every bite yourself! Remember that experimentation is key—don’t be afraid to add your personal touch! Happy grilling!
Barbecued King Prawns
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Barbecued King Prawns, perfect for your next summer gathering or cozy dinner. These juicy prawns are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a smoky finish. Ready in under an hour, this dish promises to impress with its vibrant presentation and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh king prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the king prawns to the marinade and toss gently until well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Grill the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and have nice grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving hot with lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 prawns (100g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
