If you’re searching for the ultimate summer showstopper, BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is your answer. Imagine tender prawns grilled to perfection, deliciously infused with zesty lemon, a touch of garlic, and just the right amount of chilli heat. This recipe is lightning-fast and incredibly simple, yet it tastes like you’ve conjured up an oceanside feast right in your own backyard. BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli is all about bold, sunny flavors, just enough heat, and that irresistible charred finish that takes seafood to new heights.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component brings its own magic: brightness, depth, color, or that extra pop you crave in every mouthful. Here’s what you’ll need to make it unforgettable:
- Prawns (1 ½ pounds, large, raw, peeled and deveined, tails on): Choose fresh, plump prawns for the juiciest bite and best texture—they truly soak up the marinade.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds silkiness to the marinade and helps the prawns achieve that golden, blistered finish on the grill.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic delivers pungency and depths of flavor that simply can’t be faked.
- Red Chilli Flakes (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Brings the subtle heat; feel free to dial it up or down as you like.
- Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Both the zest and juice create a tangy burst of freshness absolutely essential to this dish.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Provides color and an herby lift that balances all those bigger flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances every ingredient and lets all those summery flavors sing.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): Squeezing fresh lemon over at the end wakes up the whole dish—never skip this!
How to Make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, red chilli flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This aromatic marinade is the heartbeat of our BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli—every component melds to create layer upon layer of vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Gently add your prawns to the bowl and toss well so they’re thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This bit of patience rewards you with prawns that soak up all that garlicky, lemony, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Heat the Grill
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you like, thread the prawns onto skewers (metal ones work great, but if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first so they don’t burn). This makes for super easy flipping and a gorgeous presentation.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Lay the marinated prawns on the grill. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink, opaque, and develop those irresistible char marks. Avoid overcooking—prawns cook quickly, and you want them juicy and tender, not rubbery. If you want an extra splash of flavor, baste them with any leftover marinade as they grill.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, transfer the prawns to a serving plate. Sprinkle over more chopped parsley and serve immediately with plenty of lemon wedges. The finishing touches deliver the final zing to your BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli.
How to Serve BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra lemon wedges are all you need for the perfect garnish. The burst of green and citrus brightens up each plate, giving every bite just the right amount of freshness to balance out the garlic and chilli.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with a side of fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad with greens, cucumber, and a citrusy vinaigrette. The light, summery flavors of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli pair beautifully with sides that don’t overwhelm, but rather complement and soak up all those incredible juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread prawns onto skewers for effortless sharing or pile them onto a platter with charred lemon halves and a scattering of fresh herbs. For a party, serve the prawns in lettuce cups for a fun, finger-food twist, or over toasted bread as a zesty tapas dish. BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are as versatile as your imagination allows!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover prawns, transfer them to an airtight container and chill promptly. BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, making them a great addition to salads or grain bowls later in the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked prawns, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the uncooked, marinated prawns in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and grill as usual for peak flavor.
Reheating
To gently reheat leftover prawns, use a skillet over low heat or a quick zap in the microwave (30 seconds is plenty). Overheating can make prawns tough, so just warm them enough to take the chill off. Enjoy right away for best results.
FAQs
Can I make BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli indoors?
Absolutely! If weather keeps you indoors, use a grill pan or even a broiler to achieve lovely charred edges and juicy prawns. The recipe is just as fabulous, no matter how you cook them.
Do I need to peel the prawns before grilling?
Prawns with tails on are perfect for this recipe since they’re easy to handle and look gorgeous. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best eating experience and marinading efficiency.
How spicy are BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?
The dish has a gentle, satisfying warmth from the red chilli flakes, but you can certainly adjust the spice level. If you love extra heat, increase the chilli; for those who prefer mild, reduce it slightly or leave it out altogether.
What type Main Course
You can use a charcoal, gas, or electric grill—whatever you have on hand works well. The key is to preheat it to medium-high heat before adding the prawns so you get that lovely sear without overcooking.
Can I use frozen prawns for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli?
Definitely. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This ensures the marinade sticks and the prawns grill properly, giving you every bit of flavor you expect from this dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about firing up the grill and sharing platters of BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli with people you love. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a hit of sunshine, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for easy, unforgettable seafood at home!
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BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These BBQ grilled prawns with garlic, lemon, and chili are a perfect blend of flavors for a summer seafood delight. The zesty marinade infuses the prawns with a burst of Mediterranean taste, creating a dish that is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds large raw prawns or shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes, or to taste
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the prawns: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add prawns, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Skewer prawns if desired.
- Grill the prawns: Grill for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and charred.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
- Baste prawns with marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
- Pair with rice, grilled veggies, or a salad.
- Use metal skewers or soak wooden ones before grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg