There’s something undeniably thrilling about gathering around a barbecue as the sun dips low and the air fills with delicious aromas. One dish that never fails to steal the show are these BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns. Imagine the succulent sweetness of fresh prawns, perfectly charred on the grill, bathed in a rich, spicy garlic butter that dances on your taste buds. With each bite, the heat from fiery bird’s eye chillies kicks in, balanced by a splash of fresh lemon that brightens the flavor profile.
What’s even better? This dish is not just impressive to serve but also incredibly quick to whip up, making it ideal for spontaneous summer gatherings or easy weeknight dinners when you’re craving something exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone looking to elevate your homemade meals, these prawns will take your culinary game to a whole new level. Get ready to impress friends and family alike and dive into the irresistible flavors of BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns!
Why are BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns a must-try?
Simplicity of preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Explosive flavors come from the harmonious blend of spicy bird’s eye chillies and rich garlic butter that will wow your guests. Versatile enough to be paired with salads or grilled veggies, it adapts to any occasion. Quick cooking means you’ll be serving restaurant-quality seafood in just minutes! Crowd-pleaser appeal guarantees that everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds. Embrace the summer vibes and make your gatherings unforgettable with this spicy delight!
BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns Ingredients
For the Prawns
• Large King Prawns or Tiger Prawns – 1 Kg, these provide the main protein; make sure they’re fresh or well-thawed.
For the Garlic Butter
• Butter – 70g, which adds richness and infuses flavors from the garlic and herbs; swap for vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, finely chopped, essential for that intense flavor punch!
• Birds Eye Chillies – 2, finely chopped, for that exhilarating heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Chopped Parsley – ½ Tbsp, delivering freshness and a touch of color; can be replaced with coriander for a different vibe.
• Chopped Coriander – ½ Tbsp, to complement the prawns’ flavor; this is optional based on your taste.
For Finishing Touches
• Lemon – 1, for both juicing and zesting, which brightens and balances all the richness; feel free to sub in other citrus if desired.
• Salt and Pepper – to taste, enhancing the overall flavors; adjust to your preference.
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready to bring those BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns to life! Enjoy preparing this quick and flavorful seafood dish that is guaranteed to delight.
How to Make BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns
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Preheat the BBQ to high heat. Make sure it reaches a sizzling temperature to get those delightful grill marks on your prawns.
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Soften the butter. Leave it at room temperature for at least 1 hour, ensuring it’s spreadable and ready to blend with the garlic and chillies.
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Combine ingredients. In a mixing bowl, stir together the chopped garlic, finely chopped bird’s eye chillies, softened butter, chopped parsley, chopped coriander, and the zest of ½ lemon until everything is well mixed.
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Butterfly the prawns. Carefully slice down the back of each prawn without cutting all the way through, which allows the flavors to infuse beautifully.
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Season the prawns with salt and pepper. Drizzle them with olive oil to help enhance the grilling process and add a nice touch of flavor.
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Grill the prawns. Place them on the BBQ grill and cook for about 3 minutes on one side. Flip them over, brush generously with the garlic-chilli butter, and grill for an additional 2 minutes until they’re just cooked through.
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Finish with lemon juice. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the prawns to add brightness and enjoy them hot!
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of extra herbs for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns Variations
Looking to put your own spin on these BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns? The possibilities are as exciting as they are delicious!
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Seafood Swap: Replace prawns with scallops or lobster for a luxurious upgrade that brings a hint of elegance to your grill.
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Milder Heat: Omit bird’s eye chillies or substitute with sweet red bell peppers to create a family-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
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Flavor Boost: Add smoked paprika to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor that infuses a delightful smokiness into your prawns.
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Herb Variations: Incorporate fresh basil or dill instead of parsley and coriander for a unique twist that brightens the dish with herby freshness.
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Zesty Infusion: Mix in orange or lime zest with the lemon zest for a citrusy kick that will awaken your taste buds in a whole new way.
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Crunchy Texture: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or nuts just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender prawns.
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Spicy Kick: For true heat lovers, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to boost the spice level and turn up the flame!
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Vegan Delight: Substitute prawns with grilled mushrooms or zucchini for a delicious plant-based option bursting with flavor and grilled goodness.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect plate of BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns! Happy cooking!
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns
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Fridge: Store any leftover BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: If you have extra prawns, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking.
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Tip: Always ensure prawns are fully cooked before freezing, as this preserves their texture and taste for later meals.
Make Ahead Options
These BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the garlic-chilli butter up to 3 days in advance by mixing the softened butter, garlic, and chillies, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. This not only saves you time but intensifies the flavors as they meld together. When you’re ready to grill, simply butterfly the prawns, season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and let them marinate for about 30 minutes for optimum taste. Grill them as directed and finish with freshly squeezed lemon juice for just-as-delicious results! This way, you can enjoy mouth-watering BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns with minimal effort on busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Expert Tips for BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns
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Choose Fresh Prawns: Opt for fresh or thawed large king or tiger prawns to ensure sweetness and tenderness. Frozen ones can be mushy if not thawed properly.
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Room Temperature Butter: Soften the butter for at least an hour to help it blend smoothly with the garlic and chillies, enhancing the flavor of your BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns.
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Uniform Sizing: Make sure all prawns are roughly the same size for even cooking. This prevents some overcooking while others are still underdone.
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Watch the Grill: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to tough prawns. They’re ready once they’re opaque and just firm to the touch.
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Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of bird’s eye chillies to fit your spice preference. Adding more can create a delightful kick for heat lovers!
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Flavorful Garnish: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or coriander just before serving for a pop of color and extra freshness with the BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns.
What to Serve with BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns?
Elevate your BBQ experience with delightful side dishes that complement the zesty flavors of the prawns.
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Grilled Vegetables: Vibrant seasonal veggies add a smoky sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the spicy prawns. Consider colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for a feast for the eyes and palate.
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Crispy Fresh Salad: A crunchy salad featuring crisp greens, radishes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of garlic butter. This refreshing side brings a textural contrast that complements every bite of prawn.
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Coconut Rice: Serve your prawns over fragrant coconut rice for a tropical twist. The subtle sweetness of the coconut enhances the spicy notes, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious garlic-chilli butter sauce, warm garlic bread is a must-have for any seafood feast. The crispy crust with a soft interior is pure comfort in every bite.
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Chilled Reisling: A chilled glass of Riesling complements the heat of the garlic prawns with its crisp acidity and sweet undertones, creating a perfect pairing for your summer gatherings.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet makes a refreshing finish. Its bright flavor cleanses the palate after the rich, spicy prawns, leaving a lingering sweetness.
Make this meal extraordinary by combining the BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns with these complementary sides that celebrate fresh variations of textures and flavors!
BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right prawns?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, always opt for fresh or well-thawed large king or tiger prawns. Look for shells that are shiny and firm, and avoid any with dark spots or a strong fishy smell.
How should I store leftover BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns?
You can store any leftover prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.
Can I freeze BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place cooked prawns in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
What if my prawns are overcooked?
If you find that your prawns are tough, it’s likely they were overcooked. To prevent this in the future, monitor their cooking closely. They usually need only about 3 minutes on one side and 2 minutes after flipping to be perfectly cooked. Once they turn opaque and firm to the touch, it’s time to take them off the grill!
Are there any dietary considerations for BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, be cautious with the garlic and any additional herbs you use. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Always double-check the ingredient labels if using pre-packaged products.
Savory BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns for Flavor Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the BBQ to high heat.
- Soften the butter at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
- Combine garlic, chillies, softened butter, parsley, coriander, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl.
- Butterfly the prawns by slicing down the back without cutting all the way through.
- Season the prawns with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Grill the prawns for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip, brush with garlic-chilli butter, and grill for another 2 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the prawns before serving.