If you are craving a dish that tastes like sunshine on a plate, then the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together the smoky, slightly charred flavor of king prawns cooked to perfection on the grill, brightened up by zesty lemon and a hint of garlic. Each bite is a delightful mix of juicy sweetness from the prawns and a fresh citrus punch that leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to an easy yet impressive seafood dish, this Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients are the building blocks that make the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe so special. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, giving the dish that perfect blend of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes.
- 12 large king prawns, shells on: Using shells locks in moisture and adds a natural smoky flavor when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to coat the prawns evenly while adding rich, fruity undertones.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with a bold, aromatic kick without overpowering the prawns.
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested): Zest and juice brighten the dish with fresh citrus flavor and a subtle sharpness.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the other flavors, bringing balance to the marinade.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds just enough heat and complexity for depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness when served.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Perfect for those who love an extra squeeze of lemon on their prawns.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Grill Ready
Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for achieving those gorgeous char marks while cooking the prawns evenly. A hot grill sears the prawns quickly, locking in their natural juices and keeping them tender.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. This marinade strikes a perfect balance—garlic adds savory warmth, lemon brings brightness, and olive oil ensures everything adheres beautifully to the prawns.
Step 3: Marinate the Prawns
Add the king prawns with their shells on to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to coat each one in the marinade. Allow the prawns to soak up all those wonderful flavors by marinating them for 10 to 15 minutes. This step not only enhances taste but also tenderizes the prawns slightly.
Step 4: Prepare Your Skewers
For easy grilling and handling, skewer the prawns using metal skewers, or soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the prawns in a way that makes flipping effortless, ensuring an even cook on each side.
Step 5: Grill the Prawns to Perfection
Place the skewers on your preheated grill. Cook the prawns for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn a vibrant pink color and become opaque. The slight char from the grill adds a smoky depth that complements the citrus marinade wonderfully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once grilled, remove the prawns from heat and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green parsley not only elevates the look of the dish but also adds a fresh herbal note just before serving.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped parsley and lemon wedges are classic choices, don’t be afraid to get creative. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a tantalizing kick, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance richness. These simple additions take the presentation and flavor up a notch to wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve them alongside a vibrant green salad, some herbed couscous, or grilled seasonal vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal. A side of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover lemony juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your prawns on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves or atop a bed of fragrant rice. For a casual yet stunning presentation, serve them directly on the skewers on a wooden board with lemon wedges scattered around. The colorful contrast and rustic vibe make the dish even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy the fresh seafood flavors without compromise.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked prawns for up to one month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze. Thaw them gently in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at a low temperature. Avoid high heat or microwaving for best texture retention. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon after reheating revives their bright flavor brilliantly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen king prawns, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. This helps ensure the marinade sticks well and the prawns cook evenly.
Should the shells be left on while grilling?
Absolutely! Leaving the shells on helps protect the prawns from drying out on the grill and adds a smoky dimension to the flavor. Plus, they look impressive when served with shells intact.
What can I substitute for lemon if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of lemon, a splash of lime juice or a mild vinegar like white wine vinegar can work in a pinch. However, the fresh lemon zest and juice give this recipe its signature bright taste, so try to use lemon if possible.
How long can I marinate the prawns?
Marinating for 10 to 15 minutes is ideal for balance. Marinating longer can start to break down the texture due to the acidity from the lemon, potentially making the prawns mushy.
Can I cook these prawns indoors instead of on a grill?
Yes! If weather or equipment limits grilling outdoors, you can use a grill pan or a hot cast iron skillet on your stovetop. The key is high heat to get that lovely char and quick cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is one of those joyous culinary experiences that makes you feel like a seafood superstar in your own kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the vibrant, fresh flavors makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special occasion, these prawns bring a taste of sunshine and celebration to every meal. I just know once you try this recipe, it’s going to hold a special place in your heart and on your dinner table.
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is a simple yet flavorful seafood recipe featuring succulent large prawns marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture and grilled to perfection. This dish offers a delightful smoky aroma with a fresh citrus finish, perfect for an impressive appetizer or main course at any summer gathering or seafood feast.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 12 large king prawns, shells on
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat ensuring it’s properly heated for even cooking and the perfect char on the prawns.
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
- Marinate the prawns: Add the king prawns to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each prawn evenly. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Skewer the prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto metal skewers, or if using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Char-grill the prawns: Place the skewered prawns on the preheated grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the prawns are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
- Garnish: Remove the prawns from the grill and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately: Serve the juicy char-grilled prawns hot from the grill with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty squeeze. Enjoy your flavorful seafood sensation.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Ensure not to overcook prawns as they become tough; they cook quickly once they turn pink and opaque.
- You can serve the prawns with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
- For an extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill if available.
