Name: Savor Spanish Grilled Cod with Citrus Garlic Marinade
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (A high-quality oil enhances the dish's richness.); 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh cloves add robust flavor.); 1 whole Lemon (Use both zest and juice.); 1 whole Chilli (Provides a spicy kick; omit for milder.); 500 g Prawns (Choose the freshest prawns available.)

As the sun dips lower in the sky, the scent of sizzling prawns dances through the air, igniting memories of carefree summer evenings. Today, I’m thrilled to share my BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli—an easy five-ingredient recipe that delivers the perfect blend of smoky flavor and zesty brightness. Ideal for casual gatherings, these prawns are not just quick to prepare, but they also make for a stunning centerpiece at any outdoor soiree. With only 30 minutes to plate, you can spend more time enjoying the company and less time in the kitchen! Are you ready to bring a taste of summer to your dinner table?

Why will you adore these grilled prawns?

Simplicity at Its Best: With just five ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time, perfect for any weeknight or weekend gathering.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and chili brings a vibrant zest that elevates the natural sweetness of the prawns.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe saves you from long hours in the kitchen, allowing for more quality time with friends and family.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair these prawns with crusty bread, a crisp salad, or even over rice for a hearty meal, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner, these BBQ grilled prawns always impress, guaranteeing seconds!
For an easy dessert to follow, check out my delightful Chocolate Oat Cookies.

BBQ Grilled Prawns Ingredients

• Get ready to create a delightful dish with just a handful of ingredients!

For the Marinade

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A high-quality oil enhances the dish’s richness.
Garlic – Fresh cloves add a robust flavor to complement the prawns.
Lemon – Use both zest and juice to brighten up the prawns’ flavors.
Chilli – Provides a spicy kick; feel free to omit for a milder version.

For the Prawns

Prawns – Choose the freshest prawns available for that delectable taste.

Delight in this BBQ Grilled Prawns recipe that shines with simple freshness!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine about ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, the zest of one lemon, and the juice from that lemon. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add one finely chopped chilli. Whisk the mixture together until well combined, creating a fragrant marinade that will elevate the BBQ grilled prawns with garlic, lemon, and chilli essence.

Step 2: Marinate Prawns
Add 500g of fresh, peeled prawns to the marinade, ensuring each prawn is well coated. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors penetrate the seafood. During this time, the prawns will start to absorb the garlicky, citrusy essence, setting the stage for a delicious grilling experience.

Step 3: Preheat Grill
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill or BBQ. Aim for a high heat setting at around 280°C (550°F). It’s essential for the grill to reach this temperature to ensure the prawns cook evenly and achieve that beautiful char. You’ll know it’s ready when you can hold your hand over the grill and feel the intense heat.

Step 4: Grill Prawns
Once the grill is hot, place the marinated prawns directly on the grill grates. Cook them for about 2-4 minutes on each side, until the shells turn a vibrant pink and the flesh becomes pearly white. Listen for a sizzling sound, as this indicates the prawns are caramelizing beautifully, adding layers of flavor to your BBQ grilled prawns.

Step 5: Serve
Remove the grilled prawns from the heat and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, along with crusty bread for an added touch. Enjoy this delightful BBQ grilled prawns dish that showcases the essence of summer, all brought together in a matter of minutes.

Make Ahead Options

These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delightful flavors without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the prawns up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the marinade and coat the prawns, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. To maintain their quality, ensure they are well-covered to prevent any excess air and moisture. When you’re ready to cook, just preheat the grill and grill them directly from the fridge for about 2-4 minutes per side until perfectly charred and succulent. This makes it easy to serve a delicious meal quickly, giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends!

Expert Tips for BBQ Grilled Prawns

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using the freshest prawns is key to a flavorful dish. Look for ones that smell sweet and have a translucent appearance.
Get the Grill Hot: Preheating the grill to around 280°C ensures that the prawns cook quickly and develop a gorgeous char. Avoid overcrowding to enable proper heat circulation.
Mind the Marinade: Letting the prawns marinate for about 15 minutes maximizes flavor absorption. Avoid marinating too long, as the acidity can alter their texture.
Monitor Cooking Time: Grilling prawns takes just 2-4 minutes on each side. Overcooking can make them tough, so watch for that beautiful pink color and pearly flesh.
Customize the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of chilli to suit your spice preference—more for a kick, less for a milder BBQ grilled prawns experience!
Serve Right Away: For the best taste, serve your prawns immediately after grilling to enjoy their juicy tenderness and vibrant flavors.

What to Serve with BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli

As summer breezes flow and laughter fills the air, you’ll want complementary dishes that enhance the smoky, zesty flavors of your prawns.

Crusty Bread: This warm, rustic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade and balancing the lightness of the grilled prawns. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, adding vibrant color and a crunch to your meal.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy Rosé beautifully enhances the prawns’ bright flavors, creating a delightful pairing that elevates the entire dining experience.
Garlic Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic and herbs complements the prawns’ rich taste, making it a satisfying side without overshadowing the star of the show.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, lightly charred alongside the prawns, create a wonderful harmony of flavors and add lovely pops of color to your plate.
Citrus Sorbet: For a refreshing dessert after your meal, a light citrus sorbet cleanses the palate and mirrors the zesty notes of the prawns, leaving you and your guests satisfied but not overly full.

Storage Tips for BBQ Grilled Prawns

Fridge: Store any leftover BBQ grilled prawns in an airtight container; they’ll keep fresh for up to 1 day, ensuring you have a tasty treat for your next meal.

Freezer: If you need to freeze, place fully cooled prawns in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw prawns overnight in the fridge, and then warm gently on the grill or in a pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, just until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: For the best taste experience, enjoy these prawns fresh off the grill, but leftovers can also be tossed into salads or pasta for a quick meal.

Variations & Substitutions for BBQ Grilled Prawns

Feel free to explore different twists and alternatives to make this recipe your very own!

Chili-Free: Omit the chili for a milder dish that’s still packed with flavor. The garlic and lemon will shine beautifully in this version.
Seafood Swap: Substitute prawns with other seafood like scallops or firm fish fillets. Both can soak up that delicious marinade and grill perfectly.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the marinade for a refreshing burst of flavor. These greens will add brightness and a pop of color to your dish.
Citrus Burst: Incorporate different citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, into your marinade for a unique zesty flair. Their distinct flavors can bring an exciting twist to your grilled prawns.
Smoky Flavors: For a deeper taste, sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the marinade. This will enhance the smokiness and add an enticing depth to the dish.
Garlic Overload: If you’re a garlic lover, double the amount! Adding extra minced garlic will intensify the savory flavor while still keeping the dish balanced.
Texture Twist: Marinate with a bit of diced avocado, which when grilled, adds a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy prawns.

Get creative with your ingredients, and don’t forget, for a delightful dessert finish, my make-ahead, scrumptious Chocolate Oat Cookies will be the perfect complement to your meal!

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting fresh prawns?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh prawns, look for those that are translucent with a pleasant, sweet smell. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or an ammonia-like odor, as these are signs of spoilage. If you can, ask your fishmonger for daily catches—the fresher, the better!

How should I store leftover BBQ grilled prawns?
Very! For best results, place any leftover grilled prawns in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe plastic bag for up to 2 months. Just remember to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn!

Can I reheat grilled prawns, and what’s the best method?
Absolutely! To reheat frozen prawns, thaw them overnight in the fridge first. Then, gently warm them in a pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also throw them on a grill for a minute to regain that smoky flavor. Just be careful not to overcook them, as this may dry them out.

Can I make adjustments for dietary considerations or allergies?
Absolutely! This BBQ grilled prawns recipe is naturally gluten-free and adaptable. If you’re concerned about spice, you can easily omit the chilli for a milder flavor. For those with seafood allergies, consider substituting prawns with firm tofu marinated in the same garlic and lemon dressing or using grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini instead.

How can I prevent my prawns from sticking to the grill?
Very! Start by ensuring your grill is preheated to around 280°C (550°F) before adding the prawns. You can also lightly oil the grill grates before placing the prawns on them. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the grill; giving each prawn enough space will help them cook evenly and lift off easily without sticking.

Can I marinate the prawns for longer than 15 minutes?
While a quick 15-minute marinade is ideal, you can go up to 30 minutes if you want a more intense flavor. Just keep an eye on the time, as marinating for too long—especially with citrus—can change the texture of the prawns, making them mushy. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of flavor and texture, stick to the recommended time!