Name: Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds king prawns (shell-on or peeled, deveined); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges; Chopped parsley

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If there’s one dish that sings of summer and sunshine, it’s Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon. Imagine succulent king prawns marinated in zesty lemon, smoky paprika, and garlic, then flame-kissed on the grill for a charred edge that enhances every bite. It’s fresh, vibrant, and practically made for lazy evenings with friends or special family gatherings. This easy yet impressive recipe delivers delicious results with minimal fuss—perfect for a seafood lover craving maximum flavor.

Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of top-notch ingredients can completely transform your seafood game. With Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon, each item plays a starring role in flavor, color, or texture, so choose the freshest and best you can find.

King Prawns (1 1/2 pounds): Opt for shell-on for maximum juiciness or peeled and deveined for ease—the natural sweetness of king prawns steals the show.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Brings richness, helps the marinade coat the prawns, and keeps them from sticking to the grill.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a punchy, aromatic depth that gives the prawns real character.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness and brightens everything with its citrusy zing.
Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the lemony notes and adds an uplifting aroma.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers subtle smokiness and a pop of color that’s irresistible with grilled seafood.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—start light, then adjust to taste after grilling.
Lemon Wedges & Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Bring freshness, color, and a final squeeze of flavor to your platter.

How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a gorgeous, ruby-hued marinade that smells like a Mediterranean vacation. This mixture will infuse your king prawns with that signature Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon brightness.

Step 2: Marinate the Prawns

Add your king prawns to the marinade, tossing gently to make sure every prawn is glossy and evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the prawns rest in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This quick soak is where the magic happens—the prawns absorb all those zesty, garlicky flavors, making every bite unforgettable.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill

While the prawns marinate, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning and makes threading the prawns a breeze. A hot, clean grill is key to those beautiful char marks and that unmistakable smoky flavor in Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon.

Step 4: Thread and Grill

Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers if you like, or place them directly onto the grill. Arrange them in a single layer and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the shells turn pink and the flesh looks opaque and just a little bit charred. Take care not to overcook—prawns are delicate and only need a few minutes for perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once off the grill, transfer the prawns to a platter. Scatter over plenty of chopped parsley and tuck in extra lemon wedges for squeezing at the table. The vibrant green and yellow finishes are what make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon an absolute showstopper.

How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon

Garnishes

Bright, fresh garnishes make all the difference with this dish. A generous shower of chopped parsley adds color and freshness, while lemon wedges invite everyone to squeeze a little extra zing over their prawns. For an extra flourish, consider a dusting of smoked paprika just before serving—it makes the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon are wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve them over fluffy rice to soak up all the juices, alongside crusty bread for mopping, or with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette. Grilled vegetables or roast potatoes are equally delicious for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dramatic flair, keep the prawns on skewers and arrange them in a zig-zag across a large platter. Or, pile them high on a wooden board surrounded by fresh salads and citrus wedges for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. You can even serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon in soft tortillas as vibrant seafood tacos—don’t forget the avocado and herbs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any prawns left, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’re delicious chilled in salads or reheated gently, retaining much of their fresh flavor and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked king prawns, keep in mind they’re at their best when freshly grilled. If you do need to freeze leftovers, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then move to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month, but avoid multiple thaw/freeze cycles to preserve their succulence.

Reheating

To reheat Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave, just until heated through. Splash them with a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving to revive their zing and keep them juicy—overheating can make prawns tough, so keep a close eye!

FAQs

Can I substitute king prawns with regular shrimp?

Absolutely! While king prawns are prized for their size and sweetness, jumbo or large shrimp will work beautifully. Just adjust the grilling time based on their thickness, as smaller shrimp cook even faster.

Should I grill prawns with or without shells?

Both ways are great, but grilling with the shell on helps lock in juices and adds a smokier flavor. If you prefer a less messy experience at the table, peeling and deveining before grilling makes serving easier.

What kind of grill works best for Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon?

A charcoal grill imparts the most flavor, but a gas grill or even a grill pan on your stovetop will still give you beautiful char and delicious results. Just be sure the grill is hot and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

How do I know when the prawns are perfectly cooked?

Look for pink, opaque flesh and a gentle char on the edges. Prawns cook remarkably fast—two to three minutes per side is usually plenty. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so pull them as soon as their color changes.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix up the marinade a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. When you’re ready, toss it with the prawns just before grilling to keep them tender and full of those bright, fresh Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon flavors.

Final Thoughts

With their unbeatable flavors, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing presentation, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon deserve a spot at your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Try it once and it might just become your signature summer seafood dish!

Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon are a delightful dish perfect for a summer seafood feast. Juicy prawns marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture, charred to perfection on the grill, and served with a fresh squeeze of lemon and parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds king prawns (shell-on or peeled, deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

Lemon wedges
Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Marinate the Prawns: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the prawns and toss well to coat. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread prawns onto skewers if desired, or grill them directly.
Grill the Prawns: Grill the prawns for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, slightly charred, and opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking.
Serve: Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve hot.