Name: Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 500g (1 lb) raw king prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges

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If you’re looking for a vibrant seafood dish that packs exciting flavors and looks downright spectacular, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is about to become your new summer favorite. With juicy king prawns seared to perfection on the grill, a fresh zing from lemon, and a hint of garlic, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends and family at every picnic, dinner party, or sunny weekend gathering – seriously, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in taste, texture, and color. Grab the freshest prawns you can find and a bright lemon, and let these essential flavors shine.

King prawns (500g/1 lb): Their meaty texture and natural sweetness are the real star here, creating juicy bites that love to soak up the marinade.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the prawns stay tender, while encouraging those beautiful grill marks.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): A hint of pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon and shellfish.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The zest adds bright, aromatic oils while the juice brings a lively tang that lifts all the other flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Brings a splash of color and fresh herbal flavor right at the end.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season generously to enhance and balance the other flavors.
Lemon wedges (for serving): Extra wedges let everyone add a final squeeze of fresh citrus at the table.

How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. It’s genuinely amazing how a quick blend of pantry staples can create an aromatic, mouthwatering marinade. Make sure to give it a good stir so all the flavors meld together and really coat those prawns later.

Step 2: Marinate the Prawns

Add your cleaned king prawns directly into the bowl, turning to cover each one in the marinade. A little time in this zesty bath is all they need to transform – 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator is perfect. Don’t skip the marinating step, even if you’re short on time, as this is where all that magical flavor infusion happens for your Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon.

Step 3: Heat Up the Grill

While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning. This is your moment to channel those summer barbecue vibes – nothing beats the anticipation of those first smoky aromas!

Step 4: Skewer the Prawns

Thread the prawns onto the prepared skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head so they stay flat and cook evenly. This not only makes the prawns easier to handle but also gives them an attractive, crowd-pleasing presentation that’s worthy of any festive table.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the prawns turn pink, opaque, and develop those irresistible char marks. Watch them closely – these cook quickly and you don’t want to miss that perfect, succulent texture. You’re looking for lightly caramelized edges and a vibrant lemony aroma wafting from the grill. That’s the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon magic happening!

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once grilled, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley and serve right away with lots of fresh lemon wedges for everyone to squeeze their own burst of flavor. Now’s the time to enjoy every juicy bite while the prawns are still sizzling hot and at their peak!

How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon

Garnishes

For that extra touch, I love to shower the platter with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and arrange plenty of lemon wedges all around. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a subtle drizzle of olive oil just before serving takes these Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon from great to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Pair your prawns with a crisp green salad, buttery crusty bread, or some fluffy steamed rice to soak up any leftover juices. These sides highlight the Mediterranean flavors of the dish and turn your Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon into a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a bit of playful elegance to your table by serving the skewers upright in a mason jar filled with fresh herbs, or arrange them over a bed of arugula with grilled lemon slices for a summery look. You could even slide the cooked prawns off the skewers and toss them onto crostini for easy party bites – Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon make a memorable centerpiece however you serve them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, retaining much of that zesty, garlicky flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for most grilled prawns, as their texture can become a little mushy once thawed. However, if you need to, wrap the prawns tightly in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the prawns gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them under a broiler for just a minute, adding a splash of olive oil or squeeze of lemon to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the prawns and diminish their fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures a nicely charred finish on your Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

No worries at all! You can broil the prawns in your oven on high, keeping them just a few inches from the heat source. Watch closely and flip once for even charring.

How spicy is this dish?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but if you like a little heat, adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade is a fantastic idea. The lemon and garlic balance out the spice beautifully.

Can I marinate the prawns longer than 30 minutes?

You can marinate for up to 1 hour if you prefer. However, avoid going much longer, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to change the prawns’ texture, making them a bit mushy.

What wine pairs well with Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon?

A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé pairs wonderfully. The bright citrus and herbal notes in both the wine and the dish bring out the best in each other.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the burst of flavor and summery joy you get from a platter of Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon. Whether you’re new to seafood grilling or an old pro, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with your favorite people – chances are, it’ll become a go-to meal anytime you crave something fresh, easy, and utterly delicious!

Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon are a delicious and healthy seafood dish perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, these prawns are grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Raw King Prawns:

500g (1 lb) raw king prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on

Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add prawns and marinate for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill Prawns: Thread prawns onto skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Serve: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.