I’ve got a fantastic recipe for grilled prawns that I can’t wait to share. It’s all about that garlic lemon chilli combo—trust me, it’s a game changer. Imagine juicy prawns soaked in a spicy, zesty marinade before hitting the grill. Simple, right? I remember the first time I made this; my friends wouldn’t stop raving about it. And who doesn’t love easy recipes that impress? So, let’s get into how to make these little bites of heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re craving something that packs a flavor punch, this Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns recipe is just the ticket.
I can’t tell you how much I love whipping these up on a sunny day. Imagine BBQ grilled prawns with garlic, lemon, and chilli sizzling away; it’s like a mini fiesta on your plate.
You’ll get that juicy, tender bite infused with zesty lemon and a touch of heat from the chillies. And hey, it’s super simple, even if you think you’re a kitchen disaster (trust me, I’ve had my moments).
The marinade is quick to prepare, so you’ll be grilling in no time. It’s a taste explosion that’ll impress everyone, including that picky eater in your life.
Seriously, give it a go!
Equipment List
You’ll often find me rummaging through my kitchen for the right gear when I’m ready to whip up these Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns.
First, I grab my trusty mixing bowl—gotta have something to marinate those prawns. A whisk comes in handy to blend the olive oil, garlic, and those zesty lemons.
Then, there’s the grill. I love using my BBQ; it adds that smoky flavor we all crave.
Don’t forget a heatproof tray; grilling prawns can get a bit messy.
Finally, I keep an apron close by. I tend to splatter marinade everywhere, and trust me, it’s not a pretty sight. Investing in premium kitchen appliances can elevate your cooking experience and make preparation a breeze.
Our Ingredients
When it comes to making these Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns, fresh ingredients are key. The beauty of this dish lies in the vibrant flavors that really come together when you combine each ingredient. You’ll find it’s pretty straightforward to gather everything you need. Think of it as a little shopping adventure for your taste buds!
Now let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
Ingredients:
- 18 large prawns, deveined (with shells on)
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 red chillies, finely diced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish and lime wedges for serving
As you venture into your ingredient hunt, remember that freshness can make all the difference. Choose prawns that are firm to the touch and have a pleasant, briny smell. If you can, go for wild-caught over farmed, as they often have better flavor—plus, supporting sustainable fishing is always a win.
The garlic should be fresh, with no signs of sprouting (that makes for some interesting breath later). And those lemons? Look for ones that are bright and shiny with a bit of give when you squeeze them.
Oh, and don’t skimp on the olive oil. You want that rich taste to complement the zing of the lemon and the kick from the chillies. Trust me, every ingredient plays a starring role in this dish, and they’re just waiting for their moment to shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns isn’t just about throwing a bunch of ingredients together; it’s about creating a magical blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have an impressive dish that everyone will love. Let’s explore how to make this delightful recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Prawns: Begin by taking 18 large prawns and removing their heads and legs. Carefully slit the backs and devein them. This might seem a bit tedious, but it’s worth it for that clean flavor (and it’s much more pleasant to eat).
2. Create the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil, 2 crushed cloves of garlic, 2 finely diced red chillies, the zest and juice of 2 lemons, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
The aromas at this point will be an exciting preview of what’s to come. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined; you want that garlic and chilli to get cozy with the olive oil and lemon.
3. Marinate the Prawns: Add your cleaned prawns to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade. Don’t just let them float on top; massage the marinade under the shells to make sure the prawns soak up every bit of flavor.
Cover the bowl and let them marinate for about 1 hour in the fridge. This step is vital, giving the prawns time to absorb all those zesty, spicy flavors.
4. Preheat the BBQ: While the prawns are soaking up the goodness, preheat your BBQ to high. If you’re using a flat plate or heatproof tray for grilling, make sure it’s hot enough so the prawns will get that lovely char, enhancing their taste and appearance.
5. Grill the Prawns: Once the BBQ is hot, place the marinated prawns on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through. As they cook, remember to baste them with any leftover marinade.
You want that golden, slightly crisp outside—delicious. They’ll turn pink and opaque when they’re ready (this is your visual cue that they’re done, but be careful not to overcook).
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the prawns from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve with lime wedges on the side.
The zesty lime is a perfect complementary touch to the spicy, garlicky prawns. Elevating each dish with quality tools makes the cooking experience even better, and investing in luxury seafood cooking equipment can enhance your passion for preparing seafood.
And there you have it! Serve these Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns at your next gathering, and watch everyone’s faces light up.
Tips & Variations
Although I absolutely love the traditional Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns, there’s always room for a little creativity in the kitchen.
Sometimes, I like adding a splash of soy sauce for a savory twist, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika to give some depth.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some chopped avocado after grilling for a creamy, cool contrast.
I often play with different herbs too; basil or cilantro can elevate those flavors in exciting ways.
And don’t forget about the heat—if you’re feeling brave, try using fresh jalapeños instead of chillies.
Finally, I massage that marinade right under the shells to infuse every bite.
Trust me, it’s worth it! Your prawns will sing with flavor, and you’ll feel like a culinary genius.
How to Serve?
How do you make a dish like Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns really shine at the table? Presentation matters, so I like to layer them on a beautiful platter.
Just picture it—those gleaming prawns, marinated to perfection, nestled with bright lime wedges. You could sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, or even throw in some lemon slices.
It’s all about that wow factor, right? And don’t forget the dipping sauce; a little leftover marinade can make a zingy addition.
I often serve them with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of flavor, plus, your guests will appreciate it. Trust me, it makes you look like a culinary genius—and who doesn’t want that?
Storage & Reheating Guide
Once you’ve whipped up your delicious Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns, you’re bound to have some leftovers, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to enjoy those flavors again?
First, let them cool completely before tossing them in an airtight container. They’ll happily chill in the fridge for up to three days.
When you’re ready to dive back in, I recommend reheating them gently in a skillet over low heat. Just a couple of minutes should do.
You’ll want to avoid the microwave because, let’s face it, rubbery prawns aren’t the goal. A splash of fresh lemon juice while reheating can bring those flavors back to life!
Additionally, storing your leftovers in a wide-mouth mason jar can make it super easy to access and enjoy them later.
Trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself for this later.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve tucked away those delectable Garlic Lemon Chilli Prawns leftover from your feast, you might find yourself reminiscing about that zesty explosion of flavors. I know I do every time.
Honestly, they dance in my head, teasing me until I whip up another batch. If you haven’t tried them yet, what’re you waiting for?
These beauties are perfect for any gathering, making you the humble hero of your BBQ. Plus, the marinade? Oh, it’s a flavor bomb.
Don’t forget to massage it in good, under those shells. Trust me, it’s worth it. Whether you’re serving them with a chilled drink or savoring them solo, each bite promises a delight.
