BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns

These BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns are the perfect combination of juicy, succulent prawns and a flavorful garlic-chilli butter sauce. The prawns are marinated with a delightful mix of garlic, chili, and herbs, then grilled to perfection on the BBQ. With a drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a touch of smoked paprika, these prawns are a must-try for a delicious, smoky meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Large King Prawns or Tiger Prawns

  • 70g Butter

  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 Birds-eye chillies, finely chopped

  • ½ tbsp Chopped parsley

  • ½ tbsp Chopped coriander

  • 1 Lemon, zest and juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat BBQ:
    Preheat the BBQ to high heat.

  2. Prepare Garlic Chilli Butter:
    Soften the butter by removing it from the fridge for at least 1 hour. In a bowl, combine the garlic, chopped chillies, parsley, coriander, and lemon zest. Mix with the softened butter until well combined.

  3. Prepare the Prawns:
    Butterfly the prawns by making a careful incision along the top without cutting all the way through. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.

  4. Grill the Prawns:
    Place the prawns on the BBQ. Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then flip over and brush generously with the garlic chilli butter. Cook for another 2 minutes or until prawns are fully cooked.

  5. Finish and Serve:
    Drizzle the prawns with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving):

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 2-4g

  • Protein: 25-30g

  • Fat: 18-22g

    • Saturated Fat: 6-8g

  • Cholesterol: 170-220mg

  • Sodium: 700-900mg (from butter, soy sauce, and seasoning)

  • Potassium: 200-300mg

  • Fiber: 1-2g

  • Sugar: 1-3g (from garlic and chili)

  • Vitamin A: 500-600 IU

  • Vitamin C: 20-30mg

  • Calcium: 80-100mg

  • Iron: 2-3mg

The calorie count and fat content primarily come from the butter and prawns. The garlic and chili add a small amount of carbs and natural sugars, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing, light touch. If you adjust the amount of butter or oil, it can impact the fat and calorie content.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns

There’s so much to love about these BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns—here’s why they should be your go-to recipe for a flavorful, smoky meal:

  1. Juicy, Succulent Prawns: The star of the dish is, of course, the prawns. When grilled on the BBQ, the prawns become tender and juicy, with just the right amount of smokiness. The high heat of the BBQ ensures they cook quickly and evenly, so you get a perfect sear without overcooking.

  2. Flavor-Packed Garlic Chilli Butter: The prawns are marinated and brushed with a rich garlic chili butter sauce. The butter provides a creamy base, while the garlic and chili give it a deliciously spicy, aromatic kick. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and coriander adds freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness.

  3. Smoky and Spicy: The BBQ imparts a beautiful smoky flavor to the prawns, enhancing the spices and creating a well-rounded taste. The smoked paprika brings a subtle warmth, while the chili provides the perfect amount of heat without overpowering the dish.

  4. Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet flavors, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and a short cooking time, you can have a dish that looks and tastes impressive in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute BBQ meal or when you need to whip up something flavorful in a hurry.

  5. Customizable Spice Level: The amount of chili can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of chili, or if you want more heat, feel free to add more. The recipe gives you the flexibility to tailor the spiciness to your liking.

How to Make BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns

Making BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns is straightforward and quick. The most important part is the marinade, which infuses the prawns with incredible flavor before they hit the grill. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Prepare the Chilli Garlic Butter

The first step is to prepare the chilli garlic butter. In a bowl, combine:

  • 70g of butter (softened for easy mixing)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 birds-eye chilies, finely chopped (you can remove the seeds if you want less heat)

  • ½ tablespoon of chopped parsley

  • ½ tablespoon of chopped coriander

  • Zest of 1 lemon

Mix everything together until well combined. The butter will absorb all the garlic, chili, and herb flavors, making the prawns even more flavorful once they’re grilled. This step also gives the butter time to infuse with the spices, ensuring every prawn gets a perfect coating of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Prawns

Next, you need to prepare the prawns. Start by peeling and deveining the prawns if not already done. Then, butterfly the prawns by making a careful incision along the top, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through the prawn. This technique helps the prawns cook more evenly and gives them a beautiful presentation on the grill.

Once butterflied, season the prawns with salt and pepper, then drizzle them with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. You’re now ready to get grilling!

Step 3: Grill the Prawns

Preheat your BBQ to high heat. Once it’s ready, place the prawns on the grill. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip them over. Once flipped, brush the prawns generously with the garlic chilli butter. The butter will melt and start to infuse into the prawns as they cook.

Grill the prawns for another 2 minutes on the second side, or until they are fully cooked and have a golden, slightly crispy exterior. The prawns should be opaque and firm to the touch, but still juicy inside.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the prawns are cooked, drizzle them with fresh lemon juice to add a burst of freshness. Serve them immediately, garnished with extra parsley or coriander and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra smoky touch.

You can serve the prawns on their own, or pair them with your favorite sides like rice, salads, or flatbreads. For a lighter meal, you can even serve the prawns on a bed of greens for a delicious, low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns

These BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:

  1. Rice: Serve the prawns over steamed rice or coconut rice for a satisfying meal. The rice will soak up the flavorful butter sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

  2. Salad: Pair the prawns with a fresh green salad, such as arugula or mixed greens, for a light and refreshing side. The acidity from the lemon will balance the richness of the prawns.

  3. Flatbreads: Warm up some pita or naan bread to serve alongside the prawns. The soft, pillowy bread is perfect for soaking up any extra butter sauce.

  4. Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a healthy, flavorful side.

  5. Lemon and Herb Butter Sauce: For even more flavor, serve with a side of extra lemon herb butter sauce for dipping.

Conclusion: A Smoky, Flavorful Delight

BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns are the perfect dish for anyone looking for a delicious, smoky, and spicy seafood option. The combination of tender prawns, rich garlic-chili butter, and a hint of lemon creates a meal that’s full of flavor and sure to impress. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or preparing a simple weeknight meal, these prawns are a flavorful and versatile option. Give them a try at your next BBQ and enjoy the smoky, spicy goodness!

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