As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reminiscing about sun-drenched barbecues and the joyous laughter of family gatherings. This Christmas, I wanted to elevate our festive feasting with a dish that combines the bold flavors of the ocean and the warmth of home-cooked goodness. Enter my Barbecued Prawns Skewers with Chilli Aioli—a dish that marries succulent, marinated prawns with a punchy, homemade dip that’s sure to impress.
Picture this: juicy green king prawns, tenderly infused with a zesty marinade of garlic, ginger, and lime, sizzling over hot coals. Each bite boasts a delightful char, while the creamy chilli aioli delivers a kick that complements the succulent seafood perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a lively get-together or simply treating your loved ones, these skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Best of all, the marinating magic can be done well in advance, leaving you free to enjoy the festivities. So grab your skewers and let’s create a Christmas culinary moment that everyone will cherish!
Why love Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers?
Juicy and Flavorful: These prawns are marinated to perfection, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor from garlic, ginger, and lime.
Easy Preparation: With a simple marinade and quick cooking time, you can whip these up effortlessly.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, they’re sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Versatile Serving: Pair them with homemade chilli aioli for an irresistible dip, or serve with extra lime for a refreshing zest.
Make Ahead Magic: Marinade ahead of time — just throw them on the grill when your guests arrive! Prepare for a festive feast that combines ease with extraordinary taste!
Christmas Barbecued Prawns Ingredients
Get ready to elevate your holiday feast with these flavor-packed skewers!
For the Marinade
• Garlic cloves – 3, crushed for that aromatic base that enhances the prawns’ flavor.
• Ginger – 3 cm piece (15 g), chopped to add warmth and a hint of spice to the marinade.
• Lime juice – 1/3 cup (80 ml), plus extra halves for serving; this adds a refreshing zing.
• Chilli paste – 200 g in soybean oil, delivering an exciting kick that you’ll be craving.
• Coriander – 1/2 bunch, chopped for freshness and to balance the rich flavors.
• Extra virgin olive oil – 1/2 cup (125 ml) helps to bind the marinade, adding depth.
For the Skewers
• Long red chillies – 4, halved lengthwise and seeds removed; these will be barbecued for a smoky flavor.
• Aioli – 250 g of good-quality for a creamy accompaniment that perfectly complements the prawns.
• Green king prawns – 20 extra-large, peeled (tails intact), and deveined; they’re the stars of your Christmas Barbecued Prawns skewers!
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece for your festive gatherings.
How to Make Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers
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Blend the Marinade: Place the garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, chilli paste, coriander, and olive oil in a blender. Whiz it until finely chopped to create a fragrant marinade.
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Prepare the Prawns: Thread each prawn lengthwise onto skewers and arrange them on a large, deep baking tray. Pour over the marinade, season well, and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 5-6 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Make the Aioli: Heat a lightly greased barbecue or large chargrill pan to high. Barbecue the halved chillies for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently, until blackened. Transfer them to a food processor with the aioli and remaining lime juice; whiz until well combined and season to taste.
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Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill and barbecue the marinated prawns for 5-6 minutes, turning often, until they are charred and cooked through. The prawns should have a lovely golden hue.
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Serve with Style: Arrange the beautifully grilled prawns on a platter and serve with the barbecued chilli aioli alongside, accompanied by extra lime wedges for that zesty kick.
Optional: Sprinkle with additional chopped coriander for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers
Fridge: Store any leftover barbecued prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful for your next meal!
Freezer: If you have extra marinated prawns, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the prawns on the grill or in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through, to retain their moisture and taste.
Marinade Storage: You can also prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just stir well before use in your Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the prawns up to 24 hours in advance. Simply blend the marinade ingredients, thread the prawns onto skewers, and toss them in the marinade before covering and refrigerating. To maintain their quality, ensure the prawns are well-coated to prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, just barbecue the prawns for 5-6 minutes until they are beautifully charred. This way, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready for entertaining without the last-minute stress!
Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers Variations
Feel free to get creative with these skewers and make them your own!
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Grilled Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for more color and flavor. They enhance the dish and provide a beautiful medley of textures.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in freshly minced jalapeños or serrano peppers into your marinade for an added heat that elevates your prawns to a fiery delight.
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Citrus Twist: Swap lime juice for freshly squeezed orange juice, creating a unique citrus profile that brightens up your barbecue experience.
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Herb Substitution: Instead of coriander, try using fresh parsley or basil for a totally different yet delicious herbaceous flavor.
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Honey Glaze: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
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Garlic Aioli Upgrade: Experiment with flavored aioli options, like lemon or chipotle aioli, for a twist on the classic dip that’s sure to impress.
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Whole Prawns: If you’re feeling adventurous, use whole prawns instead of peeled ones for a dramatic presentation and an even juicier bite.
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Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate olives or feta cheese onto the skewers for a Mediterranean spin that complements the prawns wonderfully.
Expert Tips for Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers
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Marinating Time: Allow at least 5-6 hours, or overnight, for the prawns to soak up the flavors of the marinade, enhancing the overall taste.
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Perfect Skewering: Thread the prawns lengthwise through the thick part of the flesh and right through to the tail to avoid them curling up while cooking.
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Grill Temperature: Ensure your barbecue is hot before grilling to achieve that delicious char on the prawns. Lower temperatures can lead to steaming instead of grilling.
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Avoid Overcooking: Grill prawns until they turn opaque and are slightly charred, about 5-6 minutes. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
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Flavor Boost: For an extra punch, add chopped chilies to the aioli or sprinkle some lime zest on the prawns before serving. It will elevate your Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers to new heights!
What to Serve with Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers?
Creating a memorable feast is all about striking the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and these prawns shine as the star of your Christmas table.
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Herbed Rice: Light and fluffy with hints of lemon, this rice complements the prawns beautifully by soaking up the zesty marinade.
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Crunchy Coleslaw: A colorful mix of cabbage and carrots, it adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the juicy prawns.
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Garlic Bread: Golden and buttery, it’s great for scooping up that delightful chilli aioli while adding a comforting touch to the meal.
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Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the barbecued prawns.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned to perfection, these wedges are ideal for dipping in aioli, bringing a satisfying crunch alongside the succulent seafood.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio elevates the meal, balancing the heat from the chilli aioli and enhancing the prawns’ natural sweetness.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of watermelon, oranges, and mint serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, adding a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
This delightful combination will ensure your festive gathering is unforgettable!
Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting prawns, look for those that are fresh, firm, and have a slight sheen. The shells should be clean with no dark spots, indicating they are at their best. Extra-large green king prawns are perfect for these skewers, as they hold up beautifully on the grill!
What’s the best way to store leftover barbecued prawns?
You can store any leftover barbecued prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a delightful way to enjoy them a second time! Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing for optimal freshness.
Can I freeze the marinated prawns?
Yes, you can freeze marinated prawns! Simply lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as usual!
What should I do if my prawns curl while cooking?
Very! If your prawns are curling up while cooking, be sure to thread them onto the skewers lengthwise, pushing the skewer through the thicker part of the shrimp and through to the tail. This method helps them cook evenly without curling.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! If you or your guests have allergies, always check for any ingredient sensitivities, particularly with the aioli, as it may contain eggs or other allergens. Additionally, if you have any pets, be mindful that garlic and onions can be harmful to them, so ensure leftovers are safely stored out of reach.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
For a healthier twist, you can substitute the aioli with a yogurt-based dip or a light tahini sauce. Also, consider using less oil in your marinade or opting for a low-sodium soy sauce to enhance flavor without the extra salt. Enjoy making these Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers while keeping it delightful and nutritious!
Delicious Christmas Barbecued Prawns Skewers You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend the Marinade: Place the garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, chilli paste, coriander, and olive oil in a blender. Whiz it until finely chopped to create a fragrant marinade.
- Prepare the Prawns: Thread each prawn lengthwise onto skewers and arrange them on a large, deep baking tray. Pour over the marinade, season well, and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 5-6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Make the Aioli: Heat a lightly greased barbecue or large chargrill pan to high. Barbecue the halved chillies for 4-5 minutes, turning frequently, until blackened. Transfer them to a food processor with the aioli and remaining lime juice; whiz until well combined and season to taste.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill and barbecue the marinated prawns for 5-6 minutes, turning often, until they are charred and cooked through.
- Serve with Style: Arrange the beautifully grilled prawns on a platter and serve with the barbecued chilli aioli alongside, accompanied by extra lime wedges for that zesty kick.