BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring large king or tiger prawns grilled to perfection over high heat. Infused with a rich garlic chilli butter, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon zest, this recipe is perfect for a quick summer meal or a crowd-pleasing BBQ. The prawns are juicy, spicy, and aromatic, making them a fantastic appetizer or main dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 kg large king prawns or tiger prawns

• 70 g butter (softened)

• 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped or crushed)

• 2 bird’s eye chillies (finely chopped)

• ½ tablespoon chopped parsley

• ½ tablespoon chopped coriander

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1 lemon (for squeezing)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil (for drizzling)

Directions

1. Preheat the BBQ to high heat.

2. In a bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, bird’s eye chillies, chopped parsley, coriander, and lemon zest. Mix well.

3. Butterfly the prawns by cutting down the back without slicing all the way through.

4. Season the prawns with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

5. Place the prawns on the BBQ and cook for 3 minutes on one side.

6. Flip the prawns, brush generously with the garlic chilli butter, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

7. Remove from the grill, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the prawns, and serve hot.

Nutrients (estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~250 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

• Sodium: Variable depending on added salt

Selecting the Right Prawns for Optimal Flavor and Texture

The success of this recipe hinges on using high-quality, large prawns such as king or tiger varieties. These prawns are ideal because their firm flesh holds up beautifully to grilling without falling apart or becoming rubbery. Their size allows for a satisfying bite, showcasing the interplay between the smoky char from the grill and the juicy, sweet meat inside.

Butterflying the prawns by cutting down their backs without slicing all the way through not only ensures even cooking but also allows the garlic chilli butter to seep deeply into the flesh. This method maximizes flavor absorption, ensuring every morsel is coated with the aromatic, spicy goodness of the marinade.

The Garlic Chilli Butter: A Flavor Explosion

At the heart of this dish is the garlic chilli butter, a rich and aromatic blend that defines the prawns’ distinctive flavor. Softened butter provides a creamy, indulgent base that melts into the prawns as they cook, imparting moisture and richness. The fresh garlic adds pungency and savory depth, awakening the palate with every bite.

Bird’s eye chillies bring a lively heat that is both sharp and bright, providing a fiery contrast that perfectly balances the butter’s richness and the prawns’ natural sweetness. These chillies are known for their intense spice despite their small size, delivering flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Fresh parsley and coriander lend a burst of herbal freshness, cutting through the richness and adding complexity. Lemon zest contributes a zesty, citrusy brightness that lifts the entire dish, preventing it from feeling too heavy and adding a fragrant aroma that enhances the grilling experience.

Grilling Technique for Perfectly Cooked Prawns

Grilling over high heat is essential for achieving the signature smoky flavor and slight char that make BBQ dishes so irresistible. The direct heat caramelizes the sugars in the marinade and butter, creating a golden crust that contrasts with the tender interior.

The prawns are placed skin side down first to sear and develop that smoky flavor, then flipped to cook evenly. Timing is critical—roughly 3 minutes on one side followed by 2 minutes after flipping ensures the prawns are cooked just right, tender but firm, with a juicy bite.

Brushing the prawns generously with the garlic chilli butter halfway through grilling infuses the meat with flavor and helps retain moisture. This step also creates a beautiful glossy coating that enhances visual appeal.

Finishing Touches: Lemon Juice and Garnishes

Once off the grill, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy counterpoint that perfectly complements the butter and spice. This finishing touch enhances the dish’s freshness, balancing the richness and heat with a clean citrus note.

Serving the prawns immediately while still hot ensures they maintain their juiciness and the butter stays melted and flavorful. Additional garnishes such as extra chopped herbs or thin slices of fresh chilli can be added for more color and flavor intensity.

Nutritional Highlights and Dietary Considerations

BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns are a nutrient-rich, lean protein option that fits well into a variety of diets. Prawns are low in calories but high in protein, providing essential amino acids that support muscle health and overall metabolism.

The dish contains moderate fat content mainly from the butter used, which adds richness and satiety. However, the fats are balanced by the freshness of the herbs and the tang of lemon, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.

Carbohydrates are minimal, making this an excellent choice for low-carb or ketogenic diets. Sodium content can vary depending on added salt but remains manageable, especially if seasoning is adjusted to personal preference.

Versatility and Serving Ideas

This dish’s vibrant flavor profile makes it extremely versatile. It can be served as an impressive appetizer at dinner parties or as the main feature of a casual family barbecue. Pairing it with simple sides such as grilled corn, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread enhances the meal without overshadowing the prawns.

For a more substantial meal, serve the prawns alongside fragrant coconut rice or garlic butter noodles, which complement the garlic chilli butter beautifully. Fresh salsa or mango chutney can add sweetness and acidity to the plate, providing a refreshing contrast.

BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns also make a great addition to seafood platters or tapas-style meals, allowing guests to sample bold, smoky flavors alongside other light bites.

Tips for Success and Variations

For optimal results, ensure the grill is preheated to high to achieve a quick sear. Avoid overcrowding the grill to maintain heat and get that characteristic smoky flavor. Using fresh, high-quality prawns is essential to avoid toughness and maximize natural sweetness.

If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chillies or substitute with milder peppers. Alternatively, add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the butter mixture for a subtle sweet-spicy balance.

For indoor cooking, these prawns can be broiled or cooked on a hot grill pan, achieving similar caramelization and flavor if a BBQ isn’t available.

Conclusion

BBQ Chilli Garlic Prawns are a vibrant, aromatic dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer grilling. The combination of smoky, juicy prawns with a rich garlic chilli butter infused with fresh herbs and lemon zest creates a multi-layered flavor experience that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Quick to prepare yet impressive in taste and presentation, this dish is ideal for everything from casual family dinners to elegant outdoor gatherings. Its versatility, bold flavors, and simple cooking method make it a must-have recipe for seafood lovers looking to elevate their grilling repertoire.