If you’re looking for a dish that practically transports you to a breezy seaside grill, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is absolutely your ticket. These prawns capture everything we love about summer cooking: a hint of smoke, succulent seafood, and the punchy brightness of fresh lemon. The vibrant flavors and irresistible char make this recipe a revelation for dinner parties or an easy weeknight feast — pure Mediterranean happiness on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon lies in its simplicity; each ingredient is carefully chosen for maximum impact, bringing freshness and a touch of luxury right to your table. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Raw king prawns (1 ½ lbs / 700g), shell-on and deveined: Shell-on prawns grill up juicier, locking in flavor and ensuring a beautiful, slightly smoky char.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, mellow base to the marinade, helping seal in the prawns’ moisture and creating that irresistible grill gloss.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a bold aromatic note that pairs perfectly with the prawns and lemon.
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Packs aromatic intensity and bright flavor directly into the marinade.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Touches every bite with its tangy zing, perfectly offsetting the sweetness of the prawns.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tbsp): Adds color and a gentle, peppery lift for a true Mediterranean finish.
- Sea salt (½ tsp): Essential for amplifying all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Provides just the right subtle warmth and kick in the background.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): You’ll want that juicy blast to squeeze right before serving — instantly elevates every mouthful.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. This zesty marinade is what infuses each prawn with punchy citrus and herby flavors, ensuring Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon shine with every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Add the shell-on prawns to the bowl and toss well, making sure each one is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let the prawns chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This short rest is all it takes for the marinade to work its magic, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the prawns absorb those bold flavors, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent any burning during grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Prawns
Once your grill is hot, arrange the prawns in a single layer. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing with any leftover marinade for extra punch. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn beautifully pink and start to pick up light char marks. Be careful not to overcook — juicy prawns are the star of this show!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Transfer the hot prawns to a serving platter, sprinkle with extra fresh parsley, and serve alongside plenty of lemon wedges. This final flourish turns Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon into a celebration-worthy centerpiece, bursting with fresh, bold flavors.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon
Garnishes
Nobody can resist a plate sprinkled with fresh parsley and served with wedges of juicy lemon. The extra herbs brighten up the charred prawns, while a generous squeeze of lemon over the top right before eating makes the citrus sing. For a final touch, you can even drizzle a little more good olive oil if you want a glossy, restaurant-level finish.
Side Dishes
Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon love a light supporting cast. Serve them over a crisp arugula salad, a bowl of herby quinoa, or a platter of grilled vegetables for a full Mediterranean spread. They’re also fabulous alongside warm crusty bread to soak up any extra marinade, or with a chilled glass of crisp white wine to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For dramatic flair, thread your prawns onto skewers before grilling and serve them standing upright in a tall glass with a lemon wedge. Or, pile them straight onto a rustic wooden board with a scattering of parsley and lots of lemon wedges — this communal, hands-on approach always encourages guests to dive in and have fun with Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and succulent for up to 2 days. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon over them before storing to keep the flavors lively.
Freezing
While these prawns are best enjoyed freshly grilled, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Arrange cooled prawns in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month, but be aware that texture is best when eaten sooner rather than later.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently to preserve the delicate texture. Warm the prawns in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil for just a minute or two, or on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the prawns rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use peeled prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Peeled prawns will work just fine, though shell-on prawns offer more flavor and juiciness during grilling. If using peeled, keep a close eye on them as they cook slightly faster.
How do I know when the prawns are done on the grill?
Prawns cook quickly — you’ll know they’re ready when they curl up, turn opaque pink, and pick up those lovely golden grill marks. Overcooked prawns become tough, so a quick flip is all you need!
What other herbs could I use besides parsley?
Fresh cilantro, basil, or even dill are delicious in this marinade and serve as wonderful substitutes or additions to the parsley for Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon.
Can I make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon indoors?
Definitely! Use a grill pan or a broiler if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Both methods give terrific results, lending a smoky char and keeping that zingy lemon flavor front and center.
What’s the best way to devein king prawns?
Make a shallow cut along the prawn’s back using a small knife, then gently pull out the dark vein with the tip of the knife or a toothpick. Doing this ensures a clean presentation and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a recipe that feels both simple and utterly special, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon delivers every time. Give it a try — you might just find it becomes your new favorite way to celebrate sunny days and good company.
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon are a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Juicy prawns marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, and lemon, then grilled to perfection. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright and delicious seafood experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs (about 700g) raw king prawns, shell-on and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- zest of 1 lemon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Prawns: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the prawns and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Grill the Prawns: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the prawns for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, lightly charred, and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, transfer to a serving platter, garnish with extra parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the prawns with the leftover marinade while grilling.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fresh side salad.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
