If you love seafood and crave something fresh, quick, and spectacular, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is the dish that turns a weeknight dinner into a sunny Mediterranean escape. Juicy king prawns are bathed in garlicky citrus marinade, then quickly grilled for smoky, succulent perfection. The bright burst of lemon and a shower of fragrant parsley make every bite lively—you can almost hear the sizzle! This recipe is all about letting simple, quality ingredients shine. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or firing up a grill pan in your kitchen, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is an absolute treat, ready in under an hour and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is that you only need a handful of powerhouse ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—no fillers here! Let’s take a closer look at everything that goes into making this dish so irresistible.
- King prawns (1 ½ pounds, butterflied and deveined): These meaty, sweet prawns are perfect for grilling and soak up the marinade beautifully—choose shells on for extra flavor, or off for convenience.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Infuses the marinade with lush richness and helps prevent sticking on the grill.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a deep, aromatic savoriness that complements the seafood.
- Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Gives the prawns their signature brightness and helps tenderize them while marinating.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors, making every element pop.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick and a hint of warmth in the background.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides color and a fresh, herby finish right before serving.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze just before eating amplifies all the citrusy goodness.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon
Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss in the king prawns, making sure every nook and cranny is coated with that gorgeous mixture. Cover and chill for 15 to 30 minutes. This marinade is where the magic begins—the lemon tenderizes the prawns while the garlic and olive oil infuse them with rich, savory notes.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill (or a ridged grill pan) to medium-high. You want it nice and hot to get those flavorful grill marks and a quick cook. If you’re grilling outdoors, let the grates get blazing so the prawns don’t stick—just a quick brush of oil will do the trick if you’re worried.
Step 3: Grill the Prawns
Once the grill is ready, arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they turn pink, opaque, and just start to char at the edges. Be mindful—they cook fast and stay juiciest when just barely done. The moment you spot those lovely grill marks and the lemon-garlic aroma fills the air, you’ll know it’s time!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Transfer the hot prawns right onto a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon wedges. The parsley adds not only color but a lifted, herbal note that balances the dish. Serve immediately—and don’t overlook that final squeeze of lemon over the top! It makes the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon sing with freshness.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon
Garnishes
Garnishing your Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is a joy! Beyond the parsley and lemon wedges, try adding a scatter of chili flakes for heat, or even a few capers for a tangy, briny bite. If you love a bit of richness, a touch of extra-virgin olive oil drizzled just before serving is divine. Presentation is all about color and brightness here.
Side Dishes
This dish begs to be enjoyed with sides that complement its fresh, citrusy profile. Think a crisp, leafy salad tossed with vinaigrette, some grilled asparagus, or a mound of fluffy couscous. And don’t forget crusty bread—ideal for soaking up those addictive lemony juices left on your plate. These pairings round out the meal without overshadowing your star.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra flourish, thread the king prawns onto skewers before grilling for easy flipping and a dramatic presentation. Arrange the grilled prawns upright on a platter around a bowl of garlicky aioli or herbed yogurt dip for guests to dunk. Or serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon atop a bed of warm grains or lentils for a showstopping main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay flavorful and safe to eat for up to two days. Just know the texture is best right after grilling—refrigerated prawns lose a little of their snappy bite, but their flavor remains fantastic.
Freezing
These prawns can be frozen if needed, though it’s best to freeze them before grilling. Simply marinate, then lay the prawns on a sheet pan to freeze individually before bagging. If freezing cooked leftovers, pack them tightly in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. Use within one month for the best taste.
Reheating
To reheat Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon without overcooking, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the prawns can toughen. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon after reheating to refresh the flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon?
Absolutely! Thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture. Frozen prawns tend to work beautifully and still soak up all the delicious flavors.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill, no problem! A grill pan or even a heavy cast iron skillet on your stovetop will yield excellent results. Just make sure you get the pan nice and hot and don’t overcrowd it for the best charred edges.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely—this dish is flexible! Try a splash of smoked paprika for depth, or add fresh cilantro or basil in place of parsley for a twist. Just keep the lemon center stage for that signature Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon experience.
Should I leave the shells on or off?
This comes down to personal preference. Shells-on keep the prawns extra juicy and flavorful, especially when grilling, but shells-off are easier to eat, especially for guests. Either way, the recipe shines.
How can I tell when the prawns are cooked through?
Prawns are done when they’re pink, opaque, and have firmed up slightly without feeling rubbery. The grill time is short, so keep a close eye—the difference between perfect and overcooked happens fast!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as impressive as it is easy, Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon is a clear winner. It’s quick, vibrant, and endlessly versatile—your ticket to a true seafood feast at home. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself craving this sunshine-on-a-plate all year round!
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Total Time: 25–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these succulent Char-Grilled King Prawns with a zesty lemon twist. Perfect for a light and flavorful seafood dish that’s quick to prepare on the grill.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds king prawns, butterflied and deveined (shells on or off as preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add prawns and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Grill Prawns: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place prawns on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer grilled prawns to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or crusty bread to soak up the lemony juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 15–30 minutes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 6 ounces prawns
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
