If you’re craving a dish that combines the fresh taste of the sea with zesty citrus and a smoky char, you’ve found your winner with this Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe. Every bite bursts with bold flavors—the vibrant lemon juice and zest add a bright punch that beautifully complements the smoky, charred prawns. This recipe feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for celebrations or a simple weeknight dinner that tastes like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a crucial role: from the olive oil’s richness to the lemon’s brightness, and the smoked paprika’s depth to the garlic’s aromatic punch, these elements come together to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- King prawns, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, large and juicy for a satisfying bite.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky coating that helps the prawns char beautifully and locks in moisture.
- Lemon juice: Adds fresh, tangy brightness that wakes up the flavors.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma without the extra acidity.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and a subtle punch to the marinade.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a rich, smoky depth that complements the grilling process.
- Chili flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of green freshness as a garnish.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing extra lemony goodness over the prawns when serving.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mix forms the flavorful bath that will infuse the prawns with a sensational blend of zesty, smoky, and savory notes. Make sure everything is well combined to coat each prawn evenly.
Step 2: Marinate the Prawns
Next, toss your peeled and deveined king prawns into the marinade. Give them a gentle stir so every piece is glistening with that beautiful mixture. Let your prawns soak up these flavors for at least 15 minutes. This step is where the magic begins, allowing the citrus and spices to penetrate the seafood deeply.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
While the prawns are marinating, get your grill ready by heating it to medium-high. It’s important to oil the grates well so the prawns don’t stick and tear when you turn them. A hot, well-prepped grill is key to achieving those irresistible charred grill marks that everyone loves.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns
Thread the prawns onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each one. This spacing helps them cook evenly and allows the heat to circulate around each prawn for that perfect char-grilled texture. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water beforehand to avoid burning.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely as the prawns turn from translucent to a gorgeous pink and develop those signature charred edges. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once grilled, transfer your prawns to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside lemon wedges to squeeze over the top, amplifying that citrus kick. These simple finishing touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making it irresistible.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the prawns adds a lively green burst and a hint of earthiness that balances the smoky and citrus flavors. Lemon wedges are not just decorative—they let your guests add an extra splash of freshness and acidity, which brightens every bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides. Think crisp green salads, buttery grilled corn on the cob, or a fluffy couscous tossed with herbs. For something heartier, garlic bread or a creamy risotto compliment the prawns perfectly without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, present the prawns on a large wooden board garnished with herb sprigs and lemon halves. Alternatively, serve them atop a bed of vibrant, fresh greens or alongside a small bowl of garlic aioli for dipping to create an enticing appetizer or meal centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to keep the prawns fresh and flavorful. The charred smokiness remains tempting, but prawns can decline in texture if stored too long.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked prawns, it’s not recommended for optimum texture. If you do, place them in a freezer-safe container, ideally without the lemon garnish, and use within 1 month. Thaw carefully in the fridge to avoid overcooking when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the prawns in a skillet over medium heat or use a quick stint under the broiler. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the prawns rubbery. A light drizzle of olive oil during reheating helps keep them moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen king prawns for this recipe?
Yes, frozen king prawns work well. Just make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess water diluting the flavors.
What if I don’t have a grill, can I cook these another way?
Absolutely! You can cook the prawns in a grill pan on your stovetop or under a hot broiler. The key is to achieve that charred flavor, so a high heat method is ideal.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the recipe?
Definitely. The chili flakes are optional, so you can omit them for a milder dish or increase the amount for more heat. It’s all about tuning the recipe to your taste.
How long can I marinate the prawns?
While 15 minutes is sufficient, you can marinate up to 1 hour for more intense flavor, but avoid going much longer as the acids in the lemon can start to “cook” the prawns, changing their texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! It’s quick to prepare and can easily be scaled up. Prawns cook so fast that even larger batches won’t add too much time, making it perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe at home. It combines simple, fresh ingredients with an irresistible smoky char, creating a dish that feels effortlessly special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table eager for more!
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon recipe features succulent king prawns marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika, then grilled to perfection. The smoky char and fresh citrusy flavors make it a perfect dish for a quick, impressive seafood meal.
Ingredients
For the Prawns and Marinade
- 1 pound king prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined king prawns to the marinade and toss to ensure each prawn is fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates well to prevent the prawns from sticking during cooking.
- Skewer Prawns: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each prawn to allow even cooking and airflow.
- Grill Prawns: Place the prawn skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the prawns turn pink, opaque, and develop a slight char.
- Serve Hot: Remove the prawns from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
- Ensure the grill is properly oiled to prevent prawns from sticking.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- If skewers are wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- You can also cook the prawns on a grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
