1. Prepare the Prawns

Start by rinsing the prawns under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. If you prefer to leave the tails on for presentation, feel free to do so; otherwise, you can remove them for easier eating. Be sure to devein the prawns, as this removes the dark vein that runs along the back of the shrimp, which can be gritty and unappealing.

2. Make the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped chili, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture together until well combined. The garlic will infuse the oil, while the lemon and chili will add brightness and heat to the marinade.

3. Marinate the Prawns

Place the cleaned prawns into a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the prawns, making sure they are all evenly coated. If you have time, cover and refrigerate the prawns for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but marinating will deepen the flavors and give you even more delicious prawns.

4. Preheat the Grill

While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want the grill to be hot enough to sear the prawns quickly, but not so hot that they burn before cooking through. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a medium heat. For a gas grill, simply set it to medium-high.

If you’re using a grill pan on the stove, preheat it over medium-high heat. You can also lightly oil the grill grates or pan with a brush to prevent the prawns from sticking.

5. Grill the Prawns

Once the grill is preheated, place the prawns directly on the grill grates or in the grill pan. Cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery. The prawns should have a slight char on the edges and a smoky aroma.

If you’re using a skewer to grill the prawns, thread them onto the skewer before grilling. This makes flipping them much easier and prevents them from falling through the grates.

6. Serve the Grilled Prawns

Once the prawns are cooked through, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges for squeezing. The lemon will add a nice burst of freshness and enhance the citrus notes in the dish.