Crispy Grilled Prawns Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Grilled Prawns are the perfect balance of tender, juicy prawns with a crispy exterior, making for a mouthwatering dish that will impress anyone at your table. The charred smoky flavor from the grill combined with a crispy texture from a quick sear is irresistible. Whether you’re preparing these prawns for a casual weeknight dinner or serving them at a summer barbecue, they are sure to become a favorite.

This recipe walks you through the steps to achieve the perfect crispy grilled prawns, with tips on marinating, grilling, and serving. The prawns are seasoned to perfection, giving them an excellent depth of flavor. You can also make adjustments to the seasoning and marinades to suit your taste, making this recipe highly customizable.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Grilled Prawns

• Perfect Crispy Exterior: Achieve a crispy and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy with just the right grilling technique.
• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of garlic, spices, and your choice of seasonings makes these prawns full of flavor, perfectly complementing their natural sweetness.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect dish for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner, a party, or an outdoor barbecue, these prawns can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
• Healthier Option: Grilling prawns offers a lean and healthy meal with minimal fat, making it a great choice for those looking to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 180-200 calories per serving (based on 4 servings).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180-200 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Protein: 20-22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

For the Crispy Grilled Prawns:

• 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for extra heat)

Special Equipment

To make sure your prawns are grilled to perfection, you’ll need a few basic tools:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, make sure it’s preheated to medium-high heat. A well-heated grill ensures that the prawns sear perfectly and achieve the crispy exterior.
2. Tongs: Tongs are the best way to handle the prawns on the grill. They allow for safe and easy flipping of the prawns, ensuring even cooking on both sides.
3. Bowl for Marinating: A large bowl is necessary for mixing and marinating the prawns. It allows you to thoroughly coat them in the seasoning and oil.
4. Basting Brush: While grilling, you may want to baste the prawns with additional marinade or oil to ensure they stay juicy and prevent them from drying out.
5. Skewers (Optional): If you prefer to skewer the prawns for easy flipping, wooden or metal skewers can be used. This also adds a nice presentation when serving.
6. Grill Basket (Optional): If you’re worried about the prawns slipping through the grill grates, a grill basket can help. It allows you to cook multiple prawns at once without the hassle of flipping them individually.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Prawns

Start by peeling and deveining the prawns, leaving the tails on for an appealing presentation. You can buy prawns already peeled and deveined, or you can do it yourself for a fresher taste. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Dry prawns are key to achieving a crispy exterior when grilling.

2. Make the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to give the prawns a zesty, fresh flavor. Stir the ingredients together until fully mixed. This marinade not only adds flavor to the prawns but also helps to tenderize them.

3. Marinate the Prawns

Add the prawns to the marinade and toss them gently to ensure each prawn is evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. While marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).

4. Preheat the Grill

While the prawns are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high on the stove. The grill should be hot enough to sear the prawns, but not so hot that they burn too quickly. A properly heated grill helps the prawns develop that golden, crispy crust on the outside.

5. Grill the Prawns

Once the grill is hot, place the prawns on the grill grates. You can either arrange them directly on the grill or skewer them for easier flipping. Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them as they cook quickly. The prawns are done when they curl up into a C-shape, and the exterior is crispy and slightly charred.

If you’re concerned about the prawns sticking to the grill, you can lightly oil the grates or use a grill basket. If desired, baste the prawns with a little more marinade halfway through cooking for extra flavor and moisture.

6. Check for Doneness

The prawns should be opaque in color with a slightly crispy, golden-brown exterior. They will firm up but still have a tender and juicy interior. Avoid overcooking, as prawns can become rubbery if left on the grill too long.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the prawns are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor. For a finishing touch, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for extra tang.

Serve the crispy grilled prawns as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They pair beautifully with a variety of sides, sauces, and dips.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Grilled Prawns

• Pat the Prawns Dry: Excess moisture can prevent the prawns from getting that crispy exterior. Be sure to pat the prawns dry before marinating them to ensure a nice sear.
• Use Fresh Prawns: Fresh prawns yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen prawns, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before grilling.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Overcrowding the grill can prevent the prawns from cooking evenly. Give them enough space to sear properly and flip easily.
• Watch the Cooking Time: Prawns cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can result in rubbery, tough prawns. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Adjust the Heat: If your prawns are cooking too quickly or burning, lower the heat slightly. If they’re taking too long to cook, raise the heat to get that crispy exterior.

Variations of Crispy Grilled Prawns

• Spicy Cajun Grilled Prawns: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the marinade for a spicier kick. You can also drizzle with hot sauce just before serving for an extra punch of heat.
• Garlic Butter Grilled Prawns: Instead of the olive oil marinade, melt butter with garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Brush the prawns with the garlic butter before grilling and during cooking for a rich, flavorful twist.
• Honey Soy Grilled Prawns: Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savory marinade. This variation is perfect for those who love Asian-inspired flavors.
• Lime and Cilantro Grilled Prawns: Use lime zest and fresh cilantro in the marinade for a fresh, citrusy twist. This variation is perfect for a refreshing, summer-ready dish.
• Tandoori Grilled Prawns: Marinate the prawns in a mixture of yogurt, tandoori spices, and lemon juice for an Indian-inspired grilled prawn dish. The yogurt will help tenderize the prawns and impart a delicious flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Grilled prawns are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent them from becoming tough.

If you want to freeze cooked prawns, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen prawns can last for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw the prawns in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in a skillet or oven.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crispy Grilled Prawns

Pair these prawns with complementary dishes to enhance the meal:

• Grilled Vegetables: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, for a light, healthy addition.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A fragrant, fluffy cilantro lime rice makes a perfect side dish for prawns, absorbing the flavors of the grill.
• Garlic Bread: A crisp and buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover juices or dipping into the prawns.
• Fresh Salad: A bright, refreshing salad made with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette complements the smoky flavor of the prawns.

Print

Conclusion

Crispy Grilled Prawns are a delightful dish that perfectly combines tender, juicy seafood with a deliciously crispy crust. They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these prawns will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy this flavorful, crispy treat at your next barbecue or dinner party—you’ll be sure to make it a regular in your recipe repertoire!