Description
Juicy prawns marinated in a savory blend of spices and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. These prawns are the perfect appetizer or main dish for any seafood lover.
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Protein: 20-22g