BBQ Chilli Prawn Skewers with Lemon
BBQ Chilli Prawn Skewers with Lemon: A Zesty Seafood Delight
Imagine plump, juicy prawns, infused with a vibrant chilli marinade and a bright burst of lemon, kissed by the smoky char of the grill. This BBQ Chilli Prawn Skewers recipe delivers just that – a delightful fusion of spicy, savoury, and zesty flavours that will awaken your palate. The lemon perfectly complements the sweetness of the prawns, while the chilli adds a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate. It's a surprisingly easy yet incredibly flavourful dish, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Yields: Approximately 6-8 skewers
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)1
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped red chilies, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and smoked paprika.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
2. Marinate the Prawns:
- Add the prawns to the marinade.
- Ensure that all the prawns are well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to fully penetrate the prawns.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.2
- Thread the marinated3 prawns onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each prawn for even cooking.
4. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat (around 200-230°C or 400-450°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
- Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill.
- Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the prawns are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
6. Serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the skewers: Leave a little space between the prawns to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder flavour, use less chilli or remove the seeds and membranes entirely. For more heat, leave some seeds in or use a hotter variety of chilli.
- Marinating time: While 30 minutes will impart some flavour, marinating for 1-2 hours will result in more flavourful prawns. Avoid marinating for longer than 3 hours as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to "cook" the prawns.
- Prevent sticking: Lightly oil your grill grates before placing the skewers on them.
- Control the heat: Prawns cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them while grilling to prevent them from overcooking.4
- Serving suggestions: These skewers are delicious served on their own, with a side of rice or quinoa, in tacos, or as part of a larger BBQ spread. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of extra marinade can add a final touch of freshness.
Enjoy the delightful dance of spicy chilli, zesty lemon, and succulent prawns in every bite of these BBQ skewers!