These BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are the definition of simple summer indulgence—bold flavors, minimal ingredients, and irresistible results. Infused with a garlic-chili-lemon oil and grilled over hot coals for a perfect smoky char, these prawns are juicy, quick to prepare, and ideal for warm-weather entertaining. Whether served as a main or shared over crusty bread with a cold drink, this five-ingredient recipe delivers restaurant-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

From Pantry:

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

Main Ingredients:

• 8 large prawns (shells on, deveined)

• 2 cloves garlic, grated

• 1–2 chillies, finely sliced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (about 2g), chopped

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

Optional for Serving:

• Lemon wedges

• Crusty bread

For Barbecue:

• Firelighters

• Charcoal

• Matches or lighter

• Glass of water (to tame flames)

Directions

1. Light BBQ: Start your fire by placing firelighters at the bottom of the grill. Top with charcoal and let it heat until coals are glowing white-hot.

2. Make Garlic-Chilli Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium. Add grated garlic and sliced chillies. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in lemon zest and juice. Toast lightly until garlic is golden—not burnt.

3. Marinate Prawns: Pour half the sauce over prawns and rub gently under the shells for even flavoring.

4. Grill Prawns: Place prawns on the hot grill. Cook for about 45 seconds to 1 minute per side until shells are pink-orange and flesh is pearly white. Use water to control flare-ups if needed.

5. Serve: Transfer grilled prawns to a platter, pour over remaining sauce, and serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approx. 300–350 kcal per serving (depends on oil absorption and bread)

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

The Simplicity of Great Ingredients

At the heart of this recipe is quality, not complexity. With just five key ingredients—large prawns, garlic, chillies, lemon, and olive oil—you’re relying on the freshness and boldness of natural flavors. The olive oil becomes a rich carrier for the aromatics, while garlic and chillies infuse the prawns with depth and heat. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, cutting through the richness and bringing everything into perfect balance.

Because prawns cook so quickly on a hot grill, they’re an ideal protein for warm-weather cooking. The shell acts as a natural insulator, keeping the flesh moist and flavorful, while also absorbing the smokiness from the flames. This results in juicy prawns with just the right char, finished with a drizzle of citrusy oil that clings to every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is proof that less truly is more. By letting the grill do the heavy lifting and focusing on a small but impactful set of ingredients, the result is a meal that tastes more complex than it is. The garlic-chilli-lemon oil does double duty—first as a marinade that gently permeates the prawn flesh, and second as a finishing drizzle that delivers zesty, aromatic punch.

Another reason this recipe works so well is its adaptability. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill, gas BBQ, or stovetop grill pan, the preparation remains the same. It’s also forgiving in terms of timing; prawns only need 1 minute per side, so you can go from raw to ready in under five minutes.

Even the presentation is effortlessly elegant. Served with lemon wedges and toasted bread to soak up the flavorful oil, these prawns are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Perfect for Entertaining

BBQ Grilled Prawns are a dream dish for hosts. They cook in minutes, look impressive, and are easy to eat with your hands or a fork. There’s no need for fancy plating—just pile them high on a platter with lemon wedges and some grilled bread, and let guests dive in.

Their bold flavor also makes them a crowd-pleaser. The slight heat from the chillies, the warmth of garlic, and the zip of lemon create a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. If you’re serving a group, you can easily scale up the recipe without complicating the process.

This dish is also naturally dairy-free, gluten-free (if served without bread), and fits many dietary lifestyles, including Mediterranean and paleo-friendly diets. Plus, it pairs beautifully with summer beverages like crisp white wine, rosé, sparkling water with citrus, or light beers.

Nutritional Highlights

Prawns are a lean, high-protein seafood option loaded with nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. They’re low in fat and calories, making them an excellent option for healthy meals without sacrificing satisfaction.

Garlic is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, while chillies may help boost metabolism and circulation. Olive oil, particularly extra virgin, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support heart health.

The lemon in this recipe adds more than just flavor—it contributes vitamin C and aids in digestion, especially when paired with seafood. When served with whole grain or sourdough bread, this dish becomes a balanced meal with healthy fats, protein, and carbs.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Prawns

To ensure perfect results, start with high-quality, fresh prawns. Shells on and tails intact not only enhance presentation but also help keep the prawns juicy during grilling. Devein them before marinating for the best texture and appearance.

Be careful not to overcook. The prawns are ready as soon as their shells turn vibrant orange and the flesh is pearly white and opaque. Overcooking leads to rubbery texture, so keep a close eye on the grill.

Always control flare-ups by keeping a glass of water nearby. This is especially important when grilling over charcoal, as oil can drip and cause sudden bursts of flame.

If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds. For more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or use bird’s eye chillies. And for an added herbaceous note, toss in fresh cilantro or basil with the parsley.

Customizations and Variations

This dish is extremely customizable. Want more flavor? Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the oil mix. Prefer another protein? This same marinade works beautifully with scallops, squid, or even grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

For a twist, swap the parsley for cilantro or mint, or add grated ginger for a Southeast Asian flair. You can also turn the dish into grilled prawn tacos by removing the shells after grilling and serving the prawns in soft tortillas with slaw and avocado.

Love butter? Finish the dish with a pat of garlic-herb butter instead of olive oil for a richer finish. Want it smoky and sweet? Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the garlic-chilli oil before brushing it on the prawns.

Serving Suggestions

The best way to enjoy these prawns is hot off the grill, drizzled with the remaining sauce, and served with wedges of lemon for extra zing. A loaf of crusty bread is a must—it soaks up the garlicky, spicy, citrus-infused oil like a sponge, turning even the leftovers into a treat.

For a full meal, serve alongside grilled corn, a fresh arugula salad, or a Mediterranean couscous salad. They also pair beautifully with grilled pineapple, cucumber-tomato salad, or creamy coleslaw.

These prawns are also a perfect first course for a larger grilled seafood feast. Follow up with grilled fish fillets, mussels, or a smoky seafood paella to impress your guests.

Conclusion

BBQ Grilled Prawns with Garlic, Lemon & Chilli are the perfect example of how a handful of ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. They’re juicy, fiery, bright, and full of smoky depth—ideal for anyone craving a fuss-free but flavor-packed dish.

Whether you’re grilling on a patio, at a campsite, or on a weeknight with a stovetop grill, this recipe makes it easy to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. Pair with your favorite drink, gather some friends, and savor the simplicity of this summer classic. This is seafood at its boldest and best—easy to cook, stunning to serve, and impossible to resist.