If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of smoky charm, the Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes succulent king prawns, infuses them with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a hint of smoked paprika, then sears them to perfection over high heat. The result is a dazzling plate of seafood that’s juicy, perfectly charred, and impossibly fresh. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in, these prawns are a true Mediterranean delight that’s simple, speedy, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in building the lively, layered flavor that defines Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe. From the brightness of lemon zest to the smoky warmth of paprika, every item is essential in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color on your plate.
- King prawns peeled and deveined with tails on: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen prawns for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps seal in moisture during grilling.
- Lemon zest: Brings a sunny, fragrant citrus punch that brightens the dish.
- Lemon juice: Provides acidity that tenderizes prawns and lifts every bite.
- Minced garlic: Delivers savory depth and a touch of warmth.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Freshens the dish visually and adds a herbaceous note.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky flavor and gorgeous color.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a bit of heat.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if you fancy some heat, salt, and black pepper. This vibrant marinade will coat every prawn with irresistible flavor, so make sure to mix it well.
Step 2: Marinate the prawns
Add your peeled and deveined king prawns into this aromatic bowl and toss them gently until every piece is covered in the marinade. Let them rest and soak up these flavors for about 15 to 20 minutes. This short marination time locks in brightness, savoriness, and that smoky undertone perfectly.
Step 3: Preheat the grill
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. This step is crucial to ensure the prawns don’t stick and get those perfect, mouthwatering char marks that are signature to the recipe.
Step 4: Grill the prawns
Arrange your marinated king prawns in a single layer on the grill. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque with those lovely lightly charred edges. Remember, prawns cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Serve with marinade and lemon
Transfer the cooked prawns to a serving platter and spoon any leftover marinade over the top to boost their juicy, zesty character. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing, adding an extra spark of citrus to each bite.
How to Serve Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top to add a fresh, green pop that contrasts beautifully with the golden-pink prawns. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can take your dish to the next level by enhancing the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. For a low-carb option, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad. The versatility means you can create anything from a casual lunch to an elegant dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, skewer the prawns on colorful wooden sticks for easy grilling and serving. Alternatively, grill lemon halves alongside the prawns and squeeze over before plating to add smoky citrus notes. Serve on a bed of fresh arugula or place atop crusty bread for a delightful, shareable appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep them separate from any sides to maintain their fresh texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked prawns if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen prawns maintain their quality for up to 2 months. Defrost slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm prawns in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery. Aim for just warming through, so they stay tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen king prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. Frozen prawns work well and are convenient if fresh aren’t available.
How spicy is this dish with crushed red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth rather than intense heat. If you prefer less spice, simply omit or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe on a stove-top grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Definitely! A grill pan works perfectly and still gives you those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor. Just watch the heat closely to avoid burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is. There’s no gluten-containing ingredient here, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
What can I add to the marinade for extra depth of flavor?
A touch of honey can add a subtle sweetness and help caramelize the edges beautifully. You can also experiment with a splash of smoked olive oil or a pinch of cumin for unique twists.
Final Thoughts
This Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe is a beautiful celebration of fresh, bold flavors and quick cooking that shines anytime you’re craving something special but fuss-free. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again whenever I want the perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, and savory all in one bite. Give it a try soon—I promise it will become one of your favorites too!
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Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Char-Grilled King Prawns with Lemon recipe features succulent king prawns marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika, then grilled to perfection. The smoky char complements the fresh citrus flavors, making it a perfect Mediterranean-inspired main course that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Prawns
- 1 lb king prawns, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the peeled and deveined king prawns to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to help achieve a nice char on the prawns.
- Grill the Prawns: Arrange the marinated prawns in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the prawns are pink, opaque, and have nice grill marks.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled prawns to a serving platter, spoon any remaining marinade over the top, and garnish with extra lemon wedges. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Serve the char-grilled prawns over rice or pasta to create a complete, satisfying meal.
- Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness and caramelized edges on the prawns.
- For an extra smoky flavor, grill lemon halves alongside the prawns and squeeze the grilled lemon juice over the prawns before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
