Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley

Grilled prawns are a perfect seafood dish, full of flavor and easy to prepare. This recipe takes juicy prawns and adds a rich garlic butter sauce, elevated with fresh parsley. Perfect for a summer BBQ, a quick dinner, or an elegant appetizer, these grilled prawns are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined (with tails on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Prawns:

Start by preparing the prawns. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do so by carefully removing the shell and veins. Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. This ensures they grill nicely without excess moisture.

2. Season the Prawns:

In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure each prawn is well-coated with the seasoning. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the grill and garlic butter sauce.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Set aside.

4. Grill the Prawns:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat. Thread the prawns onto skewers for easy grilling or grill them directly on the grill. Grill the prawns for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the prawns.

5. Brush with Garlic Butter:

Once the prawns are cooked, remove them from the grill and immediately brush them with the prepared garlic butter. You can brush both sides to ensure the prawns are fully coated with the rich, flavorful butter sauce.

6. Serve:

Serve the grilled prawns immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. Optionally, sprinkle with more fresh parsley for added color and freshness. These prawns are perfect when served with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

6-8 minutes

Total Time:

16-18 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Tips for the Best Grilled Prawns:

• Make sure your grill is properly preheated before placing the prawns on it to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice char.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the prawns in a grill pan or even sauté them in a skillet on the stove.
• For a bit of extra flavor, you can marinate the prawns in the olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before grilling.
• If you prefer, you can add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

Health Benefits:

• Prawns: Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality protein, low in fat and calories. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including B12, selenium, and iodine, which are essential for metabolism and thyroid health.
• Garlic: Garlic is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for heart health. It also supports immune function and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It also aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Lemon: Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system and supports skin health.

Conclusion:

Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley is a simple yet sophisticated dish that will elevate any meal. The combination of juicy, smoky prawns with the rich, aromatic garlic butter is a match made in heaven. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a main course, this dish is bound to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a chilled glass of rosé for the ultimate dining experience!

Enjoy your grilled prawns with this irresistible garlic butter sauce, and feel free to experiment with different seasonings to make the recipe your own!