Looking for a seafood dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor? Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley are the answer! These prawns are marinated in a rich garlic butter mixture, grilled to perfection, and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon. The crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior of the prawns make this dish an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
This dish is all about enhancing the natural sweetness of the prawns with the boldness of garlic butter and the freshness of parsley. If you’re a fan of seafood, or simply looking for a flavorful dinner option, these grilled prawns will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley
- Bold and Flavorful: The garlic butter and fresh parsley give the prawns a rich, savory taste with just the right balance of freshness.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party.
- Perfectly Grilled: The prawns are grilled to perfection, with a slightly crispy edge and a juicy center that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Adjust the garlic, parsley, and lemon juice to suit your personal preferences for a dish that’s always to your liking.
- Healthy and Light: Prawns are low in calories and high in protein, making this a healthy option for seafood lovers.
Ingredients for Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley
For the Prawns:
- 12 large prawns (cleaned, with heads and shells on for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for greasing the grill or grill pan)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
For the Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 100g soft butter (the base of the garlic butter sauce)
- 4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped for intense flavor)
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley (chopped for a fresh, herby flavor)
- Juice of half a lemon (adds brightness and acidity)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley
1. Prepare the Prawns
Start by cleaning the prawns if they are not already prepped. Remove the dorsal vein (the black thread) gently while keeping the heads and shells intact. The shells, especially the heads, will add extra flavor to the prawns as they cook, so don’t discard them!
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the soft butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter. This mixture will be the key to giving the prawns their rich, savory flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill
If you’re using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re cooking indoors, you can use a grill pan over medium heat. To prevent the prawns from sticking, brush the grill grates or grill pan with a little olive oil.
4. Grill the Prawns
Generously coat each prawn with the prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring they are fully covered. Then, place the prawns on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the prawns turn golden and slightly crispy on the edges while remaining juicy on the inside. The prawns should have a nice sear but still be tender and succulent.
5. Serve the Prawns
Once the prawns are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish. For extra flavor, pour the remaining melted garlic butter over the prawns. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrusy kick that brightens the dish.
Tips and Variations for Grilled Prawns
- Adjust the Garlic and Parsley: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more garlic to the butter mixture. Likewise, you can increase the parsley if you want a more herbaceous flavor.
- Add Spice: If you prefer a little heat, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a small amount of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
- Serve with Side Dishes: These prawns pair wonderfully with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying meal.
- Shell-on Prawns: Cooking the prawns with the shells on will lock in the flavors, but if you prefer to use peeled prawns, feel free to do so.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp for prawns. The cooking method remains the same, but be aware that shrimp may cook a little faster due to their smaller size.
Can I make the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Yes, the garlic butter mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before using it to coat the prawns.
How do I know when the prawns are done grilling?
Prawns are done when they turn opaque and have a pinkish-orange hue. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C).
Can I make this dish on the stovetop instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the prawns in a hot grill pan on the stove. Just make sure to coat the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter and Parsley is a simple yet elegant seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich garlic butter, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon creates a flavor-packed experience that will leave you craving more. Whether served with a light salad or as part of a larger spread, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests. So fire up the grill and treat yourself to a delicious and easy-to-make seafood feast!