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Flavorful Australian BBQ Summer Prawns on the Barbie

australian bbq prawns - featured image

A quick and easy Australian BBQ prawn recipe featuring a tangy, garlicky marinade perfect for summer grilling. Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) fresh large prawns, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon honey, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
  2. Marinate the prawns: Add about 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined large prawns to the marinade. Toss gently to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes to avoid ‘cooking’ the prawns with lemon juice.
  3. Preheat the barbecue: Get your grill hot—aim for medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Clean the grates well and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
  4. Thread the prawns (optional): If using skewers, thread 4–5 prawns per skewer, leaving a little space between each so they cook evenly.
  5. Grill the prawns: Place the prawns or skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once. They are done when pink and opaque with a slight char. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
  6. Finish with parsley: Remove prawns from the grill and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot off the grill with a wedge of lemon on the side.

Notes

Do not marinate prawns longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Use medium-high heat for a perfect sear. Turn prawns only once during grilling. Keep grill grates clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. If no barbecue is available, use a grill pan or broiler. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ prawns, Australian BBQ, summer prawns, grilled prawns, seafood barbecue, easy prawn recipe, backyard BBQ, garlic lemon marinade