Grilled Garlic Butter Prawns: A Taste of Coastal Paradise

There’s something magical about the sizzle of prawns hitting a hot grill, especially when they’re slathered in a rich garlic butter sauce. As someone who’s spent years perfecting seafood recipes, I can tell you that grilled garlic butter prawns are one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Today, I’m excited to share my foolproof method for creating these succulent, flavor-packed prawns that’ll transport you straight to a beachside restaurant.

The Magic Behind Perfect Grilled Prawns

Before we dive into the recipe, let me share why this dish holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in a coastal town, I learned the art of grilling seafood from my grandmother, who always said, “The secret isn’t in the sauce – it’s in the timing.” She was right, but I’ve discovered that when you combine perfect timing with an incredible garlic butter sauce, you create something truly extraordinary.

Key Ingredients

For the Prawns:

• 1 kg large prawns (16-20 count), shell-on but deveined
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 8 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Serving:

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Additional chopped parsley
• Crusty bread
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Fresh garden salad

Essential Equipment

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Prawns

1. Clean and Devein

• Rinse prawns under cold water
• Leave shells on but remove the vein
• Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
• Tip: Keeping shells on protects the meat from direct heat

1. Initial Seasoning

• Toss prawns with olive oil
• Season with salt and pepper
• Let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes
• Why: This helps prawns cook evenly

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Prepare the Base

• Soften butter at room temperature
• Mince garlic very finely
• Chop parsley and zest lemon

1. Combine Ingredients

• Mix butter with minced garlic
• Add parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes
• Season with salt and pepper
• Blend until completely combined

Grilling Process

1. Prepare the Grill

• Heat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-200°C)
• Clean and oil grates thoroughly
• Create two heating zones (direct and indirect)

1. Grilling Technique

• Place prawns on direct heat
• Grill 2-3 minutes per side
• Baste with garlic butter sauce while grilling
• Watch for shell color change to bright pink

Temperature Guide:

Professional Tips for Perfect Results

1. Prawn Selection

• Choose fresh prawns when possible
• Look for firm, translucent flesh
• Avoid prawns with black spots or soft shells
• Size matters: 16-20 count per pound is ideal

1. Preparation Secrets

• Don’t remove shells before grilling
• Score the back slightly for better flavor penetration
• Keep prawns cold until 20 minutes before grilling
• Make extra garlic butter sauce for serving

1. Grilling Mastery

• Don’t overcrowd the grill
• Maintain consistent temperature
• Use grill basket for easier handling
• Keep spray bottle handy for flare-ups

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Temperature Issues

• Not preheating grill sufficiently
• Cooking on too high heat
• Not creating temperature zones

1. Timing Problems

• Overcooking the prawns
• Not letting prawns rest before grilling
• Flipping too frequently

1. Preparation Errors

• Removing shells before grilling
• Not patting prawns dry
• Skimping on seasoning

Serving Suggestions

Create a beautiful presentation by:

• Arranging prawns on a large platter
• Garnishing with fresh herbs and lemon wedges
• Serving with extra garlic butter sauce
• Adding colorful side dishes

Recommended Sides:

• Grilled Mediterranean vegetables
• Fresh Greek salad
• Crusty artisan bread
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Garlic mashed potatoes

Storage and Reheating

Reheating Methods:

1. Gentle Oven Heating

• Preheat to 300°F/150°C
• Wrap in foil with butter
• Heat for 5-7 minutes

1. Stovetop Warming

• Use low heat
• Add butter or oil
• Heat just until warm

Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them very dry before grilling. Fresh prawns will give you the best results, but high-quality frozen prawns can work well too.

Q: Why keep the shells on while grilling?
A: The shells protect the delicate meat from direct heat, help retain moisture, and add extra flavor. They also prevent the prawns from curling too much during cooking.

Q: How do I know when the prawns are perfectly cooked?
A: Look for these signs:

• Shell turns bright pink
• Meat becomes opaque white with a slight pinkish tint
• Prawns curl into a loose “C” shape (if they’re in a tight curl, they’re overcooked)
• Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)

Q: Can I make the garlic butter sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.

Q: What’s the best way to clean and devein prawns while keeping the shell on?
A: Use kitchen scissors to cut along the back of the shell, then remove the vein with the tip of a knife or toothpick. Leave the shell intact but create an opening for seasoning to penetrate.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Asian-Style

• Add ginger and lemongrass to the butter
• Include a splash of soy sauce
• Garnish with fresh cilantro

1. Mediterranean Version

• Mix in oregano and thyme
• Add a touch of white wine to the butter
• Finish with crumbled feta

1. Cajun Twist

• Add Cajun seasoning to the butter
• Include cayenne pepper
• Serve with corn on the cob

Remember, cooking is about making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices while keeping the basic technique the same. I’d love to hear about your experiences with this recipe and any unique variations you create!