Juicy, smoky, and buttery, these garlic herb grilled giant prawns are the ultimate seafood showstopper. The shells lock in flavor while a lemony garlic-butter glaze keeps every bite succulent. Perfect for summer grilling, special dinners, or when you want to wow a crowd.
📝 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Badges
✅ High Protein
✅ Low-Carb
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Mediterranean Diet Friendly
Ingredients
- Giant prawns, shells on & split open lengthwise
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Italian herbs (or oregano/thyme mix)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Rinse, pat dry, and split open along the back (keeping shells on). Remove the vein.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush prawns with garlic herb butter. Grill shell-side down 4–5 minutes, flip, and cook 2–3 minutes until shells turn orange-red and flesh is opaque. Baste with extra butter.
- Serve: Arrange on platter, drizzle with remaining butter, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Don’t overcook: prawns turn rubbery if grilled too long.
- Shells on = extra flavor + dramatic presentation.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up juices.
🌟 Introduction
This recipe turns giant prawns into a feast-worthy centerpiece. Garlic, lemon, butter, and herbs coat the prawns while grilling, infusing smoky flavor and creating a glossy, irresistible finish. Served on a platter with lemon wedges, it’s seafood elegance made simple.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prep the Prawns
- Split along the back without removing shells.
- Devein, rinse, and pat dry.
2. Whisk the Garlic Herb Butter
- Melt butter, whisk with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice/zest, parsley, and herbs.
3. Grill to Perfection
- Brush prawns generously.
- Grill shell-side down first (4–5 min), then flip (2–3 min).
- Baste with more butter as they cook.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Plate on a white platter, drizzle extra butter, garnish with herbs.
- Add lemon wedges for squeezing.
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Prawns → Use giant tiger prawns or large shrimp if prawns aren’t available.
- Butter + Olive Oil → Butter for richness, olive oil prevents burning.
- Italian herbs → Swap with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for variety.
- Parsley → Adds freshness; cilantro or basil work as substitutes.
🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Spicy Kick → Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the butter.
- Garlic Lovers → Roast extra garlic cloves and mash into the butter.
- Asian Twist → Swap parsley for cilantro and add soy sauce + ginger.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a starter with crusty bread.
- Pair with grilled veggies or a crisp salad.
- Make it a meal with herbed rice or pasta tossed in garlic butter.
- Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Champagne.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store: Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep in fridge 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with butter (avoid microwave to prevent rubbery texture).
- Make-Ahead: Mix garlic butter in advance and store in fridge up to 3 days.
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 2 g
✅ High protein
✅ Keto-friendly
✅ Naturally low-carb
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I cook these without a grill?
A: Yes — use a cast iron skillet or broil in the oven for similar char.
Q: Do I have to keep the shells on?
A: Not required, but shells help lock in flavor and moisture.
Q: Can I use frozen prawns?
A: Yes — thaw fully, pat dry, and proceed as directed.
