Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns

There’s something magical about the scent of garlic sizzling in butter, especially when it mingles with the briny sweetness of fresh prawns. Imagine the charred smokiness from the grill, a burst of citrus, and the freshness of parsley dancing through every bite. These prawns aren’t just food, they’re a little taste of sunshine on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly on your own. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

I first fell in love with grilled prawns at a seaside café where the chef simply brushed them with butter, herbs, and garlic before tossing them over hot coals. The smell drifted through the air and had me hooked before I even saw the plate. Since then, I’ve recreated that memory at home countless times, tweaking the balance of garlic and parsley until it felt just right. This recipe is my way of bottling up that coastal charm and serving it in your kitchen.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Grilling seafood over an open flame has been a tradition across coastal regions for centuries. Mediterranean countries often use olive oil, herbs, and lemon, while Asian coastal kitchens lean on ginger, garlic, and chili. Prawns, in particular, are beloved because they cook quickly and soak up marinades beautifully. Parsley and butter are classic European pairings that give these prawns a timeless feel, making them a favorite from backyard barbecues to fine dining tables.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns

Here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:

Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even pile them onto pasta or salad.

Budget-Friendly: Prawns deliver a luxurious feel without the hefty price tag of lobster or crab.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish takes less than 20 minutes.

Customizable: Add chili flakes for heat or swap parsley for cilantro for a different flavor twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Few dishes draw people in faster than sizzling garlic butter.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the prawns in advance, then grill just before serving.

Great for Leftovers: Toss cold prawns into wraps, rice bowls, or even sandwiches.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure your prawns are irresistible every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use shell-on prawns for maximum flavor, but devein them for a clean bite.
2. Don’t overcook — prawns should turn pink and opaque in just 2–3 minutes per side.
3. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Fresh parsley added at the end keeps the flavor bright and vibrant.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before firing up the grill, gather these essentials:

Grill or Grill Pan: Brings the smoky char that makes this recipe shine.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing prawns with marinade.
Basting Brush: Helps evenly coat the prawns in garlic butter.
Tongs: Makes flipping the prawns easy without piercing them.
Serving Platter: Show off your juicy prawns in style.

Ingredients in Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient amplifies the next:

1. Prawns: 1 lb large prawns, shell-on and deveined, provide sweetness and succulence.
2. Butter: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, gives a rich base that carries the garlic.
3. Garlic: 4 cloves minced, infuses bold aroma and depth.
4. Fresh Parsley: 3 tbsp finely chopped, adds freshness and a pop of color.
5. Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon, brightens the richness of butter.
6. Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, helps balance the marinade and prevent burning.
7. Salt: 1 tsp, enhances natural prawn sweetness.
8. Black Pepper: ½ tsp freshly cracked, adds gentle spice.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you might want to switch things up:

Prawns: Substitute with shrimp.
Butter: Use ghee or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Parsley: Swap with cilantro or dill for a fresh twist.
Lemon Juice: Lime juice works beautifully too.

Ingredient Spotlight

Garlic: The heart of the flavor, it caramelizes slightly on the grill and perfumes every bite.

Parsley: More than a garnish, its grassy brightness balances the richness of butter.

Instructions for Making Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns

Cooking these prawns is as fun as eating them. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Arrange skewers if needed to make grilling easier and prevent prawns from curling.
4. Assemble the Dish: Toss prawns in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
5. Cook to Perfection: Grill prawns 2–3 minutes per side until pink, slightly charred, and juicy.
6. Finishing Touches: Brush with a little extra garlic butter and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Pile them onto a platter, squeeze over extra lemon, and dig in while warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These prawns are all about contrasts — the slight crunch of charred shell, the juicy tender flesh inside, and the silky coating of garlic butter. The lemon adds brightness, parsley adds freshness, and together they keep every bite balanced.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A little extra guidance goes a long way here:

• Marinate for at least 15 minutes, but not longer than 1 hour to avoid mushy prawns.
• Grill over medium-high heat for the perfect char without overcooking.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.

What to Avoid

Don’t let common pitfalls ruin your dish:

• Overcooking: Pull prawns off the grill as soon as they turn opaque.
• Skipping oil on the grill: This prevents sticking and tearing.
• Over-salting: Prawns are naturally briny, so season lightly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 210

Note These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These prawns taste best fresh, but you can marinate them a few hours ahead and keep them chilled. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan with a touch of butter. Freezing is possible, though the texture is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns

These prawns shine on their own, but they’re even better with sides. Serve with warm crusty bread to mop up the garlic butter, over pasta for a fuller meal, or alongside a crisp salad for a lighter touch. A bed of rice or couscous also makes a lovely base.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let even a single prawn go to waste:

• Chop and fold into creamy risotto.
• Toss with noodles and a splash of soy sauce.
• Use in tacos with avocado and slaw.

Additional Tips

For a little extra indulgence, drizzle the prawns with browned butter before serving. If you like heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade. And remember, the fresher the prawns, the sweeter the flavor.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is half the magic. Serve prawns still on their skewers for a rustic feel or stack them elegantly on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. A drizzle of golden butter just before serving makes them gleam irresistibly.

Variations to Try

• Garlic Chili Prawns: Add red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili for a spicy kick.
• Herby Mediterranean Prawns: Swap parsley for oregano and thyme.
• Citrus Twist: Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon.
• Asian Fusion: Replace butter with sesame oil and finish with toasted sesame seeds.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this without a grill?

Yes, a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works beautifully.

2. Should I peel the prawns before grilling?

It’s up to you — shells keep them juicier, but peeling makes them easier to eat.

3. Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before marinating.

4. What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley works, but fresh brings brighter flavor.

5. Can I cook these indoors?

Absolutely, a broiler or stovetop pan will do the trick.

6. How long should I marinate the prawns?

15–30 minutes is ideal, no longer than 1 hour.

7. What type of prawns are best?

Large tiger or king prawns work best for grilling.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale up ingredients and cook in batches.

9. How do I prevent overcooking?

Watch closely — they only need 2–3 minutes per side.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Conclusion

Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns bring together smoky char, garlicky richness, and fresh brightness in every bite. They’re quick, simple, and full of flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Fire up the grill, grab some prawns, and let this dish transport you to a sunlit seaside table. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Watch How to Make Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns