Classic Australian Prawns on the Barbie
A quintessential Australian summer dish, these simple yet incredibly flavorful prawns are grilled to perfection on the barbecue, showcasing their natural sweetness with a hint of garlic butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1kg Large prawns (king or tiger prawns recommended)
- 100g Garlic butter
- 2 Lemon
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the prawns: If your prawns are not already peeled and deveined, do so now. Make a shallow cut down the back of each prawn with a sharp knife to remove the dark vein. Leave the tails on for easier handling and presentation.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Preheat your barbecue (grill) to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of approximately 200-230°C (400-450°F). Clean the grill grates thoroughly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Season and butter the prawns: Place the prepared prawns in a large bowl. Drizzle with melted garlic butter, ensuring they are well coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at this stage if desired.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Grill the prawns: Arrange the prawns on the preheated barbecue, shell-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prawns turn opaque pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 5
Serve immediately: Transfer the cooked prawns to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the prawns.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to perfect prawns is not to overcook them. They cook very quickly and will become tough if left on the heat for too long.
- ✓Grilling shell-side down first helps to protect the delicate prawn meat from direct heat and prevents it from drying out.
- ✓This dish is a beloved staple at Australian summer gatherings and Christmas barbecues.
- ✓Ensure your garlic butter is well-seasoned, as this is where much of the flavor comes from.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicy kick, add 1-2 finely chopped red chilies or a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Experiment with different marinades, such as a lemon-herb marinade or a soy-ginger glaze.
- Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter for extra moisture and flavor.