Crispy Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

By:

Basil Anne

Published:

January 19, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This BBQ Grilled Prawns

Fancy a quick, tasty meal that hits all the right notes without taking forever? This BBQ grilled prawns dish is just that think juicy prawns with a smoky kick and a zesty lemon butter sauce that makes every bite pop. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something impressive on the table, especially if you’re a home cook looking for easy wins in the kitchen.

The health perks are a big plus too; these prawns pack in protein while staying light on calories, making them a smart choice for anyone watching their diet. You’ll love how versatile this recipe is, adapting to everything from gluten-free swaps to vegan options, so it’s a crowd-pleaser no matter who’s joining you. With its bold flavors from the grill and simple prep, this dish turns ordinary dinners into something special without the fuss.

Key Benefits Highlighted

Quick prep and cook time, ready in under 15 minutes for busy schedules.
Nutrient-rich with low fat and high protein, ideal for health-focused eaters.
Easy to tweak for different tastes, like adding extra spices or using plant-based alternatives.

As you dive into this recipe, remember it’s not just about the food it’s about creating moments that bring people together, much like sipping a festive drink from our site. For more ideas on pairing this with something refreshing, check out our Christmas Cocktail recipe for a fun twist.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Grilled Prawns
Key Benefits Highlighted
Essential Ingredients for BBQ Grilled Prawns
Lemon Garlic Butter Ingredients
Shrimp or Prawns Ingredients
Optional Ingredients for Serving
How to Prepare the Perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepping and Grilling the Prawns
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your BBQ Grilled Prawns
Mastering BBQ Grilled Prawns: Advanced Tips and Variations
Flavor and Presentation Ideas
How to Store BBQ Grilled Prawns: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Grilled Prawns
What is the best way to grill prawns on a BBQ without them falling apart?
Should I marinate prawns before grilling them?
How long do I need to cook prawns on a BBQ grill?
Can I use minced garlic for the lemon garlic butter sauce on grilled prawns?
What’s the difference between shrimp and prawns when cooking on a BBQ?
Bbq Grilled Prawns
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
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Essential Ingredients for BBQ Grilled Prawns

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of making BBQ grilled prawns, and this list keeps it straightforward so you can focus on the grilling. We’ll break it down into clear categories to make shopping and prepping a breeze. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in achieving that crispy, flavorful result.

Lemon Garlic Butter Ingredients

90g unsalted butter (6 tablespoons)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons very finely chopped garlic
1.5 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more to taste

Shrimp or Prawns Ingredients

500g (1 lb) large raw shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (plain or sweet paprika also fine)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (omit if cooking on stove)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients for Serving

1 lemon, halved (grilled if desired)
Lemon wedges or slices
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

This structured list ensures you have everything measured out perfectly, making your cooking experience smooth and stress-free. By using these precise quantities, you’ll nail the balance of flavors every time, from the buttery garlic sauce to the seasoned prawns.

How to Prepare the Perfect BBQ Grilled Prawns: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with BBQ grilled prawns is easier than you might think, and we’re walking you through it step by step. First off, preheat and oil your BBQ grill grates until they’re very hot this helps get that perfect char without any sticking mishaps. For small shrimp, use two skewers per row to keep them from falling through, ensuring even cooking and less frustration.

Next, whip up the lemon garlic butter sauce by melting 90g of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add in 3 teaspoons of very finely chopped garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, cooking until the garlic turns light golden brown, then remove from heat and stir in 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice for that zingy finish.

Prepping and Grilling the Prawns

Pat your 500g of shrimp dry to ensure they get nice and crispy. Just before grilling, toss them with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (if you’re grilling), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place the shrimp quickly on the hot grill and cook for 2 minutes per side until they’re golden and crusty, then remove them immediately to keep them tender.

Finally, drizzle the prawns with your prepared lemon garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley. Serve right away with grilled lemon halves and some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce it’s a game-changer for the full experience. This method totals about 4 minutes on the BBQ, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For more dessert ideas to follow up, try our Oreo Cookie Balls for a sweet ending.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your BBQ Grilled Prawns

One of the best parts about this BBQ grilled prawns recipe is how flexible it is for different diets. If you’re going vegan, swap the prawns with king oyster mushrooms or tofu, which grill up nicely and soak in the flavors just as well. For those avoiding gluten, use tamari instead of soy sauce in any marinade tweaks to keep things safe and delicious.

Want to lighten it up for a low-calorie meal? Try using an avocado oil spray in place of olive oil or reduce the oil quantity altogether. You can also experiment with veggies like bell peppers or zucchini grilled alongside for a fresh twist that fits various preferences.

Dietary Need	Substitution Idea
Vegan	King oyster mushrooms or tofu instead of prawns
Gluten-Free	Tamari for soy sauce
Low-Calorie	Avocado oil spray instead of olive oil

This table makes it simple to see your options at a glance, helping you customize without losing that grilled shrimp and lemon butter sauce magic.

Mastering BBQ Grilled Prawns: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve got the basics down, leveling up your BBQ grilled prawns is all about fine-tuning those details. Pro techniques like using skewers for even cooking and preheating the grill properly can make a huge difference, ensuring a great sear without any sticking. For thicker proteins like tofu in vegan versions, go for indirect heat to cook them through without burning the outside.

Flavor and Presentation Ideas

Play around with marinades such as a spicy chili-lime blend or a honey-soy glaze to keep things exciting remember, finely chop your garlic for those crispy bits in the butter. When it comes to serving, arrange your prawns on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh greens for that wow factor, and add colorful sides like grilled veggies to make it visually appealing.

For make-ahead options, marinate overnight for deeper flavors or pre-skewer and store for quick meals later. As always, check out resources like Shrimp Health Benefits to understand why this dish is a smart choice for your diet.

How to Store BBQ Grilled Prawns: Best Practices

Storing your BBQ grilled prawns the right way keeps them fresh and tasty for later. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, which helps maintain that crispy texture you’ve worked so hard for. If you want to keep them longer, freeze in freezer-safe bags with a bit of the sauce for up to 2 months then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Gently reheat on a low grill or stovetop to keep the flavor intact.
Avoid the microwave to prevent making them rubbery.
Portion out for meal prep and use vacuum sealing for extra freshness.

These tips ensure your grilled shrimp stay as good as new, ready for a quick meal or snack.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Grilled Prawns

What is the best way to grill prawns on a BBQ without them falling apart?

To prevent prawns from falling through the grill, use skewers. For small prawns, thread them onto two parallel skewers to keep them stable and prevent spinning. Lightly oil the grill to avoid sticking and grill over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This method ensures even cooking and helps maintain their shape.

Should I marinate prawns before grilling them?

Marinating prawns is optional but can add flavor. However, avoid marinating for too long—15 to 30 minutes is sufficient—to prevent the prawns from becoming mushy. For recipes focused on a crispy texture, skip marinating and instead season prawns just before grilling.

How long do I need to cook prawns on a BBQ grill?

Prawns typically take about 4 minutes to cook on a BBQ grill—2 minutes per side. Cook them until they turn opaque and have a slight char. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so watch the grill closely.

Can I use minced garlic for the lemon garlic butter sauce on grilled prawns?

It’s best to finely chop garlic rather than mincing or crushing it for lemon garlic butter sauce. Chopped garlic browns evenly in the butter, providing flavorful golden bits without burning, which can happen with minced garlic.

What’s the difference between shrimp and prawns when cooking on a BBQ?

Shrimp and prawns are similar, and often used interchangeably, but differ slightly in anatomy and size. Both grill similarly, but prawns tend to be larger and can require slightly longer cooking times. Understanding this helps with portioning and cook time adjustments for BBQ recipes.

Crispy Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe