Easy Grilled Prawns

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Friends, these grilled prawns always featured during our long lazy brunches in our lovely shaded courtyard. Three generations of family members plus, as many neighbours (who felt like it) would hang out, have important business conversations (or gossip in shorthand).

The kiddoes would play with footballs and frisbees, and adult would catch up on life around the BBQ as we all tucked into our best sides dishes for shrimp along with some ice cold raspberry lemonade. Oh fun times.

I love that this is such a versatile recipe. This can be an easy appetizer, but served up with all the sides and you can make this a quick weeknight dinner, the whole family will love. Thread on some quick-cook vegetables, throw them on the BBQ, campfire, or air fryer for a few minutes, and you are good.

So, here we are using peeled prawns since that is what we had. But there are also the 430,300 times we have been grilling prawns whole with the shell on, resulting in juicy treats. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.

Do also check this round up of some of the best shrimp recipes you will ever try. For real.

Why Make This Recipe

• Weeknight dinner in less than 15 minutes.
• Well it is grilled food on a stick? So yes please, prawns on skewers.
• Simple and easy to adapt to suit various tastebuds.

Ingredient Notes

• Prawns – this uses raw prawns deveined with the tails on. If you have unpeeled whole ones you can ask at the seafood counter / or the fishmonger for them to devein the prawns for you. Use either fresh ones or frozen ones that have been defrosted. Do also try and get the the big jumbo prawns for this.
• Chili paste – This recipe calls for a mild chili paste. But feel free to up the spice level. Korean pepper paste is a fun option.
• Gluten free soy sauce – To keep this gluten free, use gluten free soy sauce. But if not then you can use regular soy sauce.
• Maple syrup – For a little bit of sweetness, but you can use honey or agave instead.
• Flavorings – I love a combination of garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Just make sure to use fresh lemon juice or fresh lime juice rather than the bottle stuff for the best result.
• Oil – Use olive oil but you can use other oil like peanut or canola oil.

How To Grill Prawns Skewers

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

Cook In The Air Fryer

1. Make skewers as you did in the instructions above using steps 1-4 above.
2. Preheat Air Fryer to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C. Place skewers in the Air Fryer, making sure the skewers don’t touch. 
3. Cook for 5-8 minutes, turning skewers halfway through the cook time. Remember that air fryer temperatures vary, so start with less time and then add more as needed.

Recipe Tips

• For maximum flavor, marinate shellfish for at least 30-60 minutes.
• Make sure they are peeled before marinating so that the marinade goes in.
• Best you use large prawns so they are easier to thread or so they don’t drop between the grates while cooking
• I highly recommend cooking prawns of the same size together so they cook evenly. 
• These cook quickly, so keep a close watch so they don’t overcook. They become rubbery when overdone.
• I also highly recommend oiling the grill grates before turning on the grill to avoid the food sticking on. 
• If possible, use metal skewers because they transmit heat well. Also flat skewers are ideal so food does not twirl around the skewer.  
• No time to soak the skewers before marinating? Then just use grill plates instead. 

Recipe Variations

• Bulk these out with some quick cook veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. So, so good
• Vary the amount of ingredients to suit your taste – add more heat, more sweetness, more citrus, etc.
• Finish off the skewers with finely chopped fresh herbs or citrus zest before serving.
• Feel free to mix up the spices you use. Family favorite variations have included ground coriander, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, creole seasoning, fish seasoning etc.

Storage

• Prep Ahead – This recipe is so easy to make on the grill. Keep in mind the longer you marinate them, the more flavorful they are!
• Store – Store cooled cooked prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
• Freeze – You can freeze the uncooked shellfish in the marinade. Transfer into freezer bags. Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags, label them and store them flat in the freezer for three months.

FAQS

Serving Suggestions

Oh friend. The best bit is choosing what to serve these with.

• Start with a delicious lemon butter sauce that serves to both add juiciness and make dip able moments with some easy yeast rolls.
• Serve alongside an easy tossed salad or this just as easy wedge salad recipe.
• You can also choose one or two delicious treats from these best sides dishes for shrimp

More Shrimp Recipes

• Air fryer frozen shrimp.
• Bang bang shrimp.
• Grilled shrimp salad.
• 15 minute shrimp tacos.
• Best shrimp creole.
• Air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp.
• Cajun shrimp salad.
• Instant Pot shrimp scampi.
• Easy shrimp po boy.
• Check out this extensive list of the best easy shrimp recipes.

Recommended Tools

• These are the skewers I like to use when making this recipe.
• A good set of mixing bowls is a must in any kitchen!
• This handy thermometer so you can easily check food for doneness.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 2 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

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