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
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 8 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Badges
✅ High Protein
✅ Low-Carb
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Mediterranean Diet Friendly
Ingredients
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Giant prawns, shells on & split open lengthwise
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Olive oil
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh lemon juice
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Lemon zest
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Italian herbs (or oregano/thyme mix)
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Prawns: Rinse, pat dry, and split open along the back (keeping shells on). Remove the vein.
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Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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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.
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Serve: Arrange on platter, drizzle with remaining butter, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
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Don’t overcook: prawns turn rubbery if grilled too long.
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Shells on = extra flavor + dramatic presentation.
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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
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Split along the back without removing shells.
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Devein, rinse, and pat dry.
2. Whisk the Garlic Herb Butter
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Melt butter, whisk with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice/zest, parsley, and herbs.
3. Grill to Perfection
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Brush prawns generously.
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Grill shell-side down first (4–5 min), then flip (2–3 min).
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Baste with more butter as they cook.
4. Serve & Enjoy
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Plate on a white platter, drizzle extra butter, garnish with herbs.
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Add lemon wedges for squeezing.
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
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Prawns → Use giant tiger prawns or large shrimp if prawns aren’t available.
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Butter + Olive Oil → Butter for richness, olive oil prevents burning.
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Italian herbs → Swap with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for variety.
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Parsley → Adds freshness; cilantro or basil work as substitutes.
🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas
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Spicy Kick → Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the butter.
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Garlic Lovers → Roast extra garlic cloves and mash into the butter.
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Asian Twist → Swap parsley for cilantro and add soy sauce + ginger.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a starter with crusty bread.
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Pair with grilled veggies or a crisp salad.
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Make it a meal with herbed rice or pasta tossed in garlic butter.
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Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Champagne.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Store: Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep in fridge 2 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with butter (avoid microwave to prevent rubbery texture).
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Make-Ahead: Mix garlic butter in advance and store in fridge up to 3 days.
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: ~320 kcal
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Protein: 32 g
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Fat: 18 g
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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.
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