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