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Prepare the prawns: Rinse the prawns under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. If you haven’t already, peel and devein them, leaving the tails intact for a more elegant presentation.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Marinate the prawns: Place the prawns in a shallow dish and pour the garlic butter sauce over them. Toss the prawns to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the dish and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Grill the prawns: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the prawns on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the prawns as they can become tough.
Serve: Transfer the grilled prawns to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the prawns and garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Grilled prawns with garlic butter are delicious on their own or served with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of pasta. You can also serve them with a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a microwave or on a hot skillet for a few minutes before serving. However, seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so it's recommended to consume it shortly after grilling.
Variations:
Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Herb Mix: In addition to parsley, experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Grilled Lemon Prawns: For an extra zesty twist, grill lemon slices alongside the prawns and squeeze them over the prawns before serving.
Garlic Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a creamy, cheesy variation.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe? Yes, frozen prawns work well for grilling. Just make sure to thaw them properly before marinating and grilling.
How do I know when the prawns are done cooking? Prawns are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should also form a C-shape when cooked through. Avoid overcooking as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce in advance? Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before using it on the prawns.
Is there a substitute for parsley? If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or basil can be used as an alternative. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
How do I grill prawns without a grill? If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the prawns in a grill pan or even under a broiler for a similar charred effect.
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