When the sun is out, outdoor cooking is a must and a favourite has to be barbecue prawns. The moment those skewers hit the grill, a gentle sizzle begins. Soon after, a rich, smoky aroma fills the air. It is simple food at its best, yet it feels special every time.
Barbecue prawns are perfect for home cooks who want big flavour without fuss. First of all, they cook quickly. In fact, prawns need only a few minutes on each side. As a result, they suit both relaxed weekends and busy evenings. In addition, skewering them lengthways makes the whole process easier. The prawns stay flat, turn neatly, and cook evenly. This small step makes a big difference.
When prepared this way, each prawn absorbs just the right amount of heat. The shells can be left on for extra flavour, or removed for convenience. Either option works well, so it depends on personal taste. However, the key to success lies in the basting sauce.
A simple oriental-style sauce brings these prawns to life. Typically, a balance of salty, sweet, and savoury notes is used. Soy sauce provides depth, while a touch of honey or sugar adds sweetness. Meanwhile, garlic and ginger bring warmth and fragrance. A splash of sesame oil can also be added for a nutty finish. As the prawns cook, they are brushed with this sauce. Consequently, each layer builds flavour while keeping the prawns juicy.
Moreover, the grill adds a subtle char that enhances the overall taste. Those lightly crisp edges contrast beautifully with the tender flesh inside. This contrast is one of the reasons barbecue prawns are so enjoyable. Every bite offers both texture and flavour.
For best results, the heat should be kept moderate. If the grill is too hot, the prawns may overcook quickly. On the other hand, a steady heat allows the sauce to caramelise gently. Therefore, it is worth taking a moment to control the temperature before cooking begins.
Another advantage of this dish is its flexibility. For example, a hint of chilli can be added for heat. Alternatively, lime juice can be included for freshness. Fresh herbs such as coriander or spring onions also work well as a finishing touch. These small additions allow the dish to be adjusted to suit any preference.
Barbecue prawns are also easy to serve. They can be placed straight on a platter and shared at the table. Furthermore, they pair well with many sides. A crisp green salad works nicely, while steamed rice makes the meal more filling. Even simple flatbreads can be used to soak up the extra sauce.
In the end, this dish is all about simplicity and flavour. With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, it delivers impressive results. More importantly, it brings people together. Whether cooked on a sunny afternoon or a cool evening, barbecue prawns always feel like a treat.
Once you try them, they are likely to become a regular feature on your grill and barbecue.
Barbecue Prawns
Equipment
- Wooden Skewers or metal
Ingredients
The Prawns:
- 500 g raw prawns large peeled and deveined, tails on if preferred
The Oriental Basting Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Preparing the skewers:
- If wooden skewers are used, they should be soaked in water for at least 20 minutes. This step helps prevent burning during cooking.
Skewer the prawns:
- The prawns should be threaded lengthways onto the skewers. This keeps them secure and allows even cooking on the grill.500 g raw prawns
Make the basting sauce:
- In a small bowl, the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes, lime juice and vegetable oil should be combined. The mixture should be stirred well until fully blended.3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Preheat the barbecue or grill:
- A medium heat is ideal. The grill should not be too hot, as this can overcook the prawns quickly.
Start grilling:
- The prawn skewers should be placed onto the grill. They should be cooked for about 2–3 minutes on the first side.
Baste and turn:
- The prawns should be brushed generously with the oriental sauce. Then, they should be turned and cooked for another 2–3 minutes.
Repeat basting:
- The prawns should be basted again while cooking. This helps build flavour and keeps them moist.
Check for doneness:
- The prawns are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Care should be taken not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Serve immediately:
- The skewers should be removed from the grill and served hot. Extra sauce can be brushed over just before serving if desired.