Barbecue Prawns

These barbecue prawns are quick, simple, and full of bold flavour. The prawns are skewered for easy handling, then grilled while being basted with a rich oriental-style sauce. As they cook, the sauce caramelises slightly, creating a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savoury notes.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings Portions

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.

Equipment

Wooden Skewers or metal

Notes

Side Dish Suggestions:

Steamed rice or egg-fried rice

Fresh green salad

Grilled vegetables

Warm flatbreads

Nutrition