Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter Sauce

Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter Sauce
There’s something undeniably delightful about grilled prawns. Each succulent bite, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, brings a taste of the ocean straight to your plate.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or simply looking to impress your family at dinner, these grilled prawns are sure to elevate any occasion.
They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and entirely satisfying—perfect for seafood lovers and novices alike!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fat: 16 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
Why I Love This Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter Sauce
One of the reasons I adore this grilled prawns recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
The combination of garlic and butter melds perfectly with the natural sweetness of the prawns, creating a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
Plus, grilling is always a fun activity, and the aroma wafting through the air while they cook is simply irresistible.
This dish is wonderful for summer gatherings, cozy dinners, or even date nights, and I find myself reaching for it time and again.
Ingredients
1 pound large prawns, deveined and peeled
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s nice and hot for perfect grilling.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, or until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside some of this garlic butter for basting later.
Step 4: Skewer the Prawns
Thread the deveined and peeled prawns onto skewers. This will make them easier to handle on the grill.

Step 5: Grill the Prawns
Place the skewered prawns on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are opaque in color.


Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
During the last minute of grilling, brush the prawns with the garlic butter mixture, making sure they soak up all that delicious flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the prawns from the grill, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot!
Tips & Variations
- Skewering: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Serving Ideas: Pair these prawns with a refreshing salad or serve them over rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
- Diet Adjustments: This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be easily made dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra kick!
Delicious Variations
- Garlic Butter Scallops: Replace prawns with scallops and follow the same cooking method for a lovely twist.
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in garlic, lemon, and herbs, and grill for another delightful option.
- Shrimp Tacos: Use shrimp instead of prawns, season them similarly, and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: For a veggie option, toss some seasonal vegetables on the grill with Italian herbs.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter Sauce
Serve the grilled prawns hot off the grill with additional lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness. They make a fantastic appetizer or a main dish paired with a crisp salad or garlic bread. For drinks, a chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, serve these prawns over a bed of creamy risotto for a meal sure to impress.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or sauté them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes. While grilled prawns are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are cooled and stored properly in a freezer-safe container.
Helpful Questions
1. Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before grilling for even cooking.
2. How can I tell when prawns are done cooking?
Prawns are done when they turn pink and opaque, curling slightly in shape.
3. Can I add other spices to the garlic butter?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
4. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine to keep the recipe just as delicious!
5. What can I serve with grilled prawns?
These grilled prawns pair nicely with a fresh salad, rice, or pasta, and a chilled beverage can elevate your meal.

Grilled Prawns with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delightful grilled prawns coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large prawns, deveined and peeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Set aside some garlic butter for basting.
- Thread the prawns onto skewers.
- Grill the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque.
- Brush prawns with garlic butter during the last minute of grilling.
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. This dish can easily be made dairy-free with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
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