Mediterranean Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns
These grilled prawns are simple, elegant, and full of Mediterranean flavor. The garlic butter seeps into the prawns as they grill, keeping them tender and juicy, while fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten everything up. They’re quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party. Serve them with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or over pasta for a complete meal.
Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes prep, 8–10 minutes cooking)
Ingredients
1 lb large prawns, peeled & deveined
4 tbsp melted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prep the Prawns:
Pat the prawns dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl.
Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Marinate:
Pour the mixture over the prawns and toss until well coated.
Let them marinate for 10–15 minutes while you heat the grill.
Grill the Prawns:
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Thread prawns onto skewers if using an outdoor grill, or place directly on the pan.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until prawns are pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle with any remaining garlic butter, and garnish with extra parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
Don’t overcook: Prawns cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, take them off the heat to avoid a rubbery texture.
Use skewers: If grilling outdoors, thread prawns on metal or soaked wooden skewers so they don’t slip through the grates.
Fresh is best: Fresh parsley and lemon juice make a huge difference in flavor compared to dried or bottled.
Butter trick: Reserve a spoonful of the garlic butter mixture before marinating and drizzle it on the cooked prawns for extra flavor.
Pan option: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook them in a hot skillet with the same results.
Variations
Herb swap: Try basil, cilantro, or dill instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or swap smoked paprika for cayenne pepper.
Mediterranean flair: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or orzo with roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Creamy twist: Mix a little Greek yogurt or tahini into the garlic butter for a richer sauce.
Surf & turf: Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a mixed grill platter.
Q&A
Q: Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
A: Yes, shrimp work perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time depending on their size.
Q: Can I cook these without a grill?
A: Absolutely. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop works just as well.
Q: How long should I marinate the prawns?
A: About 10–15 minutes is enough. Longer isn’t necessary since prawns absorb flavor quickly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the marinade earlier in the day and cook the prawns right before serving.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~190
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 430mg
Cholesterol: 160mg
(Values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Grilled Garlic Butter & Parsley Prawns are a fast, flavorful dish that captures the essence of seaside cooking. The garlic butter keeps the prawns juicy, while parsley and lemon add a refreshing lift. They’re light, protein-packed, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger Mediterranean spread. Best of all, they’re ready in under 20 minutes.