Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe Grill At Quail CornersGrilled Colossal Prawns Recipe

Grilled Colossal Prawns Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Make Grilled Colossal Prawns Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Marinade & Basting

Finishing Butter (optional)

Method

Marinade & Basting

  1. 1

    Prepare the marinade

    Peel and finely mince or grate the garlic (4 cloves) and grate the ginger. In a medium bowl whisk together 0.25 cups extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp sea salt and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.

  2. 2

    Reserve some basting oil

    Spoon out about 2 tablespoons of the marinade into a small bowl and set aside for basting while grilling (do not reuse marinade that has contacted raw prawns unless boiled).

Prawns

  1. 3

    Prep prawns

    Rinse prawns under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels. If shells are on, use a small knife or kitchen shears to lightly score the dorsal side and remove the vein if not already deveined. Leave shells and tails on for best flavor and to protect meat while grilling.

  2. 4

    Marinate prawns

    Place the prawns in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the prawns, turning to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes (no longer than 30 minutes to avoid 'cooking' the prawns in the acid).

  3. 5

    Preheat grill

    Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat (about 450–500°F / 230–260°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over high heat and brush lightly with oil so prawns don’t stick.

  4. 6

    Skewer (optional)

    If prawns are very large and you prefer easier turning, thread 2–3 prawns per metal or soaked wooden skewer lengthwise, keeping the curve natural. Otherwise place directly on the grill grates.

  5. 7

    Grill prawns

    Place prawns on the hot grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, brushing once with the reserved basting marinade after flipping. Prawns are done when shells turn opaque pink/orange and the flesh is firm and pearly white with slight translucence only in the thickest part. Internal temperature should read 120–125°F (49–52°C) for tender, not overcooked prawns.

  6. 8

    Rest

    Transfer grilled prawns to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes so juices redistribute.

  7. 9

    Serve

    Arrange prawns on a platter, scatter 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over them and serve with lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon just before eating.

Finishing Butter (optional)

  1. 10

    Make the compound butter

    In a small bowl, soften 2 tbsp unsalted butter and stir in 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley and 0.5 tsp lemon zest until well combined. Transfer to a small dish or brush.

  2. 11

    Finish prawns with butter

    If using, spoon or brush the warm compound butter over the prawns immediately after they come off the grill so it melts and adds gloss and flavor.

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