Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe High-Protein
This Italian-inspired dish showcases succulent prawns kissed by high heat and infused with pungent garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon. Quick to prepare yet restaurant-quality, grilled prawns with garlic delivers lean protein with minimal carbohydrates, making it ideal for fitness-focused meals. The simplicity of technique allows the natural sweetness of the seafood to shine.
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 75 ml (5 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried red pepper flakes
- 15 g (0.5 oz) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) sea salt
- 3 g (0.5 teaspoon) black pepper
- 2 lemon wedges for serving
- Wooden skewers, soaked 30 minutes
Instructions
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Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
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Pat prawns dry with paper towels, then place in a large bowl.
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Combine olive oil, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and whisk together.
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Pour the garlic-oil mixture over the prawns and toss gently to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
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Thread 5-6 prawns onto each soaked skewer, leaving a small gap between each prawn to ensure even cooking.
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Preheat grill to high heat (200°C/400°F) and lightly oil the grill grates.
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Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them.
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Flip the skewers carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until prawns are opaque and cooked through.
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Remove from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley.
Substitutions
- Substitute prawns with large scallops or firm white fish fillets, reducing grill time to 2-3 minutes per side
- Replace extra virgin olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point alternative
- Use dried oregano instead of red pepper flakes for a milder, herbaceous flavour
- Substitute fresh lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a different citrus profile
Tips
- Do not overcrowd the grill; ensure there is space between skewers for heat circulation and even cooking
- Pat prawns completely dry before marinating to achieve better caramelisation and avoid steaming
- Do not flip skewers excessively; turning only once ensures a proper crust and prevents sticking to the grates
- Reserve extra garlic oil to drizzle over prawns after grilling for enhanced flavour intensity
Gamberi al aglio is a coastal Italian preparation found throughout Mediterranean regions, particularly in Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, where fresh seafood and olive oil are foundational ingredients. The simplicity of technique reflects Italian culinary philosophy: allowing prime ingredients to speak for themselves with minimal intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe take to make?
Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe takes about 23 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of cooking — and makes 4 servings.
What can I substitute in Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe?
You can adapt it easily: Substitute prawns with large scallops or firm white fish fillets, reducing grill time to 2-3 minutes per side; Replace extra virgin olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point alternative; Use dried oregano instead of red pepper flakes for a milder, herbaceous flavour.
How should I store leftover Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently before serving.
How much protein is in Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe?
Each serving of Grilled Prawns With Garlic Recipe has about 32g of protein and 245 calories.
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