Grilled Prawns with Lemon Butter is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that brings out the natural sweetness of prawns with a tangy and buttery flavour. Perfect for a quick meal, barbecue, or summer dinner, this dish requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum taste. Follow this step-by-step guide to make restaurant-style grilled prawns with lemon butter at home.
Ingredients Required
For the Prawns:
- 500g fresh prawns (cleaned and deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Skewers (if grilling on a barbecue)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional for spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Prawns
- Clean and devein the prawns, leaving the tails on for better presentation.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the prawns and add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Toss everything together to coat the prawns evenly.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and red chili flakes.
- Stir well and set aside for basting while grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Prawns
Option 1: Using a Grill or Barbecue
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Thread the seasoned prawns onto skewers for easy handling.
- Place the prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly charred.
- Baste with the lemon butter sauce while grilling for extra flavor.
Option 2: Using a Stovetop Grill Pan
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
- Place the prawns directly on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once.
- Brush with lemon butter sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Option 3: Using an Oven Broiler
- Preheat the oven to broil (high heat).
- Arrange the prawns on a baking tray lined with foil.
- Broil for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with the lemon butter sauce before serving.

Serving Suggestions
- Serve grilled prawns with extra lemon wedges for added tang.
- Pair with garlic bread, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
- Garnish with more parsley and chili flakes for a restaurant-style look.
Tips for the Best Grilled Prawns
- Use fresh prawns for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook prawns, as they can become rubbery.
- Basting with lemon butter while grilling enhances the flavor.
- For extra smokiness, grill over charcoal or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
This easy grilled prawns with lemon butter recipe is perfect for seafood lovers. Whether you use a barbecue, stovetop, or oven, these prawns turn out juicy, flavourful, and irresistible. Try this dish today and enjoy the refreshing taste of grilled prawns at home!