Grilled Piri Piri prawns for a coastal Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season with a coastal twist that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Portugal or the breezy beaches of the UK. Ditch the traditional roasts and embrace the barbecue magic with our grilled Piri Piri prawns recipe—a seafood sensation that promises to make your Christmas gathering unforgettable.

The magic of Piri Piri in grilling delights

Piri Piri, also known as African Bird’s Eye Chili, is a fiery and flavorful pepper originating from Africa but has made its mark on the culinary world, particularly in Portuguese and UK cuisine. The name “Piri Piri” is derived from the Swahili language, meaning “pepper pepper,” and perfectly encapsulates this chilli’s intense heat and bold taste. Often used to create a spicy and aromatic marinade, Piri Piri adds a kick of heat that complements a variety of ingredients, from succulent prawns to grilled meats. Its popularity has spread far beyond its African roots. Moreover, it became a beloved ingredient in dishes celebrating global cuisine’s vibrant and diverse flavours. Check out our grilled Piri Piri chicken recipe!

Grilled Piri Piri prawns recipe

Indulge in coastal magic with our Grilled Piri Piri Prawns recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavours, these succulent prawns are marinated in a zesty blend of Piri Piri, garlic, and herbs, then expertly grilled to perfection. This recipe promises to celebrate the seaside charm and elevate your holiday gathering with a mouthwatering blend of heat and smokiness. Prepare to be transported to the shores of flavour bliss with every delightful bite.

What you need:

• 2 pounds large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)

Directions:

1. Prepare the marinade. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This vibrant marinade will infuse the prawns with zesty, herby flavours.
2. Marinate the prawns. Toss the peeled and deveined prawns in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavours to mingle and enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood.
3. Preheat the grill. Fire up your barbecue to medium-high heat. While heating the grill, thread the marinated prawns onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. Grill to perfection. Place the prawn skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for approximately 2-3 minutes per side or until the prawns are opaque and have a lovely char. Baste with any remaining marinade during grilling for an extra burst of flavour.
5. Garnish and serve. Once the prawns are grilled to perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for that final touch of brightness.
6. Spread the coastal Christmas joy. Serve these grilled Piri Piri prawns as a delightful starter or as the main event alongside your favourite festive sides. Let the barbecue’s aroma and the sea’s taste bring a coastal charm to your Christmas feast.

#BBQTip Before you dive into grilling perfection, here are some tips to ensure your Piri Piri prawns reach their flavour peak. Firstly, pat the prawns dry with paper towels to enhance the marinade’s adhesion. For an extra taste boost, allow the prawns to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavours a chance to mingle and intensify. Thread the marinated prawns onto soaked wooden skewers to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

Enhance your grilled prawns experience by investing in a grill basket

A grill basket is a secret weapon for barbecue enthusiasts. A grill basket makes grilling prawns a breeze and offers numerous benefits. It prevents the delicate prawns from slipping through the grates. It also ensures that each piece cooks evenly and receives those coveted grill marks. The basket also facilitates easy flipping, preventing mishaps during grilling.

Moreover, it minimizes the risk of flare-ups caused by dripping marinade, allowing you to enjoy a controlled and consistent cooking environment. With a grill basket, you not only elevate the precision of your culinary craft but also simplify the cleaning process, as it keeps your prawns contained and makes post-barbecue cleanup a cinch. Consider it your essential tool for mastering the art of perfectly grilled prawns and unlocking a world of flavour with each grill session.

Cleaning your grill after grilling prawns

After savouring the delectable flavours of our grilled prawns recipe, it’s crucial to address the post-feast ritual of cleaning your grill. While delivering a burst of flavour, prawns can leave residues and aromas that may interfere with future grilling endeavours. Cleaning the grill grates with a sturdy brush while they’re still warm helps remove any stuck-on bits, ensuring a clean slate for your next barbecue masterpiece.

Additionally, a quick wipe-down of the exterior and interior surfaces prevents the accumulation of seafood aromas that could affect the taste of other dishes. So, embrace the post-grilling clean-up—the key to maintaining a fresh and inviting canvas for your culinary adventures. Your future grilled creations will thank you for it! Learn more with our cleaning guide.

Elevate your Christmas celebration with the flavours of the coast as our Grilled Piri Piri Prawns take centre stage at your festive table. This seafood sensation will surely add magic to your holiday festivities, whether by the seaside or around a backyard fire. Wishing you a Christmas filled with warmth, flavour, and joy!

Check our shop for the best-quality barbecues, refrigerators, and grilling accessories, or visit our showroom in Almancil. Be sure to share your outdoor kitchen on our Instagram account. Bom appetite, mate!

Check our online shop!