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Barbecued prawns
Keep the prawns cold until you are ready. With kitchen scissors, cut along the back of each shell from head to tail, a few millimetres into the flesh. Pull out the dark vein and rinse. Leave the shell, head and legs on.
Tip: Thaw frozen prawns overnight in the fridge, not in water, which washes out flavour.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Barbecued prawns take?
33 min all in — 25 min prep, 8 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Shellfish, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Treat yourself — about $28+ USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Chef's knife, Mixing bowl, Tongs, Frying pan.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Whole king prawns → Large headless shell-on prawns, or Moreton Bay bugs split in half. Headless prawns cook a minute faster. Bugs take the same butter and about the same time, flesh side down first.
What should I watch for?
Overcooked prawns go floury and tight. Pull them as soon as the flesh is opaque all the way through.
Any tips from this recipe?
No barbecue: use your heaviest frying pan or a griddle, very hot, and cook in two batches so the prawns sear rather than stew. Buy raw prawns, sold as green prawns in Australia. Pre-cooked prawns reheated on a barbecue turn rubbery. Put a bowl on the table for heads and shells, and another of water with a lemon slice for fingers.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Thaw frozen prawns overnight in the fridge, not in water, which washes out flavour.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.