BBQ Prawns

BBQ Prawns Recipe from Australia with Sesame Oil, Lemon, Basil, Cilantro, Soy Sauce, Salt, and Couscous

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 4 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

BBQ Prawns is a delightful recipe that combines the sweetness of fruit with the savory taste of king prawns, all brought together with a hint of sesame oil and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or a fancy dinner with a tropical twist. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a unique and memorable meal that's sure to impress your guests.

History

The history of BBQ Prawns can be traced back to coastal regions where seafood is a staple part of the diet. Over time, various cultures have added their own twist to this dish, incorporating local ingredients and cooking techniques. The version with fruit, such as kiwi, represents a more modern, fusion approach, blending the traditional method of grilling seafood with the sweetness of fruit to create a dish that's both innovative and delicious.

Ingredients

6 kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into chunks
500 g (1 lb) king prawns
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
finely grated lemon zest
1 tbsp finely chopped basil leaves
1 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves
1 tsp soy sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper
couscous to serve (optional)

How to prepare

Peel the prawns, leaving their tails on.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sesame oil, lemon zest, herbs, soy sauce, and seasonings. Add the prawns. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat the grill or barbecue.
Thread prawns and kiwi fruit onto skewers. Brush the kiwi with a little extra oil.
Place the kebabs on the grill or barbecue and cook for 1-2 minutes each side, until the prawns are just cooked.
Serve hot on a bed of couscous.

Variations

For a different twist, try using different fruits such as pineapple or mango instead of kiwi. You can also experiment with various herbs and spices in the marinade to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your BBQ Prawns turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Marinate the prawns for at least 2 hours to infuse them with flavor.

- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

- Preheat your grill or barbecue to ensure even cooking.

- Brush the kiwi with a little extra oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill.

- Watch the prawns closely as they cook quickly and can easily become overcooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the BBQ Prawns on a bed of couscous for a complete meal. The couscous can be flavored with lemon juice, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil to complement the flavors of the prawns and kiwi.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or barbecuing the prawns and fruit brings out their natural flavors and adds a smoky note to the dish. Ensure the grill is hot before adding the skewers to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If sesame oil is not available, olive oil can be used as a substitute. For those who do not consume soy, coconut aminos can be used in place of soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The prawns can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop more fully. The skewers can also be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the skewers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a visually appealing presentation. The vibrant colors of the prawns and fruit make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy IPA beer would pair beautifully with the flavors of the BBQ Prawns. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or iced green tea would be refreshing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover BBQ Prawns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan over low heat to prevent the prawns from becoming rubbery.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of BBQ Prawns is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without overindulging. The exact calorie count will depend on the size of the servings and any additional sides.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main source coming from the kiwi fruit. Kiwi is a nutrient-dense fruit that provides a good amount of dietary fiber and natural sugars, making it a healthy choice for adding sweetness to the dish.

Fats

The sesame oil used in the marinade adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish. Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The prawns themselves are very low in fat, making this dish a great option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

King prawns are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. This dish provides a generous serving of prawns, making it a protein-rich meal that's perfect for post-workout recovery or for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the prawns and kiwi fruit. Prawns are a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus, while kiwi is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Together, they make a nutrient-packed meal that supports overall health.

Alergens

The main allergen in this dish is shellfish, which is present in the king prawns. Those with a shellfish allergy should avoid this recipe. Additionally, sesame oil can be an allergen for some individuals, so it's important to be aware of any dietary restrictions among your guests.

Summary

Overall, BBQ Prawns is a healthy, flavorful dish that's low in carbohydrates and fats but high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a balanced meal that can fit into various dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

BBQ Prawns is a versatile, delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, high nutritional value, and simple preparation, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or looking for a healthy meal option, this recipe offers something for everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for BBQ Prawns. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and my family had a summer barbecue with some friends. One of our friends, Mrs. Watson, brought along a dish that she called BBQ Prawns, and I had never seen anything like it before.

The prawns were marinated in a delicious blend of spices and herbs, then grilled to perfection on the barbecue. The smell that wafted from the grill was simply irresistible, and I couldn't wait to try them. Mrs. Watson was kind enough to share her recipe with me, and from that day on, BBQ Prawns became a staple in our family's summer cookouts.

Mrs. Watson was a wonderful cook, and she had learned the recipe for BBQ Prawns from her own grandmother, who in turn had learned it from her grandmother before her. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. Mrs. Watson's version was a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with just the right amount of heat to give it a kick.

I remember watching Mrs. Watson as she prepared the marinade for the prawns. She carefully measured out each ingredient, explaining to me the importance of balance and seasoning. She showed me how to devein the prawns and remove the shells, leaving just the tender meat for the marinade to infuse with flavor.

As the prawns marinated, Mrs. Watson fired up the grill and let it heat to the perfect temperature. She brushed each prawn with a generous amount of marinade before placing them on the grill, where they sizzled and popped in the heat. The smell that filled the air was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the prawns were finally done, Mrs. Watson plated them up and brought them to the table. The prawns were perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of char from the grill. The marinade had caramelized on the outside, forming a sticky glaze that coated each prawn in a mouthwatering layer of flavor.

I took my first bite and was blown away by the taste. The prawns were tender and juicy, with a hint of sweetness from the marinade that gave way to a subtle heat that lingered on the palate. It was a perfect balance of flavors, and I couldn't get enough.

From that day on, BBQ Prawns became a regular feature at our family barbecues. I would make them for my own children, passing on the recipe and the tradition to the next generation. Each time I made them, I would think of Mrs. Watson and the summer day when she first introduced me to this delicious dish.

Over the years, I have made some changes to the recipe, adding my own twist to make it uniquely mine. I have experimented with different spices and seasonings, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors that will make my BBQ Prawns stand out. And while the recipe may have evolved over time, the memories of that first taste will always remain with me.

Now, as I stand over the grill, cooking up a batch of BBQ Prawns for my family, I can't help but smile as the smell of the marinade fills the air. I am grateful to Mrs. Watson for sharing her recipe with me all those years ago, and I know that as long as I have this recipe, a delicious meal is never far away.