Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, simple, and always impressive. The prawns cook in no time and deliver a smoky, chargrilled flavor that tastes restaurant-quality. I like how the lemon, lime, and basil add freshness and brightness, making the skewers perfect for outdoor dining or easy entertaining.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

8 Coles Raw Garlic Prawn Skewers or Sweet Chilli Prawn Skewers
Lemon wedges, to serve
Lime wedges, to serve
Basil leaves, to serve

Directions

1. I start by heating a greased barbecue grill or chargrill over medium-high heat. Once hot, I place the prawn skewers on the grill and cook them for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the prawns turn pink and slightly charred.

2. I then arrange the cooked prawns on a large serving platter. To finish, I scatter fresh basil leaves over the top and serve with lemon and lime wedges for squeezing just before eating.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 8 people. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making it ready in just 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes brush the prawns with a touch of garlic butter or a honey-lime glaze before grilling for extra flavor. When I want some heat, I sprinkle a little chili flakes over the prawns just before serving. For a tropical twist, I serve them with pineapple chunks or a light coconut dipping sauce.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the cooked prawns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I quickly warm them in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two or enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap.

FAQs

Can I use fresh prawns instead of pre-made skewers?

Yes, I sometimes make my own by threading peeled prawns onto skewers and marinating them in garlic, oil, and seasoning.

Can I cook these in a frying pan instead of a barbecue?

Absolutely, I use a grill pan or non-stick skillet if I don’t have access to a barbecue.

How do I stop prawns from overcooking?

I keep a close eye and remove them as soon as they turn opaque and pink—they cook very fast.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Yes, I like adding cherry tomatoes, capsicum, or zucchini slices between the prawns for extra color and flavor.

What sauce goes well with prawn skewers?

I often serve them with garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or a squeeze of lime mixed with olive oil.

Can I make them ahead of time?

I prefer to cook them fresh, but I can prepare the skewers and refrigerate them uncooked for up to a few hours before grilling.

How do I keep the prawns juicy?

I brush them lightly with oil or marinade before grilling and avoid overcooking.

Are these skewers suitable for the oven?

Yes, I can bake them at 200°C for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

How can I make them look extra fancy for serving?

I arrange them on a platter with plenty of citrus wedges, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh, restaurant-style finish.

Conclusion

I love how these easy prawn skewers make entertaining effortless. They’re light, flavorful, and come together in minutes, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether I serve them as an appetizer or part of a barbecue feast, they never fail to impress with their fresh, zesty flavors and beautiful presentation.