Smoky Grilled Alaskan Prawns with a Sticky Honey Garlic Glaze

Introduction

There is something undeniably primal and elegant about grilling fresh seafood over an open fire. Grilled Alaskan prawns are a delicacy that demands a cooking method capable of preserving their sweet, tender meat while imparting a touch of smoky char. Using an Arteflame grill transforms this dish into a culinary event; the solid steel cooktop allows you to sear the prawns rapidly in their own juices without the risk of them falling through the grates. This recipe elevates the natural sweetness of Alaskan prawns with a sticky, savory honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully against the high heat.

Whether you are hosting a summer backyard soirée or preparing a romantic dinner under the stars, this dish strikes the perfect balance between gourmet sophistication and rustic charm. The glaze—a blend of honey, soy, and aromatics—clings to the shells, encouraging guests to get hands-on and enjoy every flavorful bite. It is a quick-cooking recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

The Prawns

• 2 lbs Large Alaskan Spot Prawns (fresh or thawed, shell-on for best flavor)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil or melted Butter (for coating)
• Sea Salt (to taste)
• Freshly cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)
• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

The Honey Garlic Glaze

• 1/3 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced finely)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Prawns

1. If using frozen prawns, ensure they are completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Rinse the prawns under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a good sear on the grill.
3. Using kitchen shears, snip down the back of the shell to devein the prawns, but keep the shells intact to protect the delicate meat from the high heat.
4. Toss the prawns in a large bowl with the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
2. Reserve about half of this mixture in a separate small bowl to use as a dipping sauce later.
3. The remaining half will be used to baste the prawns while they are on the grill.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot (over 600°F) and the flat steel cooktop ranges from 400°F to 450°F.
2. Clean the cooktop surface with a scraper if necessary and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to season the steel and prevent sticking.
3. Identify your heat zones: use the area closer to the center for a hard sear and the outer edges for gentler cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Prawns

1. Place the prawns directly onto the flat steel cooktop. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
2. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. The shells should turn a vibrant pink and develop a golden-brown char.
3. Flip the prawns using tongs. Immediately brush the top side generously with the glazing mixture.
4. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The heat of the Arteflame will caramelize the sugars in the honey instantly, creating a sticky finish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once the meat is opaque and firm to the touch, move the prawns to the outer, cooler edge of the grill to prevent overcooking while you finish the batch.
2. Transfer the prawns to a serving platter. Drizzle with the reserved dipping sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.

Tips

Grilling seafood requires swift action and attention to detail. The most critical tip for Alaskan prawns is to avoid overcooking; they cook much faster than chicken or beef. Once the meat turns opaque and the shell is bright pink, they are done. Overcooked prawns become rubbery and lose their natural sweetness. Utilizing the Arteflame's varying heat zones is your best advantage here—sear them near the center for color, then pull them to the outer ring if they need a moment to rest without burning.

Regarding the shells, keeping them on is highly recommended. The shell acts as a natural insulator, steaming the meat gently while the exterior gets crispy and charred. It also retains the juices and the marinade much better than bare meat. If you find the glaze caramelizing too quickly and threatening to burn, simply move the prawns further away from the center fire.

Variations

While the honey garlic profile is a crowd-pleaser, Alaskan prawns are a versatile canvas for various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different cuisines or dietary preferences by swapping out a few components of the glaze or marinade. Here are a few distinct variations to try on your grill:

• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace the Asian-style glaze with melted butter, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Citrus Herb Butter: Omit the soy and ginger. Baste with a mixture of melted salted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh dill.
• Tequila Lime: Swap the honey for agave syrup and add a splash of tequila and lime zest to the marinade for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Smoky Chipotle: Add a tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers to the honey mixture for a deep, smoky heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Marinate in olive oil, oregano, garlic, and white wine vinegar, finishing with crumbled feta cheese right off the grill.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, pair these rich, sweet, and savory prawns with sides that cut through the richness or absorb the delicious sauce. Because the glaze is sticky and potent, you want accompaniments that offer a refreshing contrast or a neutral base. The Arteflame allows you to cook your sides right alongside the main course, making meal coordination seamless.

For beverages, a crisp, acidic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey. If you prefer beer, a light lager or a citrusy IPA works wonders. As for food pairings, consider the following:

• Grilled Asparagus: Charred on the flat top with lemon and parmesan.
• Coconut Rice: The creamy texture balances the salty soy glaze.
• Grilled Pineapple: Enhances the tropical vibe and matches the sweetness.
• Crusty Baguette: Essential for mopping up the extra garlic honey sauce.

Conclusion

Grilling Alaskan prawns on an Arteflame is more than just preparing a meal; it is about embracing the joy of outdoor cooking. The combination of the high-heat sear from the steel cooktop and the sticky, aromatic honey garlic glaze results in a dish that is visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. The prawns remain juicy and tender, protected by their shells, while the glaze provides that finger-licking finish that defines great barbecue.

We encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a celebration. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the sweet taste of the ocean with a smoky, fire-kissed twist. There is truly no better way to experience fresh seafood.