Grilled Cajun Prawns with Fresh Lemon Zest

Fire up your grill and get ready for a vibrant burst of Cajun flavor. These grilled Cajun prawns offer a perfect balance of smoky heat and bright citrus, making them an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals or weekend cookouts. With minimal prep and fresh ingredients, this dish delivers big flavor in just minutes. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or enjoying a relaxed evening outdoors, these prawns bring coastal flair and satisfying grill-charred aroma to your plate.

Pile them onto skewers, enjoy them as an appetizer, or serve them as a main dish with your favorite sides. This recipe keeps things simple yet deeply flavorful, highlighting the natural sweetness of prawns with Cajun spices and zesty lemon.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1:

1. Place the prawns in a large bowl.
2. Add olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

1. Toss the prawns until fully coated in the marinade.
2. Let them rest for 10–15 minutes while you heat the grill.

Step 3:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the prawns directly on the grill or thread them onto skewers.

Step 4:

1. Grill the prawns for 2–3 minutes per side.
2. Remove from heat once they turn opaque and lightly charred.

Step 5:

1. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

Tips

To get the most flavor and perfect texture from your grilled Cajun prawns, a few simple techniques go a long way. Avoid over-marinating the prawns, as acidic ingredients can alter their texture. Make sure your grill is fully preheated for a quick sear that locks in moisture. Using skewers helps keep smaller prawns from falling through the grill grates, especially when cooking multiple batches.

• Use metal skewers for easy flipping.
• Pat prawns dry before seasoning for better grill marks.
• Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking.

Variations

This recipe works beautifully as a base for several flavor twists. You can adjust the heat, swap spices, or experiment with different citrus notes. Whether you're craving something spicy, sweet, or herb-forward, Cajun prawns adapt easily to your preferences while staying quick and simple to prepare.

• Add honey for a sweet-and-spicy glaze.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper citrus kick.
• Add fresh cilantro for a herbal finish.
• Swap Cajun seasoning for Creole seasoning.
• Toss with melted butter before serving.

Best pairings

These grilled Cajun prawns shine when paired with dishes that complement their smoky heat and bright lemon notes. Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and simple starches help round out the meal without overpowering the prawns. Light drinks with citrus or herbal accents elevate the overall flavor experience.

• Grilled corn or asparagus
• Lemon herb rice
• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
• Crusty garlic bread
• Citrus spritzers or light beer

Conclusion

Grilled Cajun prawns with lemon deliver bold flavor with minimal effort, making them ideal for both casual dinners and weekend gatherings. Their quick cooking time and simple ingredient list ensure you can enjoy a delicious seafood dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Keep this recipe on hand whenever you’re craving a vibrant, smoky, citrus-packed meal. With endless pairing options and easy variations, it’s a go-to favorite for any grill lover.