Looking for a seafood dish that packs a punch? These wood-grilled prawns with fried garlic and chili oil bring together smoky, tender prawns with bold, flavorful toppings that will leave your taste buds tingling. This recipe is inspired by Cutler & Co., one of Australia’s renowned restaurants, offering a luxurious yet simple way to enjoy prawns at home. Wood grilling enhances the prawns’ natural flavors, while the fried garlic and chili oil add a deliciously spicy and savory kick. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this dish is rich in protein, low in calories, and full of health-boosting benefits. Packed with antioxidants from garlic and chili, and omega-3 fatty acids from prawns, it’s a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition.
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the prawns:
- 1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the fried garlic and chili oil:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How to Make Wood-Grilled Prawns with Fried Garlic and Chilli Oil:
- Prepare the Prawns: Begin by preparing your prawns. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the prawns with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Make sure the prawns are evenly coated with the marinade. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Fried Garlic and Chili Oil: While the prawns are marinating, heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and fry it until golden brown and crispy, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic as it can burn quickly. Once the garlic is fried, carefully remove it from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil. In the same pan, add the dried red chilies and chili flakes (if using) to the oil, allowing them to infuse for about 30 seconds. Then, stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Grill the Prawns: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the prawns on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and slightly charred. You can brush the prawns with a bit of the chili oil during grilling for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the grilled prawns on a serving platter. Drizzle the hot fried garlic and chili oil over the prawns, ensuring that each prawn gets a generous amount of the flavorful oil. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your wood-grilled prawns with fried garlic and chili oil immediately, either on their own or with a side of rice or grilled vegetables. The combination of smoky prawns and spicy garlic oil is sure to be a hit!
Tips for the Perfect Wood-Grilled Prawns:
- Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature (medium-high heat) to avoid overcooking the prawns. Overcooked prawns become tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your dish spicier, feel free to add more dried chilies or chili flakes to the oil. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili or skip the chili flakes altogether.
- Garlic Crispiness: The key to crispy garlic is to fry it until it’s golden brown, but be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic has a bitter taste and will spoil the flavor of the dish.
- Wood Grilling Alternative: If you don’t have a wood grill, you can achieve a similar smoky flavor by using a grill pan or broiler. You can also use a woodchip smoker for an added depth of flavor.
- Experiment with Marinades: While the lemon and olive oil marinade in this recipe is simple yet effective, feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin could elevate the flavor even further.
If you wish, you can add or subtract small ingredients according to your taste.
