Grilled Prawns with Fennel
Prep
20 mins
Cook
12 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite summer dishes to throw together when I want something that feels fancy but comes together in under half an hour. Grilled prawns with fennel is incredibly simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The fennel adds a subtle anise flavor that complements the sweet, succulent prawns beautifully, and it's loaded with fiber and vitamin C, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious. What I love most is how quickly it comes together on the grill, leaving you more time to enjoy the evening instead of being stuck in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and bright lemon creates a marinade that infuses the prawns with incredible flavor in just twenty minutes.
Ella x
Ingredients
- ¾ kglarge prawns(peeled and deveined)
- 2fennel bulb(halved lengthwise, cored, cut into wedges)
- 5 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 tbspfresh lemon juice
- 2 tbspfresh thyme(chopped)
- 1 tspfennel seeds(lightly crushed)
- 1 tspsea salt
- ½ tspblack pepper(freshly ground)
- ¼ tspred chili flakes
- 1 tbspfresh lemon zest
- 3 tbspfresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Pat the prawns dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl. Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, thyme, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Pour the marinade over prawns and toss gently to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
Tip: Don't marinate longer than 15 minutes as the acid in the lemon juice can make the prawns mushy.
- 2
Toss the fennel wedges in a separate bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This ensures the fennel develops a golden, caramelized exterior.
Tip: Choose fennel bulbs that are firm and pale green for the best flavor and texture.
- 3
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Tip: If using a grill pan indoors, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated as prawns cook quickly and release moisture.
- 4
Place fennel wedges on the grill first, as they require slightly longer cooking than prawns. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until tender with charred edges, then transfer to a serving platter.
Tip: Watch for grill marks to form, which indicate the sugars in the fennel are caramelizing beautifully.
- 5
Add the marinated prawns to the grill in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing them to develop a light char.
Tip: Resist the urge to flip too early; let the heat do the work for optimal browning.
- 6
Flip the prawns carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until they turn pink and opaque throughout. Do not overcook or they will become rubbery.
Tip: Prawns are cooked when they curl slightly and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- 7
Transfer the grilled prawns to the platter with the fennel. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest and fresh chopped parsley.
Tip: Serve immediately while the prawns are still warm and the fennel is at its peak.
- 8
Arrange the grilled prawns and fennel attractively on serving plates and serve hot with crusty bread or alongside a fresh green salad.
Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
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