Grilled Brined Prawns with Garlic Oil
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
This Mediterranean-inspired dish of grilled brined prawns with garlic oil offers a sophisticated yet simple way to enjoy seafood. By brining the prawns in a mixture of white wine, lemon, and bay leaves, the flesh remains incredibly juicy and seasoned from within. Grilling them in their shells protects the delicate meat from the high heat of the barbecue, resulting in a beautiful charred finish and a deep, smoky flavour that pairs perfectly with the fragrant garlic-infused oil.
As a high-protein option, this recipe is ideal for a light summer lunch or an impressive starter for a garden party. The addition of charred ciabatta bread is essential for mopping up any leftover garlic oil and juices. For the best results, use the largest prawns you can find and serve them immediately while the shells are still crisp and the oil is aromatic.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Grilled Brined Prawns with Garlic Oil
1925ml ice water, divided
80ml coarse kosher salt
1 cup dry white wine
6 Turkish bay leaves, divided
2 lemons
1 chopped, 1 cut into wedges
1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
900g uncooked large prawns with shells (about 32 prawns)
180ml extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 ciabatta bread, sliced
How to make Grilled Brined Prawns with Garlic Oil
Stir 240ml ice water and 80ml salt in small saucepan over high heat until salt dissolves, about 5 minutes. Transfer salt water to large bowl. Mix in wine, 2 bay leaves, chopped lemon, peppercorns, and remaining 1675ml water, then prawns. Chill at least 15 minutes and up to 1/2 hour.
Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Whisk oil and garlic in small bowl to blend.
Drain prawns, rinse, and drain well. Using kitchen scissors, cut shells down centre of back side and devein, leaving shells intact. Grill prawns in shells until charred and just opaque, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grill bread until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Transfer prawns to another large bowl. Add half of garlic oil and toss to coat. Mound prawns on platter. Garnish with remaining 4 bay leaves and lemon wedges. Serve with grilled bread and remaining garlic oil.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.