Easy Prawns on the Braai

One of Cape Town's Favourite Summer

Recipes

Nothing says summer in South Africa quite like seafood on the braai — and prawns are one of the easiest, tastiest choices when you want something that feels special with very little effort.

Our premium Argentinian prawns are sea harvested and frozen at sea to lock in freshness, making them ideal for braais. This method ensures consistent quality, flavour, and food safety while still delivering restaurant-style results at home.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 2 kg large prawns, cleaned (can be cleaned and deveined before delivery, for an extra charge.)

  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped

  • Lemon wedges to serve

How to Braai Prawns Perfectly

1. Prepare the Marinade

Combine the garlic, olive oil or butter, lemon juice, paprika, chilli flakes, salt and pepper in a bowl.

Add the prawns and toss well until they are fully coated. Allow to marinate for 15–30 minutes (not longer, as lemon will start cooking the prawns).

2. Heat the Braai

Prepare a medium-hot braai. Too hot and the prawns burn; too cool and they dry out.

Lightly oil the grid or use a braai basket or tray.

3. Grill the Prawns

Place prawns on the grid and cook for:

  • Shell-on prawns: 3–4 minutes per side

  • Peeled prawns: 2–3 minutes per side

They are done when they turn pink and slightly charred at the edges.

4. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the braai, scatter fresh herbs over the top, and serve with extra lemon wedges.

What to Serve With Braaied Prawns

Prawns are delicious served with:

  • Garlic bread or fresh rolls

  • Braai mielies or grilled vegetables

  • A fresh green salad

  • Creamy coleslaw

  • Homemade lemon butter sauce

Tips for the Best Braaied Prawns

  • Don’t overcook — prawns become rubbery if left too long.

  • Shell-on prawns stay juicier on the fire.

  • Always preheat your grill before adding seafood.

  • Use high-quality, fresh seafood for the best flavour.

Why Frozen-at-Sea Prawns Are a Better Choice

Many people don’t realise that prawns frozen at sea are often fresher than “fresh” prawns at the counter. Our Argentinian prawns are harvested, processed and frozen directly on the vessel to preserve flavour, firmness and nutritional value.

This process:

  • Locks in freshness immediately after harvest

  • Prevents temperature damage

  • Preserves natural texture and taste

  • Ensures safer handling and better shelf life

  • Delivers consistent quality every time

Frozen-at-sea seafood also reduces waste and allows for better inventory control, supporting sustainable fishing practices and better planning across the supply chain.

Cooking with Freshly Frozen, Sustainable Seafood in Cape Town

Great recipes start with great ingredients. When you choose freshlt frozen, responsibly sourced seafood, not only do your meals taste better — you're also supporting sustainable fishing practices.

At Pescaluna, we import premium Argentinian prawns that are sea harvested and frozen at sea to guarantee consistent quality and freshness. We supply homes, restaurants and retailers across Cape Town with reliable seafood that performs beautifully on the braai and in the kitchen.

👉 Ready to cook? Browse our seafood range or get in touch to place an order.

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