Barbecued Prawn Skewers with Bush Tomato Chutney
Sweet prawns grilled on skewers served alongside a tangy and spicy bush tomato chutney highlighting Australian native flavors. This australian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends large prawns, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup bush tomatoes (dried)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large prawns in the marinade and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, make the bush tomato chutney by soaking 1/2 cup dried bush tomatoes in hot water for 15 minutes until softened, then drain.
- Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened bush tomatoes, 1 small finely chopped onion, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes.
- Step 5: Simmer the chutney for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Step 6: Thread the marinated prawns onto the soaked skewers and preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Step 7: Grill prawns for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 8: Serve the hot prawn skewers with a generous spoonful of bush tomato chutney for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Barbecued Prawn Skewers with Bush Tomato Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Barbecued Prawn Skewers with Bush Tomato Chutney?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Barbecued Prawn Skewers with Bush Tomato Chutney?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Barbecued Prawn Skewers with Bush Tomato Chutney for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Barbecued Prawn Skewers with Bush Tomato Chutney?
Australian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.