RECIPE: Chargrilled Korean Pepper & Lemon Prawns

Asian and Oriental supermarkets are filled with little gems and one such gem I have recently discovered are Korean pepper flakes. Now spice-haters, fear ye not as these pepper flakes aren't chilli flakes and therefore not really spicy although they have a hint of spicy, smokiness which is very delicious and makes it a fantastic ingredient for recipes of all kinds.

I was experimenting in the kitchen one day and came up with a SUPER SIMPLE marinade for prawns using the pepper flakes (which indeed can be use for pork, chicken and other seafood also) and it has now become a staple in my house when I cook for guests or just for myself. Here is the recipe:

Chargrilled Korean Pepper & Lemon Prawns

Ingredients (Quantities are up to you, see method for guidance)

Large uncooked shell-on prawns
Korean pepper flakes
Whole lemons
Olive oil
Maldon sea salt

Method
Preheat a griddle pan over the highest heat or turn on your BBQ to a medium-high heat. In a large bowl, marinate 5-6 shell-on prawns per person in lemon juice (half a lemon per 6 prawns) with 1 teaspoon of Korean chilli flakes per 6 prawns or you can use 1/4 teaspoon of regular chilli flakes per 6 prawns for a spicier marinade and drizzle with olive oil. Coat the prawns thoroughly with the lemon, chilli and oil mixture and a few pinches of Maldon sea salt.

Place your prawns onto your griddle pan or BBQ and grill for about 5 -7 minutes on each side until slightly charred. You can also have a lemon and grill it along side the prawns for about 6 minutes, flat side down. This will sweeten and intensify its juices making it perfect to squeeze over your prawns once peeled. That's all there is to it! They are delicious, summery and dare I say it, finger lickin' good.