Looking for something other than beef or pork to grill on your Traeger? If you love seafood, these Traeger Salt & Pepper Spot Prawn Skewers are a simple, smoky, and irresistible option. Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, they highlight the natural sweetness of the prawns and cook quickly, making them perfect for summer barbecues or a weeknight dinner on the pellet grill.
Traeger Salt & Pepper Prawn Skewers
Grilled seafood benefits from the combination of a quick cook time and wood-fired flavor. These spot prawn skewers require only a few pantry spices: oil, coarse salt, and coarse black pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, add a touch of smoked cayenne or dip the finished prawns in a garlic butter. Serve hot off the grill for the best texture and flavor.
What are spot prawns and where can you get them?
Spot prawns are a sweet, meaty shellfish popular on the U.S. West Coast. Their season can be short and they may not always be available, so when you find fresh spot prawns it’s worth picking them up. If you source them whole, remove the heads and clean them promptly after catching or buying; leaving heads on aging prawns can affect meat texture.
How to Cook With Skewers
Using skewers on a grill requires a few simple precautions to avoid flare-ups and to ensure even cooking. Follow these tips to get great results safely:
- Soak wooden skewers – If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water before grilling to prevent burning. Overnight soaking is best, but at least 30 minutes will help.
- Keep skewers steady – Once the prawns are on the grill, let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This reduces sticking and helps develop grill marks.
- Check for splinters – Inspect skewers for splinters or loose wood and remove any sharp pieces so they don’t end up in your food.
- Cook at moderate heat – To reduce the risk of burning skewers and to cook prawns evenly, grill over medium heat rather than very high heat.
These straightforward steps will help your skewers come out perfectly cooked and safely prepared. Don’t worry if you’re new to grilling skewers—practice makes perfect.
Can I Use Shrimp Instead?
Yes—if spot prawns aren’t available, larger shrimp make an excellent substitute. Avoid very small shrimp; choose medium or larger so they sit well on the skewers and grill evenly. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before assembling and grilling.
What to Serve With These Prawns
Spot prawn skewers pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some favorite options that complement the smoky, salty flavor:
- Pasta salads – A cool, creamy pasta salad balances the savory prawns.
- Cooked vegetables – Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or corn add freshness and texture.
- Rice or noodles – Simple buttered rice, flavored noodles, or a light pilaf make a satisfying base.
- Salad – A bright green salad or a caprese-style salad adds acidity and cleanses the palate.
- Bread – Warm bread or biscuits are always a welcome addition to round out the meal.
Whatever you choose, the simplicity of salt, pepper, and smoke makes these skewers versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Pin for later!
Traeger Grilled Spot Prawn Skewers
Quickly grilled on a pellet grill after a light brush of oil and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper, these skewers are simple, smoky, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds spot prawns, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Generous coarse salt and coarse black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 400°F (about 204°C).
- Thread prawns onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush with oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Place skewers on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until the prawns are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 6 | Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate): Calories 221; Total Fat 7g; Saturated Fat 1g; Unsaturated Fat 6g; Cholesterol 319mg; Sodium 1481mg; Carbohydrates 2g; Fiber 0g; Sugar 0g; Protein 34g.
Nutrition data is an estimate. For medical tracking, consult a trusted nutrition source.