Weeknight Summer BBQ: Honey Soy BBQ Prawns with Quick Lime Slaw

This is the kind of BBQ you can throw together after work without overthinking it. The prawns cook fast, the marinade doubles as a glaze, and the slaw comes together while the BBQ heats up.

No long marinating. No complicated sides. Just good food, cooked in your outdoor kitchen.

Why This Works for Weeknights

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Minimal prep and clean-up
• Light but filling
• Perfect for warm summer evenings

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the BBQ Prawns

• 500 g raw prawns, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• Juice of ½ lime
• Pinch of chilli flakes (optional)

For the Quick Lime Slaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or bagged slaw mix)
• 1 small carrot, grated
• Juice of ½ lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and cracked black pepper

Method

1. Heat the BBQ

Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking.

2. Prep the Prawns

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, lime juice and chilli flakes.

Add the prawns and toss to coat. No need to marinate — they’re ready to cook straight away.

3. Make the Slaw

In a separate bowl, toss the cabbage and carrot with lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Set aside — it will soften slightly while the prawns cook.

4. BBQ the Prawns

Place prawns directly on the grill.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink, lightly caramelised and just cooked through.

Brush with extra glaze as they cook.

5. Serve

Serve the hot prawns straight off the BBQ with the lime slaw on the side.

Optional extras:

• Warm flatbreads or wraps
• Avocado slices
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh coriander

BBQ Tips for Busy Nights

• Use a grill basket or skewers if your BBQ plates are wide
• Keep the lid open for prawns — they cook fast
• Clean while the grill is hot for an easier wipe-down

Easy, Everyday BBQ Cooking

Weeknight BBQs don’t need to be big or complicated. Simple recipes like this are why outdoor cooking becomes a regular habit over summer — especially when your BBQ setup is easy to use and quick to clean.