Spicy Hot Honey Grilled Prawn Rolls

Introduction

Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with Spicy Hot Honey Grilled Prawn Rolls! These rolls combine succulent, smoky prawns with a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey glaze that will make your taste buds tingle. Perfectly toasted rolls cradle juicy, grilled prawns for a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a weeknight treat, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to master the sweet-heat balance, achieve perfectly grilled prawns, and assemble rolls that impress every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spicy Hot Honey Grilled Prawn Rolls are a flavor powerhouse that offers a delightful contrast of textures. The prawns are tender and smoky, kissed by a fiery honey glaze that is both sweet and spicy. Toasted rolls add a crisp bite, while a light slaw or fresh herbs bring brightness and freshness. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a backyard party. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the juicy, flavorful prawn, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to forget. The combination of heat, sweetness, and texture ensures this dish stands out.

Ingredients

1 lb. large prawns, peeled and deveined
4 soft sandwich rolls or brioche buns
3 tbsp hot honey (adjust heat to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Pro Tips

Perfect Prawn Prep: Remove shells and devein prawns to ensure even cooking and easy eating. Pat them dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
Glaze Technique: Brush the hot honey glaze at the end of grilling to prevent burning, allowing it to caramelize without turning bitter.
Roll Handling: Toast your rolls lightly to add crunch and prevent sogginess from the glaze. For extra flavor, brush with a little olive oil or butter before toasting.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the prawns until evenly coated. Let them marinate for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls and Slaw
While the prawns marinate, lightly toast your rolls on a grill pan or in the oven until golden. In a small bowl, mix shredded cabbage with lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a simple, tangy slaw.

Step 3: Grill the Prawns
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the prawns on the hot surface, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. In the last 30 seconds of cooking, brush generously with hot honey to glaze the prawns.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Layer a small amount of slaw on the bottom of each toasted roll. Add 3–4 glazed prawns per roll, making sure to drizzle any leftover glaze over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the Spicy Hot Honey Grilled Prawn Rolls hot, accompanied by lemon wedges or extra hot honey for dipping. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh off the grill to maintain the crispy rolls and juicy prawns.

Variations

Spicy Mayo Twist: Swap slaw for a spicy mayo spread for a creamier roll.
Low-Carb Option: Replace the bread with lettuce wraps for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
Sweet Heat Swap: Try maple syrup with sriracha instead of hot honey for a different take on the glaze.

Storage/Serving

Store any leftover prawns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Rolls are best toasted fresh before serving to maintain crispiness. For meal prep, store prawns separately from bread and slaw, then assemble before eating. Serve these rolls with a crisp green salad, roasted corn, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. They also pair well with chilled white wine or a refreshing citrus beverage.

FAQs

1. Can I use shrimp instead of prawns?
Yes! Shrimp work perfectly in this recipe; just adjust cooking time slightly for smaller sizes.

2. How spicy are these rolls?
The heat comes from cayenne and hot honey, which can be adjusted to taste. Reduce cayenne for milder rolls.

3. Can I grill the rolls?
Absolutely! Lightly butter and toast rolls on the grill for a smoky flavor.

4. Can I make this ahead?
Prawns can be marinated in advance, but grilling and assembling fresh gives the best texture and flavor.

5. What sides pair best with these rolls?
Try slaw, roasted veggies, fries, or a crisp salad. Citrus drinks or light beers complement the spicy-sweet flavor.

Conclusion

These Spicy Hot Honey Grilled Prawn Rolls are comfort food at its finest — sweet, smoky, and bursting with flavor. They’re the kind of dish that turns a casual meal into a celebration, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight feast. The combination of tender prawns, sticky glaze, and crunchy rolls ensures every bite is unforgettable.