The Expert Guide to Cooking Prawns on the Auspit for Australia Day

Author: Sasha Halabi  Date Posted:6 January 2026 

Seasoned prawns cooked on Auspit skewers, displayed on a wooden board alongside lemon slices, herbs, and Flaming Coals and Butchers Axe BBQ rubs

If there’s one thing that belongs on the fire this Australia Day, it’s prawns. Smoky, juicy, and packed with flavour, grilled prawns on the Auspit are the perfect way to celebrate summer. This cook comes together quickly with minimal prep and delivers big flavour, thanks to a simple rub, a hint of garlic, and a splash of lemon.

Whether you’re camping by the coast, in the backyard with mates, or setting up at your favourite beach spot, these prawns are an absolute show-stopper and take just 10 minutes over the coals.

The Story Behind This Cook

It’s the classic Aussie summer food, and every year, it makes a comeback. But this time, we wanted to do it right.

We were out camping with the Auspit Folding Grill fired up, burgers sizzling on one side, and someone pulled out a bag of fresh prawns. No skewers, no marinade, just good seafood and a bit of garlic. That’s when we decided to make it properly with a dry rub, a little basting sauce, and a hot bed of charcoal underneath.

The result was incredible. Juicy prawns with charred edges, a punch of citrus and garlic, and just enough heat from the rub to keep things interesting. Since then, this has become our go-to summer starter whenever we’ve got people around, and the Auspit set up.

What makes it better is how easy it is. No marinade time. No fancy tools. Just skewers, tongs, and a hot fire.

Ingredients

  • 1kg fresh prawns (peeled, tails on)
  • 2 tablespoons Flaming Coals Gyros Rub
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

Instructions

1. Prepare the prawns
Peel and devein prawns, leaving the tails on. Pat dry with a paper towel to help the rub stick.


Fresh peeled prawns in a stainless steel mixing bowl, ready for seasoning and cooking.

 

2. Season the prawns
Toss the prawns in a bowl with Flaming Coals Gyros Rub and crushed garlic. Mix gently to coat evenly.


Raw prawns in a stainless steel bowl being seasoned with Flaming Coals Gyros Rub.

3. Skewer the prawns
Thread 3 to 4 prawns onto each skewer. Try to keep them flat so they cook evenly on the grill.


Seasoned raw prawns threaded onto metal skewers on a wooden board

4. Heat up the Auspit Folding Grill
Build your charcoal base and preheat the grill until it’s hot. You want a medium-high heat to get a nice sear without drying the prawns.


Seasoned prawns cooking on skewers over a charcoal grill beside sizzling meat patties on a flat plate

 

5. Mix your basting sauce
Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Keep this handy with a brush for the cook.
 

Person basting prawns on skewers while multiple meats and fish cook on an Auspit rotisserie over charcoal

6. Start grilling
Place the skewered prawns on the grill and baste immediately with your lemon-oil mix. Let it cook for 4–5 minutes.


Seasoned prawns on skewers and burger patties grilling over charcoal on an Auspit setup.

 

7. Flip and finish
Once the prawns start to change colour and curl, flip them over. Baste again and cook for another 4–5 minutes or until fully pink and slightly charred.
 

8. Serve hot
Remove from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges, crusty bread, or over a fresh summer salad.
 

Grilled prawn skewers served on a wooden board with lime wedges, surrounded by Flaming Coals Greek Gyros seasoning and another BBQ rub

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t skip the lemon – it lifts the garlic and balances the heat in the rub.
  • Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes if using, so they don’t burn.
  • Keep prawns cold before cooking so they stay firm and juicy.
  • Add extras like fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of aioli for a fancy finish.

Frequently Asked

Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

Can I cook these without skewers?
Yes, you can place them directly in a grill basket or on a flat plate, but skewers make flipping easier and faster.

Is Gyros Rub spicy?
It has a gentle warmth and lots of flavour. If you like it hot, you can add chilli flakes to your rub mix.

Keep the Fire Going This Summer

Australia Day is about food, family, and making the most of summer. These grilled prawns are an easy win whether you’re feeding two or twenty. Quick, simple, and full of flavour, they’re the kind of cook that makes you look like an expert without needing a chef’s hat.

Got your Auspit ready? Make this the cook that kicks off your summer weekend in style.

Want more recipes and gear ideas for summer?
Explore our other recipes or check out our gear spotlight blogs to upgrade your spit setup for the season.

 

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