By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels

Quick Answer

Honey Mustard Prawns Marinade: Combine 3 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, and more. Marinate 15-30 minutes. Grill until internal temp reaches 63°C (145°F) — opaque and pink.

About This Marinade

This honey mustard marinade brings a sweet, tangy, with a mustard kick flavour profile to your prawns. The honey caramelises beautifully on the BBQ. Watch for burning on high heat.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Marinate Time

15-30 min

Flavour Profile

sweet, tangy, with a mustard kick

Best Cuts

king prawns (shell-on or peeled), tiger prawns

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
wholegrain mustard3 tbsp
honey3 tbsp
olive oil2 tbsp
apple cider vinegar2 tbsp
garlic (minced)2 cloves
dried thyme1 tsp
salt and pepperAs needed

Prawns cook fast and absorb flavour fast. NEVER marinate prawns longer than 30 minutes in acidic marinades — the acid will start "cooking" them and they'll turn rubbery.

How to Make Honey Mustard Prawns Marinade

  1. Combine: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until well combined.
  2. Prep the prawns: Pat the prawns dry with paper towel. Peel and devein if desired, or leave shell on for extra flavour.
  3. Marinate: Add the prawns to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes (no longer!).
  4. Bring to temp: Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
  5. BBQ: Shake off excess marinade and grill over high heat (220-250°C / 425-480°F) until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) — opaque and pink.
  6. Rest: Let the prawns rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Prawns

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Prawns Cuts for Honey Mustard Marinade

The best cuts of prawns for this marinade are: king prawns (shell-on or peeled), tiger prawns.

King prawns and tiger prawns are ideal — they're large enough to handle on the BBQ and have a sweet, firm flesh that stands up to bold flavours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate prawns in honey mustard marinade?

Marinate prawns in honey mustard marinade for 15-30 minutes maximum. Any longer and the acid will start breaking down the delicate flesh.

Can I use honey mustard marinade on other meats?

Yes! Honey Mustard marinade works well on chicken and beef too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — delicate proteins need less time.

Should I marinate prawns in the fridge or at room temperature?

Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

What temperature should I BBQ honey mustard marinated prawns?

Grill honey mustard marinated prawns over high heat (220-250°C / 425-480°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) — opaque and pink.

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
America's Test Kitchen (YouTube)
Tested methods for perfectly grilled fish and shellfish.
Video
2
How to BBQ Right (YouTube)
Malcom Reed's seafood smoking and grilling tutorials.
Video
3
Serious Eats
Kenji Lopez-Alt's science of grilling fish without sticking.
Reference
4
Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)
Seafood BBQ experiments with detailed cook logs.
Video