Mango & Chilli-Glazed Grilled Kauai Prawn

(recipe located @ bottom of post)

In my World travels I have traveled no place more beautiful than Kauai. That said, this post is being submitted with my feet in the sand, sun upon my shades, a case of Corona resting close by, & my beach chair perched within meters of this Paradise’s aquamarine waters. A million miles from home & thinking of grilling!!   Sounds rather excruciating, right??!

For some background, this is one of many adventures in a line of excursions (and… MORE to come) through Central America, Australia/Tasmania, from one side of the Atlantic to the Pacific, from sea to shining sea, coastlines to mounts tops, & one side of the World to the other. Each destination with its own unique culture, history, people, & culinary flavors. This most recent trip has been an opportunity to get away from the hustle/bustle of daily obligations, priorities, technology, Michigan SNOW! & all other facets of “normal” daily life… This is an adventure of hiking, diving, fishing, sunshine, beaches, luaus & grass skirts.

To paint the picture, Kauai is the oldest, 4th largest, & most western of the Hawaiian Archipelago (Well… There is one additional inhabited island that sits just beyond the pacific horizon from Kauai’s western coast, but Ni’iahu is privately owned & generally no foreign visitors have been welcomed to the island since the 1800′s).  The Garden Isle is primitive & awe inspiring, with breathtaking views of gargantuan coastline cliffs, pristine beaches, secluded waterfalls, rainforests, the grand canyon of the Pacific & evidence from one side of the island to the other of it’s Volcanic origins.  In between towns such as Waimea, Lihu’e, & Kapa’a are wonderful people (island population 67,000) – warm, generous, conversational, kind of heart, opening in arms, & welcoming to table. A PERFECT combination for a traveler such as myself. Along the towns visited & local residents I connected with, Outdoor cooking (with fresh local ingredients) was not only a means of meal preparation, but a way of life – established around the love and honor of food, family, faith & tradition.

Kauai has a wide range of culinary influence enhanced by an amazing array of LOCAL Seafood, Chicken (thousands & thousands of wild Chicken), Mountain Boar, Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs.  At a Market just outside of Hanalei I was inspired by an Ahi Tuna dish that combine the contrasting, yet complimenting flavors & sensations of Sweet & Heat.  But, it was not until I crossed the Kauai Prawn that this month’s Grilled Recipe came together.  I love this dish, its simplicity, depth / complexity of flavors, & true feel of Kauai coastline cuisine.  Now as I watch the sun set, my family gathers, Drinks/Stories of the past week are shared, & the grates of my TRU-Ifrared Grill HEAT… I give you A Bachelor & His Grill’s ORIGINAL, “Mang0 Chili Glazed Grilled Kauai Prawn.”

Waikiki Beach. Oahu.

Hiking Wiamea Canyon @ 3600′. Western Kauai.

Overlooking Sunrise from Summit of Oahu’s Diamond Head Mountain.

Cliff Diving over Queen’s Bath. Northern Kauai.

Sunset over Majestic Oceanside Cliffs of Na’poli Coastline. NW Kauai.

INGREDIENTS:
-2 Pounds Large (Kauai) Prawn, Thawed / De-veined / Head Removed, if Necessary
-1 Large Mango, Peeled & Cubed
-3 Tablespoons Honey
-2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled & Minced
-2 Sprigs Mint
-2 Tablespoons Chili Paste
-2 Limes Juiced
-1 Lime Zest
-1 Tablespoon Ground Ginger
-1 teaspoon Coconut Oil
-1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper, or to Taste
-Coarse Salt / Ground Black Peppercorn, to Taste

METHOD to the MADNESS:
-Using Pestle & Mortar (or food processor) combine Mango, Garlic, Mint & Ginger.
-In Large Bowl thoroughly mix Mango concoction with remaining Ingredients.
-In covered container or plastic bag place Prawn & pour over Mango Marinade.
*Leave 1/4-1/3 Cup of Marinade for Basting during Grilling process.
-Liberally coat Prawn amongst the Mango Marinade.
-Press air from container & refrigerate for 2hrs, stirring Prawn every 20-30minutes.

-Pull Prawn from Cooler & Pre-Heat Grill to HOT.
-With Shell still in tact, Skewer 3-4 Prawn at a Time & Place over hottest Grill Grates.
-Grill 3 Minutes per side, brushing with remaining Marinade as the Prawn Cooks.
-Remove Prawn from Grill when Shell is Pink, Char Marks set & Prawn is cooked through.
-Glaze with last brush of Marinade, plate & serve HOT.

Enjoy, my Friends!!  Now... Back to this Corona & watching the sun set over Waikiki. Cheers!  

Mango Chili-Glazed Grilled Prawn