If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bound to impress with minimal effort, you’ll fall head over heels for these **Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers**. Perfectly grilled shrimp kissed by a sweet and spicy sauce, they’re a true crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delectable Flavor: The combination of sweet chili sauce and sriracha creates a flavor profile that is simply out of this world.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a gourmet appetizer ready in under 40 minutes.
- Perfect for Parties: These skewers make for a visually stunning and delicious dish that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish; these skewers are versatile enough for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these **Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers** lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a crucial role, intensifying the flavors while remaining straightforward to find and prep.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Choose fresh or safely defrosted shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: A splash of oil ensures the shrimp won’t stick to the grill, preserving their delicate form.
- Light Mayo: This forms the creamy base of the sauce, perfectly balancing flavors.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth, a must-have for our signature bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha: Offers a spicy kick that livens up the palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Scallions: These add a fresh, vibrant touch when used as garnish, enhancing both the look and taste.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to modify a recipe to suit your own taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few exciting variations you might consider for your **Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers**.
- Spicy Lover’s Version: Add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne for those who crave extra heat.
- Coconut Twist: Swap half of the sweet chili sauce with coconut milk for a tropical flavor that will transport you to the islands.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley into the sauce for an aromatic enhancement.
How to Make Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This process prevents them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, ensure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry. Gently thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving space at both ends.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
While the skewers soak, prepare your bang bang sauce. Whisk together the light mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl until well combined. This delightful concoction will be the star of the dish, coating each skewer with its lusciousness.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill on high. Brush both sides of the shrimp with oil to prevent sticking, and place them on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn a lovely pinkish hue. Timing may vary slightly based on the size of the shrimp.
Step 4: Apply the Sauce and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and generously brush with the prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring even coverage on both sides. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping and a sprinkling of scallions for a touch of color.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
- Perfect Grill Marks: Make sure your grill is preheated to high to get those beautiful grill marks that enhance the texture and look of your shrimp.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a touch more mayo or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Advance Prep Option: The shrimp can be skewered and the sauce prepared up to a day ahead, keeping your last-minute tasks to a minimum.
- Ingredient Quality: Opt for high-quality shrimp and fresh scallions to truly capture the essence of this dish.
How to Serve Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh scallions not only adds a burst of color but also complements the dish with a mild, slightly oniony flavor. A wedge of lime on the side provides a zingy citrus contrast that enhances the dish.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or a chilled quinoa salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside coconut rice or garlic mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the shrimp skewers vertically in a tall glass for a unique presentation, or lay them on a colorful platter surrounded by small bowls of sauce and garnishes for an inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will meld even further, enhancing the dish.
Freezing
To freeze, remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to a month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheated gently over low heat, either on a grill or stovetop, the shrimp will regain their delightful texture. Just avoid overcooking to maintain their juicy tenderness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers?
Yes, just make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before grilling to ensure even cooking.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can use a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stovetop to achieve a similar result.
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Is there a substitute for sriracha?
Consider using another hot sauce like chili garlic sauce, adjusting the quantity to taste.
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Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely, the sauce can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These **Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers** are more than just a dish—they’re a delightful experience bursting with flavor and flair. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is your ticket to wowing your guests. So why wait? Fire up that grill and savor the taste of success!
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Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 10 medium skewers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these delicious Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers, featuring juicy jumbo shrimp grilled to perfection and coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or a flavorful appetizer, these skewers are quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound of thawed jumbo shrimp (about 30 shrimp)
Marinade and Coating
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/3 cup light mayo
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Garnish
- Scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Soak skewers: Place wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. After soaking, remove from water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat grill: Turn your grill to high heat and allow it to preheat thoroughly for a few minutes.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside.
- Skewer shrimp: Thread about 3 shrimp per skewer, leaving about an inch of space at each end to handle the skewers easily.
- Oil the shrimp: Brush each skewer of shrimp with canola or vegetable oil on both sides to avoid sticking during grilling.
- Grill shrimp: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn bright pink and are cooked through.
- Apply sauce and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill. Brush each skewer generously with the bang bang sauce, ensuring both sides are coated. Serve immediately garnished with sliced scallions and extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Adjust the level of sriracha to taste for spice: use less for milder flavor or more for extra heat.
- These skewers are best served immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 3 shrimp)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
