If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful seafood dish, Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers are guaranteed to impress. Tender shrimp are grilled until lightly charred, then coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Perfect as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or backyard barbecue favorite, this recipe is easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and ready in about 20 minutes.
- Sweet, creamy, and spicy flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for family dinners and summer cookouts.
- Easy ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Great as both a main course and a shrimp appetizer.
- Naturally gluten-free with the right sauce selections.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1½ tbsp canola oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thinly slice the scallions for garnish.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them brown beautifully on the grill.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth.
Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness if desired.
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of sauce for brushing after grilling and keep the remaining sauce for serving.
Step 3: Assemble the Shrimp
Remove the soaked skewers from the water and pat dry.
Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer by piercing through both the tail and body.
Mix the canola oil with garlic powder, then lightly brush the shrimp on both sides.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Place the Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes without moving.
Flip and grill another 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Brush the hot shrimp with the reserved bang bang sauce.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced scallions.
Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
- Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent burning.
- Use large shrimp for the juiciest texture.
- Add extra sriracha for more heat.
- Substitute avocado oil or vegetable oil for canola oil.
- Cook indoors using a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 4 skewers)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Information: Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free sweet chili sauce and sriracha; dairy-free.
Notes
- Serve with grilled corn, rice, or a crisp salad.
- Add sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Fresh cilantro makes a delicious garnish.
- The sauce also works wonderfully as a dip for vegetables or fries.
- For meal prep, store the sauce separately until serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and grilling.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp hold up best on the grill and stay juicy.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to three days.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium kick. Reduce the sriracha for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
Can I cook these without a grill?
Yes. Use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or broil them in the oven.
What goes well with bang bang shrimp?
Rice, grilled vegetables, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a fresh cucumber salad pair beautifully.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately for the best texture.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the shrimp tender.
Similar Recipes
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on
- 1½ tbsp canola oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Thinly sliced scallions for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thinly slice the scallions for garnish.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them brown beautifully on the grill.
- Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness if desired.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of sauce for brushing after grilling and keep the remaining sauce for serving.
- Step 3: Assemble the Shrimp
- Remove the soaked skewers from the water and pat dry.
- Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer by piercing through both the tail and body.
- Mix the canola oil with garlic powder, then lightly brush the shrimp on both sides.
- Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
- Preheat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Place the Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes without moving.
- Flip and grill another 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Brush the hot shrimp with the reserved bang bang sauce.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Serve with grilled corn, rice, or a crisp salad.
- Add sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Fresh cilantro makes a delicious garnish.
- The sauce also works wonderfully as a dip for vegetables or fries.
- For meal prep, store the sauce separately until serving.
Conclusion
These Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers combine smoky grilled shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, serving a crowd at a summer barbecue, or looking for an easy grilled seafood recipe, this dish is simple to prepare and packed with bold flavor. Give it a try, and it’s sure to become one of your favorite shrimp recipes.