Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers are a fiery and flavorful seafood treat, combining perfectly grilled shrimp with a creamy, spicy, and tangy bang bang sauce. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty sauce before being threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection, then finished with a drizzle of creamy, spicy sauce. These skewers are perfect for a quick and easy dinner, party appetizers, or a fun twist on classic shrimp dishes.

I first made Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers when I was craving something with a little heat and plenty of flavor. The combination of smoky grilled shrimp and the rich, spicy sauce was the perfect balance. They were a hit at a summer cookout, and since then, they’ve become a regular in my grilling rotation.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it delivers big flavors. The sauce is made with mayo, sriracha, honey, and a touch of lime, creating a creamy, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less sriracha, or even using a different type of hot sauce. Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers are an exciting, flavorful dish that’s always a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

Summer cookouts
Dinner parties
Seafood lovers
Appetizers or main dishes
Spice enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers will be your new favorite dish:

Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet and spicy bang bang sauce perfectly complements the smoky, grilled shrimp.
Quick and Easy: The recipe is simple to follow and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Grilled to Perfection: The shrimp are tender and juicy with a delightful smoky flavor.
Bold and Zesty Sauce: The bang bang sauce has the perfect amount of heat and creaminess.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat to your liking.
Healthy Option: Shrimp is a lean protein that’s packed with nutrients, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Perfect for Entertaining: Serve as an appetizer or main dish at your next dinner party and impress your guests.
Versatile: These skewers can be served with rice, vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead Option: The shrimp can be marinated in advance, making the prep even easier.
Impressive Presentation: The skewers are not only delicious but also look great on the grill or plate.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Skewers:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
8-10 wooden or metal skewers

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Optional Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

Shrimp: Provides lean protein and a sweet, mild flavor that takes on the smoky grilled taste beautifully.
Sriracha Sauce: Adds the perfect amount of heat to balance out the creamy mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a sweet, tangy element to the sauce that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Olive Oil: Helps to coat the shrimp before grilling, ensuring they cook to perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp Skewers:

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Skewer the Shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers, making sure they are secure and evenly spaced.
Season the Shrimp: Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are opaque and have grill marks.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using).
Adjust Spice Level: Taste and adjust the sauce to your preferred spice level by adding more sriracha or honey as needed.

Assemble the Dish:

Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle the bang bang sauce over them and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Serve:

Enjoy: Serve the shrimp skewers immediately, and enjoy with your favorite sides!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers:

As an Appetizer: Serve as a starter at your next dinner party or BBQ.
With Rice: Pair with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
On a Salad: Serve on top of a fresh green salad for a light and flavorful dish.
In Tacos: Use the shrimp in soft tortillas with slaw for a delicious taco night.
With Noodles: Serve with soba or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
With Veggies: Pair with grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
With Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
For a Sandwich: Use the shrimp in a sandwich or wrap for a quick and tasty lunch.
With a Cold Drink: Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, iced tea, or a light beer.
As Party Food: Serve on skewers for easy, grab-and-go bites at your next gathering.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp has a better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before grilling.
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the shrimp, enhancing the flavor.
Skewer Tips: For easier grilling, use flat skewers to prevent shrimp from spinning around. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Perfect Grilling Temperature: Grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough.
Basting Sauce: Reserve some of the Bang Bang sauce for basting the shrimp while grilling for an extra burst of flavor. Just be sure to save enough for serving afterward.
Add a Little Sweetness: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some honey or a splash of orange juice into the marinade or sauce.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicier.
Grill Vegetables Alongside: Skewer some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini alongside the shrimp to make it a complete meal with complementary flavors.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping, or try a tangy ranch or blue cheese sauce for a creamy contrast.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Add minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a fresh, zesty twist.
Grilled Veggie Skewers: Include vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions on the skewers for a mixed grilling platter.
Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the sauce for a tropical flavor.
Spicy Mango Bang Bang Shrimp: Blend mango with the sauce for a sweet and spicy variation.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh in place of shrimp for a vegetarian version.
Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce: Swap the sweet chili sauce for a garlic-infused one for more depth of flavor.

Special Equipment

Grill or Grill Pan: For perfect, smoky grilled shrimp.
Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers to hold the shrimp during grilling.
Whisk: For mixing the bang bang sauce.
Basting Brush: Optional, to brush extra sauce onto the shrimp during grilling.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely before using for best results.
How long do the shrimp skewers last?
Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling them?
Yes, bake the shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply increase the ingredients and use multiple skewers.
How can I make the sauce less spicy?
Use less sriracha or add extra mayonnaise to tone down the heat.
Can I freeze the shrimp?
Yes, freeze the shrimp before cooking and thaw them before grilling.
Can I use another type of seafood?
Yes, scallops, lobster, or fish fillets can be used as an alternative to shrimp.
What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp?
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds.

Conclusion

These Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, delicious meal or appetizer. The shrimp are marinated in a spicy, creamy sauce that combines mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for heat. After grilling, they’re coated in more of the tasty sauce, making them smoky, spicy, and perfectly crispy on the outside.

The magic of this recipe is the irresistible Bang Bang sauce—creamy, sweet, and spicy—all at once. The shrimp become beautifully charred and flavorful on the grill, while the sauce adds a zesty kick. You can serve these skewers over rice or with a side of veggies, or simply enjoy them as a fun finger food with a squeeze of lime.

I’d love to see your Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, smoky shrimp. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or ingredients that made your shrimp skewers uniquely yours!