These Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers are smoky, juicy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Tender shrimp cook quickly over high heat before being brushed with a homemade bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice.
This easy grilled shrimp recipe is perfect for summer dinners, cookouts, or a quick family meal when you want big flavor without spending much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bang bang shrimp skewers combine the smoky char of the grill with a creamy sauce that has just the right balance of sweetness, tang, and heat. They look impressive but require only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking.
They’re also easy to adjust for the whole family. Reduce the sriracha for a milder version, or add a little extra for spicy shrimp skewers with more kick. Best of all, the shrimp cook in just minutes, making this a convenient option for busy evenings.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails left on
- 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Scallions, thinly sliced on the bias, for garnish
For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Soak the skewers. Place wooden skewers in a shallow dish, cover completely with water, and soak for at least 30 minutes. Thinly slice the scallions and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp develop better color on the hot grill.
- Make the bang bang sauce. Whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice together in a small bowl until smooth. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for brushing onto the cooked shrimp and keep the remainder for serving.
- Assemble the skewers. Remove the wooden skewers from the water. Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, piercing through both the body and tail area so the shrimp sit securely.
- Season the shrimp. Combine the canola oil and garlic powder. Lightly brush the mixture over both sides of the shrimp.
- Preheat the grill. Heat the grill to high and lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.
- Grill the shrimp. Arrange the Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers directly over the heat. Grill for 2–3 minutes on the first side without moving them, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and pink with light char marks.
- Glaze and serve. Remove the skewers from the grill and immediately brush them with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot with the remaining sauce on the side.
Tips & Tricks
For the best grilled shrimp skewers, choose large shrimp so they are easier to thread and less likely to overcook before developing attractive grill marks.
Pat the shrimp very dry before adding the oil. A hot, clean, lightly oiled grill also helps create better browning while reducing sticking.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha and add a little extra mayonnaise. For a hotter bang bang shrimp recipe, increase the sriracha gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred spice level.
Metal skewers can be used instead of wooden ones and do not require soaking. If using wooden skewers, however, don’t skip the soaking step.
Avoid brushing shrimp with dipping sauce that has come into contact with raw seafood. Keep the sauce intended for glazing and serving separate from the beginning.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes for soaking wooden skewers
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes including soaking time
- Yield: About 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, pescatarian, dairy-free when made with dairy-free mayonnaise
Notes
For a complete meal, serve these spicy shrimp skewers with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, or a crisp green salad.
You can substitute avocado oil or another neutral high-heat cooking oil for canola oil. Fresh cilantro can also be used alongside or instead of scallions for a different finish.
The heat level of sweet chili sauce and sriracha varies by brand, so taste your sauce before adjusting the spice.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 18 g
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
FAQ
Can I make Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers without a grill?
Yes. Cook the shrimp skewers on a hot grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high to high heat. Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
How do I know when grilled shrimp are done?
The shrimp should change from translucent to opaque and develop a pink exterior. They should curl into a loose “C” shape. Avoid prolonged cooking, as shrimp can quickly become firm and rubbery.
Can I make bang bang shrimp skewers less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the amount of sriracha and replace it with a little extra mayonnaise. This keeps the creamy-sweet character of the sauce while making it more family-friendly.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Stir well before using it.
What goes well with grilled shrimp skewers?
Rice, grilled corn, roasted vegetables, cucumber salad, coleslaw, and fresh green salads all work well. The creamy, spicy sauce pairs particularly nicely with fresh and lightly seasoned sides.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and grilling. Removing excess water is important for achieving good browning.
Storage
Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep any extra bang bang sauce in a separate covered container.
Cooked shrimp can be frozen, although freshly grilled shrimp generally have a better texture. Freeze cooled shrimp in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
For reheating, warm the shrimp briefly in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Avoid prolonged reheating because it can make the shrimp rubbery. You can also enjoy leftovers chilled in salads or rice bowls.
Similar Recipes
- Tomato Zucchini Pasta – Easy Fresh Summer Pasta
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Easy Dairy-Free Dinner
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined with tails left on
- 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Scallions thinly sliced on the bias, for garnish
For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Soak the skewers. Place wooden skewers in a shallow dish, cover completely with water, and soak for at least 30 minutes. Thinly slice the scallions and set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp develop better color on the hot grill.
- Make the bang bang sauce. Whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh lime juice together in a small bowl until smooth. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for brushing onto the cooked shrimp and keep the remainder for serving.
- Assemble the skewers. Remove the wooden skewers from the water. Thread 4–5 shrimp onto each skewer, piercing through both the body and tail area so the shrimp sit securely.
- Season the shrimp. Combine the canola oil and garlic powder. Lightly brush the mixture over both sides of the shrimp.
- Preheat the grill. Heat the grill to high and lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.
- Grill the shrimp. Arrange the Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers directly over the heat. Grill for 2–3 minutes on the first side without moving them, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and pink with light char marks.
- Glaze and serve. Remove the skewers from the grill and immediately brush them with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot with the remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
Conclusion
These Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers turn a simple pound of shrimp into a flavorful meal with very little effort. The smoky grilled edges contrast beautifully with the creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy bang bang sauce.
Once your grill is hot, the recipe comes together in minutes, making it equally useful for casual summer cookouts and quick weeknight dinners. Adjust the heat to suit your family and pair the skewers with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for an easy complete meal.