Imagine bringing the irresistible flavors of your favorite restaurant to your kitchen. That’s exactly what these Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers promise! They’re a delightful combination of spicy, savory, and sweet, all wrapped around succulent shrimp that are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The Bang Bang Sauce perfectly balances sweet and spicy for a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this a quick yet impressive dish.
- Grill Magic: The grilled shrimp adds a smoky depth that elevates the flavor.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these skewers are sure to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple yet satisfying! With just a handful of carefully selected ingredients, these Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers come to life. Each component serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s adding a kick of heat or enhancing the savory profile.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Fresh and juicy, they’re the star of the show, bringing a delightful texture.
- Sriracha: Adds that signature heat and flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our sauce, ensuring every bite is coated deliciously.
- Avocado Oil: Perfect for grilling, imparting a subtle flavor without overpowering.
- Rice Vinegar: Gives the slaw a tangy edge that’s refreshing alongside the shrimp.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to customize based on what you have at home or your own taste preferences. Feel free to get creative!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delightful twist.
- Extra Spicy: Add an extra tablespoon of sriracha or even some chopped fresh chili for those who love the heat.
- Herb Twist: Include mint or basil in the slaw for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in warm water for at least 10 minutes. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill and allows the shrimp to cook evenly.
Step 2: Create the Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, avocado oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and lime juice. Toss in the coleslaw mix and cilantro, coating it all beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it sit while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, more minced garlic, fish sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The aroma alone will make your mouth water. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Prepare and Grill the Shrimp
In another bowl, coat the shrimp with avocado oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Carefully thread them onto skewers, holding two skewers parallel for stability. Grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side, brushing with your bang bang sauce before finishing. The grill is where magic truly happens—the shrimp come off juicy and full of flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
- Optimal Skewer Handling: Use two skewers per batch to prevent the shrimp from spinning, making grilling easier and ensuring even cooking.
- Grill Temperature Control: Keep your grill between 350 to 400 degrees F for perfectly charred but tender shrimp.
- Flavor Infusion Timing: Apply the sauce towards the end of grilling to avoid burning while locking in that signature flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When threading shrimp, give them some space to cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Garnishes
Top your skewers with some freshly chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These little touches add not just visual appeal but also a fresh burst of flavor that highlights the shrimp beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a sweet mango salad or a simple cucumber and mint yogurt dip. For something more hearty, coconut rice complements the slightly spicy shrimp wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by serving the skewers standing upright in tall glasses or arranging them on a colorful platter with the slaw artfully placed around them. It’s all about making your guests go “wow” even before they take a bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor well, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them in a cold salad later!
Freezing
If you plan to freeze, the best way is to do so before cooking. Assemble the skewers and place them in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling to enjoy them fresh!
Reheating
Gently reheat shrimp skewers in a warm oven at 275°F until heated through. This gentle method helps preserve their juiciness without overcooking them.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling to ensure they’re flavorful and juicy.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! A grill pan or even a stovetop skillet works well. Just pay extra attention to cooking evenly.
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How can I make the dish gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your condiments like sriracha and fish sauce to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
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Any tips for making the dish less spicy?
Absolutely, just reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or opt for a milder hot sauce alternative.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure! I hope you’re as excited as I am to fire up the grill and enjoy these incredible Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers. They’re simply unforgettable, and I promise your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Grilled Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers paired with a fresh coleslaw and a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect for a grilled summer meal, these skewers feature tender jumbo shrimp coated with a zesty sauce and threaded onto skewers for easy grilling.
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 8 oz coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp fish sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Shrimp:
- 8 wooden skewers
- 1 1/2 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Soak skewers: Prior to starting, soak the wooden skewers in warm water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Make the Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, avocado oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and lime juice. Add coleslaw mix and cilantro, then toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, set aside.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, fish sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in a large bowl with avocado oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Thread 6 shrimp onto two skewers, holding skewers parallel for stability.
- Heat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high (350-400°F). Oil the grates lightly with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking and flare-ups.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place skewers on the grill, lid closed, cook for about 2 minutes per side until almost cooked through. Brush generously with the bang bang sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Finish and Serve: Remove skewers from the grill, brush with remaining sauce, and serve hot with the prepared slaw.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are evenly threaded for uniform cooking.
- Adjust the spice level in the sauce by varying the amount of sriracha.
- You can prepare the slaw and sauce ahead of time for quicker assembly.
- Using two skewers per set helps prevent the shrimp from spinning and makes flipping easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 4 pieces of shrimp) with slaw
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
