Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with my irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers. This delightful recipe combines juicy shrimp with a crisp, refreshing slaw and a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. It’s sure to be a hit at your next backyard barbecue or family dinner, effortlessly merging bold flavors with a touch of elegance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a scrumptious meal that’s sure to impress.
- Flavor Explosion: The intricate balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy tones create an unforgettable taste experience.
- Adaptable: Easily tweak the heat level and ingredients to match your personal preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these skewers are sure to be the star of any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With ingredients that are as straightforward as they are essential, creating these Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers is not just simple—it’s truly satisfying. Each component contributes its own delicious role, enhancing the overall flavor and ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Fresh and meaty, these are perfect for grilling to succulent perfection.
- Avocado Oil: Offers a high smoke point, keeping your shrimp juicy and flavorful during grilling.
- Sriracha: Adjust the amount for preferred heat—spicy lovers might opt for a bit more.
- Homemade Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base for the irresistible sauce.
- Coleslaw Mix: A fuss-free way to add a refreshing crunch to balance the spicy shrimp.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! It’s incredibly flexible and can be adapted based on what you have at home or suit dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some fun ways to switch it up.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the shrimp for chunks of firm tofu or zucchini for a plant-based option.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
- Mango Salsa Topper: Add diced mango to the slaw for a sweet counterbalance to the spicy sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw
Start by whisking together minced garlic, avocado oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and lime juice in a large bowl. Toss in the coleslaw mix and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, and let it sit while you move on to the shrimp.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together homemade mayonnaise, minced garlic, fish sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and salt. Adjust the sriracha to match how spicy you like it. Keep this sauce within reach as you prepare the shrimp.
Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp
In a large bowl, coat the shrimp with olive oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Carefully thread them onto soaked wooden skewers. Using two skewers for each set ensures that your shrimp stay stable and cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates and place the skewers on, cooking with the lid closed for about 2 minutes per side. Brush the shrimp with the bang bang sauce, finish cooking until just opaque, and brush with more sauce before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
- Skewer Strategy: Using two skewers per set is key to keeping shrimp from spinning, ensuring even cooking.
- Sauce Control: Brush shrimp with sauce while grilling, and again before serving for layers of flavor.
- Heat Mastery: Maintain your grill at a steady medium-high for perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Flavor Balance: Adjust sriracha in the sauce to create the perfect balance of spicy and creamy for your taste.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Garnishes
Elevate these skewers with some finely sliced green onions or sesame seeds sprinkled on top. A squeeze of lime just before serving can also add a zesty kick that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers with a refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The lightness of these sides allows the skewers’ robust flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve your skewers vertically in a tall glass next to a small bowl of slaw. The vertical presentation adds visual interest and makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover grilled shrimp, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Enjoy them cold or gently reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze, place your cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your shrimp skewers on a grill or stovetop grill pan. Keep the heat low and frequently turn for even warming without overcooking. A splash of fresh lime juice can revive the shrimp’s zesty flavors.
FAQs
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Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, then grill just before serving for the freshest flavor. You can also prepare the slaw a day in advance, making entertaining even easier.
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What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Jumbo shrimp are ideal due to their size and ability to stay juicy on the grill, but large shrimp will also work nicely if jumbo isn’t available.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
To tailor the heat, simply tweak the amount of sriracha used in the bang bang sauce. More will add a fiery kick, while less keeps it mild and creamy.
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Can I cook these in an oven or air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, or use an air fryer for a similar cooking result. Always keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I’m confident that once you try these Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers, they’ll become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re throwing a summer party or just want something delightful for dinner, this recipe promises to deliver flavor and flair every time. Dig in and enjoy!
PrintBang Bang Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers recipe features juicy, seasoned shrimp grilled to perfection and coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Served alongside a refreshing cilantro lime slaw, it’s an easy-to-make dish that combines smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors for a delightful meal perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.
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 (or 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 for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Shrimp:
- 8 wooden skewers
- 1 1/2 lb jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined with tail off
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Soak skewers: Prior to starting, soak your wooden skewers in warm water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.
- Make the Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, avocado oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and lime juice. Add coleslaw mix and cilantro, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, fish sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Prep the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with avocado oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Thread the shrimp onto two skewers side by side, fitting about 6 shrimp per set.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat the grill to medium-high (350-400°F). Oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil carefully. Place the skewers on the grill, lid closed, cooking about 2 minutes per side until almost cooked through. Brush generously with bang bang sauce, then cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, brush with extra sauce if desired. Serve hot with the cilantro lime slaw on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are evenly threaded for uniform cooking.
- Adjust sriracha amount for desired spice level.
- Soaking skewers prevents burning; alternatively, use metal skewers.
- For a smokier flavor, grill over charcoal if available.
- The slaw can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with slaw
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg