The bold and smoky flavors of these Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp are impossible to resist. Charred to perfection on the grill and then topped with a creamy, spicy sauce, this dish brings the fire to your plate in all the right ways.
Perfect for summer gatherings, quick weeknight meals, or just when you’re craving something with a little kick, this shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with a fresh salad or some jasmine rice, and you’ve got a sensational seafood feast that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon honey
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
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Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling.
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Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
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Once the shrimp are done, brush or drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top while still warm.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp: A Flavor Explosion of Smoky, Sweet, and Spicy Deliciousness
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a casual dinner with friends, or just craving something flavorful and easy to make, this dish is the ideal choice. The succulent shrimp, grilled to perfection and slathered in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
The Origins of Bang Bang Shrimp
The name “Bang Bang Shrimp” might sound intriguing, but it’s actually a term that originated from a popular dish served at a famous seafood restaurant chain, Bonefish Grill. The dish gained immense popularity due to its perfect combination of flavors crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Over time, the recipe has evolved, with many variations that include grilled shrimp instead of the fried version. The grilled version of Bang Bang Shrimp offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the bold, delicious flavors that make the dish so loved.
The grilled version is a lighter take on the classic, where shrimp is charred to perfection on a grill and then coated with a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that truly brings the dish to life. The smoky grill marks add depth to the flavor, while the sauce provides a creamy and slightly spicy finish that excites the taste buds.
The Secret to Perfect Grilled Shrimp
When it comes to grilling shrimp, there are a few key points to remember to ensure that your shrimp turns out perfectly tender and juicy:
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Use Large Shrimp: For grilling, it’s best to use large shrimp because they hold up better on the grill and don’t dry out as easily. Larger shrimp also provide a more satisfying bite and can hold more of the flavorful bang bang sauce.
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Preheat the Grill: Preheating the grill is essential for achieving those perfect grill marks and ensuring that the shrimp cooks evenly. If your grill isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will cook too slowly and may turn rubbery.
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Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cooks very quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Grilled shrimp should be pink and slightly charred, but still juicy and tender. Overcooking shrimp can lead to a tough texture, so aim to cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side.
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Marinate for Extra Flavor: While this recipe doesn’t require a marinating step, you can marinate your shrimp in a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for an added layer of flavor before grilling. This step is optional but can help infuse more taste into the shrimp itself.
The Bang Bang Sauce: The Star of the Show
What truly sets Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp apart is the rich, creamy, and spicy bang bang sauce. The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar creates a flavorful sauce that is both creamy and tangy with a touch of heat. This sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled shrimp, giving each bite a sweet and spicy kick that’s addictive.
The key to achieving the right consistency for the bang bang sauce is balancing the mayo with the chili sauce, while the Sriracha adds just enough heat to bring the dish to life. The honey balances the spiciness and adds a hint of sweetness, while the rice vinegar provides a slight tang to cut through the creaminess. The result is a sauce that enhances the flavor of the shrimp without overpowering it.
Customizing the Bang Bang Shrimp
One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. You can tweak the sauce to suit your preferences. If you like more heat, you can add extra Sriracha or even a bit of cayenne pepper to give the dish more of a kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha or substitute it with a less spicy hot sauce.
For a unique twist, consider adding additional flavors to the sauce. A dash of soy sauce or lime juice can add complexity, while fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can bring a fresh pop of color and flavor to the dish. You can also experiment with the type of shrimp you use. While large shrimp are a great choice for grilling, you can also use smaller shrimp for skewers or even mix in some grilled vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. For a light meal, serve it as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad. The smoky flavor of the shrimp pairs perfectly with crisp greens and a citrusy vinaigrette. If you’re looking for something more substantial, serve the shrimp with a side of rice, such as jasmine or basmati rice, which will soak up the extra sauce and balance out the heat.
For a more casual meal, consider serving the shrimp in tacos. The smoky shrimp combined with the creamy sauce would be a perfect filling for soft corn tortillas. Top them off with shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a tasty and satisfying taco.
If you’re entertaining, these shrimp make for an excellent party dish. Serve them on a large platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and let your guests enjoy this flavorful treat while sipping on a cold drink. The shrimp can also be served as a side dish at a barbecue or cookout, where they’ll pair perfectly with grilled meats, corn on the cob, and other summer favorites.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s packed with flavor. The balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy makes it irresistible. Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick grilling time, you can have a flavorful dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Third, it’s customizable. Whether you like it spicy or mild, you can adjust the sauce to suit your taste. And finally, it’s versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a taco filling.
Conclusion:
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp is an outstanding dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re grilling up a weeknight meal or hosting a summer cookout. The combination of smoky grilled shrimp and the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce is an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it the perfect addition to your grilling repertoire. So fire up your grill, whip up the sauce, and enjoy this deliciously bold seafood dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.