Name: Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 bamboo skewers soaked in water for 20 minutes; ½ cup chile-garlic sauce; ½ cup honey; 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined

These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp are the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a kick of heat from the chile-garlic sauce and the natural sweetness of honey.
Grilled to perfection, these shrimp are juicy and tender on the inside with a slight caramelized char on the outside. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these shrimp will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp are a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just a few steps.
The chile-garlic sauce gives the shrimp a spicy kick, while the honey adds a sweet contrast, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky element that intensifies the sweetness and spice. These shrimp are great on their own or served with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, or salad.

Ingredient Highlights

Chile-Garlic Sauce: This sauce brings the perfect amount of heat and flavor, adding a spicy depth to the shrimp.
Honey: The honey balances the heat of the chile-garlic sauce with natural sweetness, making the shrimp tender and juicy.
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are used for the perfect bite and texture. Peeled and deveined, they’re easy to prepare and cook quickly.
Bamboo Skewers: The soaked bamboo skewers make grilling easier and ensure the shrimp stay evenly spaced for even cooking.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Soak the Skewers: Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the shrimp onto them. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! Grill for about 10 minutes or until they are pink and firm to avoid overcooking.
Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the level of chile-garlic sauce depending on how spicy you like your shrimp. Add more for extra heat, or reduce it for a milder version.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine chile-garlic sauce and honey, stirring until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, piercing through the head and tail ends.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill.
Cook, frequently turning and basting with the sauce mixture, for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are firm and pink on all sides.

Step 5: Serve
Serve the grilled shrimp immediately, either on the skewers or removed and served with your favorite side dishes.

Serving Ideas

These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

Serve them over rice or quinoa for a light, complete meal.

Pair them with a green salad or grilled vegetables for a healthy, balanced meal.

For a fun appetizer, serve the shrimp on skewers with a dipping sauce on the side.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. These shrimp can also be enjoyed cold as a topping for salads or in wraps.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before grilling and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat it before basting the shrimp.

Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness.

Can I cook these shrimp indoors?
Absolutely! You can cook the shrimp on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven under the broiler.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp are the perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and smokiness.
The quick prep and grilling make them ideal for a weeknight meal or a weekend BBQ. Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, these shrimp will quickly become a favorite!