Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Kabobs

Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Bang Bang Shrimp

Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish! For grilling, I highly recommend using medium or jumbo shrimp. Their larger size not only makes them easier to thread onto skewers but also reduces the risk of overcooking, ensuring a tender, juicy result. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before proceeding. Always peel and devein the shrimp prior to marinating for the best texture and taste.
• Marinade Spices: A simple yet effective blend of chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder forms the base of our shrimp marinade. These spices infuse the shrimp with aromatic depth and a subtle warmth, complementing the bold flavors of the Bang Bang sauce. Olive oil helps to distribute these spices evenly and keeps the shrimp moist during grilling.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of our Bang Bang sauce. While any good quality regular mayonnaise will work, I highly recommend sourcing Kewpie mayonnaise if possible. Kewpie mayo, a Japanese brand, is known for its richer, tangier flavor and exceptionally smooth texture, contributing significantly to the authentic taste of the sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient is a non-negotiable for true Bang Bang sauce. It provides the essential balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a mild background heat. It’s one of the defining components of the original Bonefish Grill recipe, giving the sauce its distinctive character. Look for it in the Asian aisle of your grocery store.
• Sriracha: For that signature spicy kick! Sriracha adds a vibrant heat and a touch of garlic undertone. While Sriracha is my go-to, you can certainly substitute it with Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or your preferred hot sauce if you have another favorite on hand. Adjust the quantity to match your desired level of heat.
• Honey: This natural sweetener is crucial for balancing the heat from the Sriracha and the tang from the chili sauce. It adds a lovely depth of sweetness that rounds out the entire flavor profile, making the sauce incredibly well-balanced and irresistible.

How to Make Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing these incredible Bang Bang Shrimp skewers is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering result:

1. Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp. Begin by ensuring your shrimp are peeled and deveined. In a large glass mixing bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp with the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Toss gently to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for approximately 1 hour. This marinating step is key to infusing the shrimp with flavor and keeping them moist.
2. Assemble the Skewers. While the shrimp are marinating, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This prevents them from burning on the grill. After marinating, remove the shrimp from the bowl (discard any excess marinade). Carefully thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure to space them evenly. This even spacing is crucial for uniform cooking.
3. Craft the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie), Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Taste and adjust the Sriracha or honey to achieve your desired balance of sweet and spicy.
4. Grill to Perfection. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 335-350°F). Place the shrimp skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side. Then, using tongs, flip the skewers over and generously brush the cooked side with your freshly made Bang Bang sauce. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink color and are opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the grill for too long.
5. Serve and Savor. Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

While the term “Bang Bang” is historically associated with a popular Sichuan Chinese dish, this particular creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is a modern culinary creation, famously popularized by American restaurants like Bonefish Grill. It typically consists of a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (or another hot sauce of choice), and a touch of honey to balance the flavors. This combination results in its signature irresistible taste.

Shrimp cook very quickly on a hot grill, typically requiring only about 2-3 minutes per side. The key is to watch for visual cues: the shrimp should turn a vibrant pink color and become opaque throughout. It’s crucial not to overcook shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the heat intensity of your grill, so always keep a close eye on your skewers.

Absolutely! If you’re aiming for a texture closer to Bonefish Grill’s original appetizer, pan-frying is a fantastic alternative. To do this, first pat the marinated shrimp very dry with paper towels. Then, lightly coat them in cornstarch. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a cast iron skillet or deep pan to approximately 375°F (190°C). Fry the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once fried, remove them from the pan, drain any excess oil on a paper-towel-lined plate, and then generously toss them in your homemade Bang Bang sauce.

Yes, the air fryer is another excellent option for cooking Bang Bang Shrimp! Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and thoroughly cooked. Once done, toss them with the Bang Bang sauce and serve.

Wooden skewers are commonly used and work great, especially after soaking them in water to prevent burning. Metal skewers are also an excellent choice, as they are reusable and conduct heat efficiently, which can help cook the shrimp from the inside out. Whichever you choose, ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the shrimp without breaking or bending.

To prevent sticking, make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the shrimp. Brushing the shrimp themselves lightly with olive oil (as done in the marinade) also helps. A hot grill will sear the shrimp quickly, making them less likely to adhere to the grates.

Storing and Reheating Instructions for Bang Bang Shrimp

Proper storage and reheating ensure your leftover Bang Bang Shrimp remain delicious:

• Refrigerator Storage: To store leftovers, remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat Bang Bang Shrimp gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. If you have any extra Bang Bang sauce, brushing a little more over the shrimp before reheating can help restore moisture and flavor, preventing them from drying out.
• Freezing: While cooked shrimp can be frozen, it’s generally not recommended for Bang Bang Shrimp as the texture can change significantly upon thawing, especially with the sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

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