Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp

Fire up the grill for a lightened up version of the classic Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill. Creamy, spicy, and a little sweet, you only need handful of ingredients to make this recipe! Perfect for an appetizer, served in a rice bowl, and more.

about this grilled bang bang shrimp recipe

Your girl used to be a frequent flier at Bonefish Grill. The happy hour deal with bang bang shrimp and a glass of wine used to be unbeatable, so that would be my “fancy” dinner to treat myself as I was beginning my career in marketing.

While I love ANYTHING fried, sometimes I want that same bang bang shrimp flavor in a healthier package, that’s also a lot less work. There’s no need to fry until golden brown with this recipe!

Yes, I am aware that these shrimp are not an exact copycat recipe, but I promise you, all the flavor is there, with an added smoky element from the grill! The sauce is creamy and spicy, satisfying your cravings while also being light and fresh.

It’s a healthy swap, but I’m really in it for the time savings. This recipe is done in just 15 minutes (not counting the soaking time for the skewers… sorry)active cooking time! Honestly, it might take you longer to pull together the sides you plan to serve with this shrimp.

It can be a tasty appetizer or a healthy meal for lunch or dinner.

Don’t have a grill? No problem! Just use a grill pan on your stovetop!

This bang bang shrimp might just become your new favorite thing to cook when friends come over!

Note: This is an updated version of the original post published on June 22, 2012. The recipe has been updated and the post has more information plus tips and tricks!

ingredients

mayonnaise. Opt for light mayo to reduce calories, or use full-fat for a richer taste. For a healthier alternative, try plain Greek yogurt.

thai sweet chili sauce. Available in most grocery stores or Asian markets. Trader Joe’s is where we always get ours!

Sriracha. The key to the sauce’s heat. Experiment with flavored varieties of Sriracha sauce for a unique twist!

honey. Adds a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup or agave work as substitutes for the sauce.

scallions. These green onions bring a fresh, aromatic flavor. Optional, but highly recommended!

shrimp. Big, plump shrimp are best to use here! We usually opt for large or jumbo shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are peeled (optional to leave the tails on!) and cleaned well before using them in the recipe.

salt and pepper. Kosher fine salt and freshly cracked black pepper are all you need to season the shrimp.

this recipe’s must-haves

You will need bowls from your set of mixing bowls to make this recipe.

We love our Traeger grill! You can use Traeger grill signature pellets, or any flavor you like. These grill prep and serve trays are SO handy, as is this set of grill tongs.

Finally, have a grill brush and grill cleaner handy to keep that grill clean throughout the season.

here’s how to make this bang bang shrimp recipe

soak wooden skewers

In a shallow container filled with water, add the wooden skewers. Soak them for at least 30 minutes to help prevent burning on the grill.

make the sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until combined in a medium bowl. Stir in green onion. Set aside until ready to use.

grill shrimp

Remove the skewers from the water.

Add about 4 to 5 shrimp to each skewer. Season shrimp with salt and pepper on both sides.

Place skewers on a preheated grill (don’t forget to oil the grates!) over medium-high heat. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

add sauce to shrimp

Remove shrimp from the grill and place on a platter. Brush with sauce, or remove shrimp from skewers and toss with sauce. Serve immediately with excess sauce as desired. Garnish with freshly sliced green onion.

tips and tricks

taste the sauce. When you make the bang bang sauce, be sure to taste it before using it. You may want to add more salt and pepper. Add more heat with a little more Sriracha.

soak the wooden skewers. If you are making these skewers use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.

keep a close eye on the shrimp. Shrimp can get rubbery quickly if you overcook them. Keep an eye on the shrimp to ensure you remove them as soon as they are cooked through and pink!

mix up the protein. You could use chicken cubes for these skewers, or your favorite protein that you want to turn into a bang bang recipe!

More tasty shrimp dinners to try out: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Tacos | Lemon Shrimp Artichoke Pasta | Mango Garlic Shrimp Skewers | Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

are these bang bang shrimp spicy?

It depends on how you make the sauce! If you follow the recipe, it will have a light to medium level of heat. However, you can make it even spicier by adding as much Sriracha as you would like! We recommend adding 1 tsp Sriracha at a time after making the sauce, tasting after each addition, until the desired level of heat is reached.

can I use a grill pan for this recipe?

Yes, if you do not own a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop to cook the shrimp skewers instead. You will still want to soak the wooden skewers as they can still burn on a grill pan. If you use a grill pan, you may need to work in batches to cook them.

can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Since shrimp gets rubbery when it is overcooked or reheated, I do not recommend making them ahead of time. You can, however, make the sauce ahead of time (up to 10 days ahead!) and store in an airtight container.

Need some inspiration for snacks? Check out my appetizer recipes page!

what to serve with grilled bang bang shrimp

While these tasty shrimp are awesome on their own as an appetizer, you can easily turn them into a meal by pairing them with any of the following:

• Served over cilantro lime rice in rice bowls with grilled vegetables.
• Over a bed of leafy greens to make a tasty salad.
• Pair with grilled steak for a surf and turf party!
• Turn them into bang bang shrimp tacos with a fresh coleslaw.
• Use them on tostadas topped with guacamole and all your favorite toppings.

more juicy shrimp recipes

Crunchy and tangy honey lime shrimp tostadas are ready in just 30 minutes, making them an easy appetizer or light dish.

BBQ bacon wrapped shrimp is a simple appetizer that’s ideal for a party!

If you love wontons, these steamed shrimp wontons are going to be your new favorite.

Finally, if you make this grilled bang bang shrimp recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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