Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers: A Summer BBQ Sensation

Grilled shrimp skewers are a summer barbecue staple, but have you ever tried them with a sweet and savory glaze? These Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the smoky char of the grill with a luscious sauce that will have everyone begging for more. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors creates an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is perfect for a backyard cookout, a casual weeknight dinner, or even an elegant appetizer. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make and utterly delicious dish!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The sweet and savory glaze is the star of the show. It perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
* **Quick and Easy:** Grilling shrimp is incredibly fast, making this a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the grilling process takes just a few minutes per side.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add more spice, adjust the sweetness, or use different vegetables on the skewers.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Shrimp skewers are visually appealing and make for a beautiful presentation, perfect for entertaining.
* **Healthy Option:** Shrimp is a lean protein, making this a healthy and delicious option for your next barbecue.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you fire up the grill, gather these ingredients:

* **Shrimp:** 1.5 pounds of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Make sure to remove the shells and the dark vein running along the back of the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels for better grilling.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup. Soy sauce provides a savory, umami base for the glaze. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup. Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the grill.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons. Brown sugar adds a deeper molasses-like sweetness and contributes to the sticky texture of the glaze.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and savory flavors.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the glaze.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic provides a pungent and savory element to the glaze.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated. Fresh ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy note to the glaze.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the glaze.
* **Green Onions:** 2, thinly sliced. Green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon. Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
* **Vegetables (Optional):** Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, pineapple chunks. These can be threaded onto the skewers along with the shrimp for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Skewers:** Bamboo or metal skewers. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers:

**Step 1: Prepare the Marinade**

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is dissolved.

**Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp**

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring that all the shrimp are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the shrimp marinate, the more flavorful they will become. However, be careful not to marinate them for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the shrimp.

**Step 3: Prepare the Skewers**

If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp for even cooking. If using vegetables, alternate the shrimp with the vegetables on the skewers. For example, you can thread a shrimp, then a piece of bell pepper, then a shrimp, then a piece of red onion, and so on.

**Step 4: Preheat the Grill**

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

**Step 5: Grill the Skewers**

Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade to add extra flavor and shine.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

Remove the shrimp skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Skewers

* **Use High-Quality Shrimp:** The quality of the shrimp will significantly impact the taste and texture of the final dish. Look for fresh, firm shrimp with a good color. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy or has a mushy texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers:** Leave a small space between each shrimp on the skewers to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the skewers can cause the shrimp to steam instead of grill, resulting in a less desirable texture.
* **Soak Bamboo Skewers:** Soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling will prevent them from burning and breaking.
* **Preheat the Grill Properly:** A properly preheated grill is essential for achieving a good sear and preventing the shrimp from sticking. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the skewers on the grill.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Grill them just until they are pink and opaque.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** If you’re unsure about the doneness of the shrimp, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Shrimp are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Baste with Marinade:** During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade to add extra flavor and shine. Be careful not to baste too early, as the marinade can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
* **Let the Shrimp Rest:** After grilling, let the shrimp rest for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Spice it Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick. You can also add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Make it More Savory:** Add a tablespoon of fish sauce to the marinade for a deeper, more umami flavor. Fish sauce adds a complex, savory note that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
* **Use Different Sweeteners:** Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey in the marinade. Each sweetener will impart a slightly different flavor to the glaze.
* **Add Citrus:** Add a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice to the marinade for a brighter, more acidic flavor. Citrus juice will also help to tenderize the shrimp.
* **Substitute Vegetables:** Use different vegetables on the skewers, such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Choose vegetables that can withstand the heat of the grill and will complement the flavor of the shrimp.
* **Use Chicken or Pork:** Substitute chicken or pork for the shrimp. Cut the chicken or pork into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in the same way as the shrimp. Adjust the grilling time accordingly, as chicken and pork will take longer to cook than shrimp.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that is made without wheat.

Serving Suggestions

These Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers are delicious on their own as an appetizer or can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The rice will soak up the delicious glaze and provide a satisfying base for the meal.
* **Noodles:** Serve the skewers with a side of noodles, such as soba noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles. Toss the noodles with a light sauce or dressing for added flavor.
* **Salad:** Serve the skewers with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber salad, a tomato salad, or a mixed green salad. The salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skewers.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Serve the skewers with grilled vegetables, such as corn on the cob, asparagus, or bell peppers. Grilling the vegetables will enhance their natural sweetness and add a smoky flavor.
* **Coleslaw:** Serve the skewers with a side of coleslaw for a classic barbecue combination. The coleslaw will provide a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the skewers.
* **Avocado:** Top the skewers with diced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition. The avocado will add a richness and creaminess that complements the flavors of the skewers.

Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the Marinade in Advance:** The marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of grilling.
* **Marinate the Shrimp in Advance:** The shrimp can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating the shrimp in advance will allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply.
* **Thread the Skewers in Advance:** The skewers can be threaded up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cover the skewers tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

**Storing Leftovers**

Store any leftover Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the skewers in the microwave, oven, or on the grill before serving.

Recipe Card

**Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers**

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 5-6 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
* Optional: Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, pineapple chunks
* Bamboo or metal skewers

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Place the shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are coated evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
4. Thread the shrimp (and optional vegetables) onto the skewers.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
6. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque. Baste with remaining marinade during the last minute.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these flavorful and easy-to-make Sweet & Sticky Grilled Shrimp Skewers at your next barbecue or gathering! They are sure to be a hit!

This recipe provides a delightful and easy way to enjoy grilled shrimp with a flavorful twist. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and cooking times to suit your preferences. Happy grilling!