Why You’ll Love Sweet Chili Shrimp Skewers Recipe
-
It’s fast: total time is about 20 minutes — really convenient for busy days.
-
The combination of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors from the sweet chili sauce, garlic, and lime makes the shrimp irresistibly flavorful.
-
Skewers give a fun, easy-to-eat presentation — great for serving guests, outdoor grilling, or simple family dinners.
-
Uses minimal, pantry‑friendly ingredients but delivers impressive taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
▢ 1 lb (≈ 500 g) shrimp, shelled, deveined, tail-on
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
▢ 1 tablespoon lime juice
▢ 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
▢ 1 pinch salt
Directions
-
In a bowl, combine shrimp, minced garlic, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt. Stir well so the shrimp are evenly coated.
-
Thread about 3 shrimp onto each bamboo (or metal) skewer. Continue until all shrimp are skewered (about 10 skewers total).
-
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
-
Preheat a grill or grill pan over direct heat. Grill the shrimp skewers on both sides until the shrimp are cooked through and have light grill marks. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves: 3 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
-
Add chunks of vegetables like bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini between the shrimp for added texture and color.
-
Replace cilantro with parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
-
For more heat, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
-
For extra glaze, brush on more sweet chili sauce after grilling.
-
Instead of grilling, try pan-searing the skewers or cooking them under the broiler.
Storage/Reheating
-
Store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
-
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a preheated oven at about 180°C (350°F) until just heated through.
-
The texture is best when freshly grilled, but they can also be served cold over salads or with dipping sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw them fully, pat dry, and then marinate and cook as directed.
Do I need to peel the shrimp?
Yes, peeled and deveined shrimp with the tail on are best for this recipe for ease and flavor absorption.
What if I don’t have bamboo skewers?
You can use metal skewers or a grill basket. If using bamboo, soak them first to avoid burning.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the marinade in advance. Add shrimp when ready to cook to avoid over-marination.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the heat level by using a milder or spicier chili sauce as needed.
What can I serve with these shrimp skewers?
They pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salad, or flatbread.
Can I bake or pan-cook them instead of grilling?
Yes — pan-searing or broiling are good alternatives if grilling isn’t an option.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
About 10 skewers, assuming 3 shrimp per skewer.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and grill in batches if necessary.
Are shrimp skewers healthy?
Yes — shrimp are lean and high in protein, and grilling keeps this recipe light and nutritious.
Conclusion
These Sweet Chili Shrimp Skewers are a fast, flavorful solution for any meal. The sweet and tangy marinade brings out the best in shrimp, while the skewered presentation makes them perfect for grilling season or casual dining. With minimal prep and easy customization, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Sweet Chili Shrimp Skewers
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Sweet Chili Shrimp Skewers are a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish featuring juicy shrimp marinated in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy Thai-inspired sauce, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (0.4 kg) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes (if using).
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and mix well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately with extra sweet chili sauce if preferred.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
