Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. (500g) shrimp – Shelled, deveined, and tail-on for easy eating and a beautiful presentation.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced for aromatic depth.
- 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce – Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – Brightens up the flavors and enhances the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro – Brings a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
- 1 pinch salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp – Make sure your shrimp are properly cleaned, deveined, and patted dry. Keeping the tails on adds to the presentation and makes them easier to handle while eating.
- Make the marinade – In a bowl, mix the Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp – Add the shrimp to the bowl, tossing them in the marinade to ensure even coating. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. If you have more time, marinating for 30 minutes enhances the taste even more.
- Prepare the skewers – If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Thread the shrimp – Skewer three shrimp per stick, making sure they’re snug but not too tightly packed to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the grill – Heat your grill to medium-high. If using a stovetop grill pan, lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers – Place the shrimp skewers over direct heat. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a slight char.
- Serve immediately – Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the grill and serve while hot.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking – Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking makes them rubbery. The key is to remove them from the grill as soon as they turn opaque.
- Even cooking – If using an outdoor grill, arrange the skewers in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Flip them only once to get that perfect sear.
- Handling wooden skewers – Soaking them beforehand is essential to prevent burning. If you prefer reusable options, metal skewers work well and don’t require soaking.
- Maximizing flavor – For an even more intense taste, reserve a small portion of the marinade (before adding shrimp) and use it as a finishing drizzle after grilling.
- Adjusting spice levels – If you prefer more heat, add a small amount of red pepper flakes or extra sriracha to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes