Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together vibrant flavors in a quick and easy recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also impressively delicious. The combination of lemongrass and Sriracha provides an exotic twist, making it an standout choice for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Bold Flavors: The unique pairing of lemongrass and Sriracha offers a tantalizing flavor profile that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these grilled shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or alongside fresh salads for a complete meal.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in calories, this dish fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike with its vibrant colors and enticing aroma.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process smooth, having the right tools at hand is essential. Below are some key items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: These help keep the shrimp together while grilling, ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides the high heat needed to achieve that perfect charred flavor while cooking the shrimp quickly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the shrimp evenly with all the flavorful ingredients.
• Basting brush: Useful for applying oil on the shrimp, enhancing flavor and preventing sticking on the grill.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (500g) tiger prawn or jumbo prawn (peeled, deveined, tails intact)
• oil (for brushing)

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 lemongrass (white part only, grated)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• 1 big clove garlic (finely minced)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 small calamansi (extract the juice or 1 wedge lime)

How to Make Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Clean the Shrimp

Start by cleaning the shrimp under cold running water. Pat them dry using paper towels before transferring them to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add all marinade ingredients to the bowl with the shrimp:
1. Pour in fish sauce.
2. Add grated lemongrass.
3. Sprinkle powdered sugar and Sriracha over the shrimp.
4. Include minced garlic and chili garlic sauce.
5. Mix in water and chopped cilantro leaves.

Stir everything well to ensure each shrimp is coated evenly. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare for Grilling

Thread three marinated shrimp onto each skewer. Use a basting brush to lightly coat each skewer with oil to prevent sticking during grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill each skewer of shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they are charred and cooked through.

Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce if desired!

How to Serve Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp make for a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

On Rice or Noodles

• Serve the grilled shrimp over a bed of jasmine rice or rice noodles for a satisfying meal.
• Drizzle with additional Sriracha or a lime wedge for an extra kick.

In Tacos

• Use corn tortillas to create shrimp tacos, adding fresh toppings like shredded cabbage and avocado.
• A squeeze of calamansi juice enhances the flavors beautifully.

As Appetizers

• Skewer the shrimp on toothpicks for easy-to-eat appetizers at parties.
• Pair with a spicy dipping sauce made from chili garlic sauce and fish sauce.

With Fresh Salad

• Toss the grilled shrimp into a mixed green salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• The freshness complements the savory flavors of the shrimp.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauce

• Serve with a side of homemade dipping sauce made from chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, and chopped cilantro.
• This adds layers of flavor and spice to each bite.

How to Perfect Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Achieving the perfect lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp is simple with a few key tips. Follow these guidelines to enhance your dish.

• Marinate properly: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes for full flavor absorption.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemongrass and garlic will give your dish a vibrant taste that’s hard to beat.
• Control the heat: Grill on medium-high heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
• Don’t overcrowd: Space out the shrimp on the grill for even cooking; this prevents steaming instead of grilling.
• Monitor doneness: Shrimp cooks quickly; aim for bright pink color without overcooking to maintain tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice provides a lovely balance against the spicy shrimp. Cook rice in coconut milk for added richness.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add color and nutrition while complementing the smoky flavors of grilled shrimp.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and texture that pairs well with the savory shrimp.
4. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and a citrus dressing offers a wholesome side packed with protein.
5. Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa brings fruity brightness that contrasts beautifully with the intense flavors of the grilled shrimp.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can serve as an excellent vessel for soaking up any leftover marinade or dipping sauce.
7. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition while its mild flavor allows the shrimp to shine.
8. Cucumber Pickles: Quick pickled cucumbers provide acidity that cuts through richness, refreshing your palate between bites of rich grilled shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp, there are some common pitfalls to steer clear of for the best results.

• Bold flavor combinations: Using too much or too little Sriracha can overpower the dish. Aim for a balanced heat by adjusting to your taste.
• Improper marinating time: Skipping the marinating step or not allowing enough time can lead to bland shrimp. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many shrimps on the grill at once can cause steaming instead of grilling. Grill in batches for even cooking and a good char.
• Neglecting the shrimp’s preparation: Not cleaning or deveining shrimp properly can affect texture and taste. Always clean and prepare the shrimp before cooking.
• Skipping oil brushing: Forgetting to brush oil on the shrimp can result in sticking to the grill. Lightly brush the shrimp with oil before grilling for easy handling.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

• Place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and sauté shrimp until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp.

Can I substitute other types of shrimp?

Yes! You can use any variety of shrimp, such as white or pink shrimp, as long as they are fresh or properly thawed if frozen.

How spicy is Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less Sriracha for milder flavor or increase it for more heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the shrimp in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. Just remember not to exceed 24 hours.

What should I serve with Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?

These grilled shrimps pair well with rice, salads, or grilled vegetables. Consider serving them with a zesty dipping sauce for extra flavor!

Is it possible to grill these shrimps indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan. Just ensure proper ventilation when grilling indoors.

Final Thoughts

Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes! Enjoy creating this delightful recipe that impresses family and friends alike.