Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is a delightful blend of vibrant flavors that elevate any meal. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty mixture, making it perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or impressing guests at gatherings. The unique combination of lemongrass and spicy Sriracha brings an exotic twist that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Exotic Flavors: The infusion of lemongrass and Sriracha creates a taste experience that transports you to Southeast Asia.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even toss it into salads for a flavorful boost.
• Healthy Choice: With low calories and high protein content, this grilled shrimp is a nutritious addition to any meal plan.
• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those who want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: These are essential for holding the shrimp together while grilling, ensuring even cooking.
• Grill: A grill gives the shrimp a beautiful char and enhances the flavors through smoky cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: This is where you’ll combine all your marinade ingredients, making it easy to coat the shrimp evenly.
• Basting Brush: Use this to apply oil to the shrimp before grilling for added flavor and moisture.

Ingredients

Lemongrass grilled shrimp – delicious grilled shrimp with exotic lemongrass flavors, quick and easy recipe.

For the Shrimp

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Clean the Shrimp

Clean the shrimp under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels before transferring them to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

Add all the marinade ingredients to the bowl:
1. Pour in the fish sauce.
2. Add grated lemongrass.
3. Mix in powdered sugar, Sriracha, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, water, chopped cilantro leaves, and calamansi juice.
4. Stir well until combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp

Thread three shrimp onto each skewer. Brush the surface of each skewer with some oil for better grilling results.

Step 5: Grill the Shrimp

Grill the skewers on both sides until charred and cooked through. This usually takes about 5 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve hot off the grill with your favorite dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp!

How to Serve Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and dips. These serving suggestions will elevate your meal, bringing out the fresh flavors of the shrimp.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Mint Leaves – Add mint leaves for a unique herbal twist that complements the shrimp.

In a Salad

• Mixed Greens – Serve the grilled shrimp over a bed of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Asian Slaw – Pair with an Asian slaw featuring cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing for crunch.

With Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce – Offer sweet chili sauce as a dip for extra sweetness and spice.
• Peanut Sauce – A creamy peanut sauce enhances the dish’s richness and adds depth of flavor.

How to Perfect Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Perfecting your lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp takes just a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is a hit.

• Bold Marinade – Allow the shrimp to marinate longer than 15 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
• High Heat Cooking – Grill at high heat to achieve a nice char without overcooking the shrimp.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemongrass and lime juice enhance the flavors significantly compared to dried or bottled options.
• Avoid Overcrowding – Space out the shrimp on skewers to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.

Best Side Dishes for Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Coconut Rice – This fragrant rice provides a sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp.
2. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrition.
3. Thai Noodle Salad – A cold noodle salad with lime dressing complements the warm shrimp beautifully.
4. Steamed Jasmine Rice – Simple yet perfect; jasmine rice absorbs the flavors from the dish well.
5. Mango Salsa – A refreshing mango salsa adds sweetness and brightness that pairs perfectly with grilled seafood.
6. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes give a hearty element to balance the lightness of the shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the marinade time: Skipping the marination period can result in bland shrimp. Always marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.

• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many shrimp on the grill can lead to uneven cooking. Grill in batches to ensure each shrimp gets that perfect char.

• Using low-quality shrimp: Opting for lower quality shrimp affects texture and flavor. Choose fresh or frozen tiger or jumbo prawns for the best results.

• Not checking doneness: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking makes them rubbery. Keep an eye on them; they should be opaque and firm when done.

• Neglecting oil: Failing to brush oil on the shrimp can cause sticking. A light coat of oil helps achieve that desirable grilled finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

• Place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, checking regularly.
• Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil. Add shrimp and sauté until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are thawed completely before marinating.

What can I substitute for lemongrass?

If you cannot find lemongrass, try using lemon zest combined with a bit of lime juice as an alternative flavor enhancer.

How spicy is Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?

The spiciness mainly comes from the Sriracha. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, adding more or less as desired.

What sides go well with this dish?

Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is not only quick and easy but also bursting with vibrant flavors. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level! Don’t hesitate—try this delightful recipe today!