Spicy Honey Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Why Spicy Honey Grilled Shrimp?
Shrimp is a fantastic protein for grilling because it cooks quickly and absorbs marinades beautifully. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with a kick of heat from chili flakes and spices, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, grilling the shrimp gives them a smoky char that enhances their natural sweetness. Whether you’re serving these as a quick snack or making them the star of your meal, these shrimp pack a punch of flavor in every bite.
Before we get into the recipe, here’s a little tip for making sure your shrimp cook evenly and stay juicy.
While skewers are a great option, if you have a grill basket or tray, it’s worth using for shrimp. A Braize Adjustable Grill Basket allows you to grill small items like shrimp without worrying about them falling through the grates. It’s not a must, but it can make the process a lot easier—to make your grilling experience smoother!
Spicy Honey Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
Preparing the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, soy sauce, chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This marinade is going to add a perfect mix of sweetness, heat, and tang to your shrimp, making every bite packed with flavor.
Marinating the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes. Shrimp don’t need a long marinating time since they absorb flavors quickly, and you don’t want the acid from the lime juice to start cooking them before they hit the grill.
Prepping Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Shrimp cook quickly, so a hot grill will give you that perfect char without overcooking the shrimp.
Grilling the Shrimp
If you’re using skewers, thread the shrimp onto them, leaving a little space between each one. If you’ve opted for a Adjustable Grill Basket or tray, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re opaque and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp are best when they’re just cooked through and still juicy.
I love how quick and easy this recipe is—perfect for when you want something impressive but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of the sweet honey with the spicy chili flakes is one of my favorite flavor profiles, and grilling the shrimp adds that extra smoky touch that makes them truly irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Once the shrimp are perfectly grilled, transfer them to a platter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lime wedges for an extra squeeze of citrus. These Spicy Honey Grilled Shrimp are great on their own as an appetizer or serve them over rice, alongside a salad, or in tacos for a complete meal.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating to ensure they absorb all the flavors.
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How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
- Lightly oil your grill grates before cooking, and make sure the grill is hot enough to sear the shrimp quickly, or use a grill basket.
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Can I adjust the spice level?
- Absolutely! Reduce the amount of chili flakes for a milder flavor or add extra for more heat.
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What other proteins can I use with this marinade?
- This marinade works great with chicken, pork, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time, but it’s best to grill them just before serving to keep them juicy and fresh.
Ready to bring some bold flavors to your grill?
Spicy Honey Grilled Shrimp is a delicious and quick dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this Spicy Honey Grilled Shrimp recipe and share your tasty creations with us on social media @CookingWithBraize. We’d love to see how you make this dish your own!