Hot Honey Shrimp Skewers
These irresistible hot honey shrimp skewers bring together juicy shrimp with a perfect sweet-heat glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The sticky honey coating with a spicy kick makes every bite absolutely addictive and perfect for your next backyard gathering!
Perfect Sweet-Heat Balance
The magic happens when honey meets sriracha and red pepper flakes in this glaze. Start with a 3:1 honey-to-hot sauce ratio, then adjust to your heat preference. The natural sugars in honey caramelize quickly, creating that gorgeous golden coating while the chilies add just enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.
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Grill Setup for Success
Set up your grill for medium-high heat with clean, well-oiled grates to prevent sticking. Create two heat zones – direct heat for searing and indirect for gentle finishing. This technique gives you those beautiful char marks while ensuring the shrimp cook evenly without becoming rubbery. Gas or charcoal both work perfectly for these skewers.
Make-Ahead Game Plan
Thread your marinated shrimp onto skewers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Mix your hot honey glaze the day before – the flavors actually improve overnight! When ready to cook, bring everything to room temperature for 15 minutes. This prep-ahead approach makes entertaining stress-free and ensures maximum flavor development.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Save some plain marinade before adding raw shrimp to use for basting during grilling – this prevents cross-contamination while adding extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They’re done when they curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. If they form a tight ‘O’, they’ve gone too far and will be tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them very dry before marinating. Frozen shrimp often work better than fresh since they’re flash-frozen at peak freshness.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! Use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, or broil in the oven 4 inches from the heat source. Both methods will give you great results with nice caramelization.
How spicy are these skewers?
They have a mild-medium heat level that most people enjoy. You can easily adjust by using more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make the glaze less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the honey to 1/3 cup and add an extra tablespoon of vinegar for more tang. You can also substitute half the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Top Rated Tools
Hot Honey Shrimp Skewers
Equipment Needed
- 8 wooden skewers (10-inch)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Grill or grill pan
- Basting brush
- Tongs
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Make Hot Honey Glaze: Meanwhile, combine honey, sriracha, butter, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, leaving small spaces between each shrimp for even cooking.
- Grill Shrimp: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
- Glaze Skewers: During the last minute of cooking, brush skewers generously with hot honey glaze on both sides.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer to serving platter and drizzle with remaining glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (2 skewers)
