Bangbang Skewers Recipe

Introduction

Bangbang Skewers are an exciting and flavorful dish that brings together a mix of tender meat or vegetables, grilled to perfection, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite. The skewers are easy to make and perfect for a variety of occasions—whether you’re hosting a BBQ, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a fun appetizer for a party. With a combination of smoky grilling, a sweet and spicy sauce, and the versatility to customize your skewers with different proteins and vegetables, Bangbang Skewers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

This recipe walks you through each step, from marinating the meat or vegetables to grilling the skewers and preparing the signature Bangbang sauce. Whether you’re cooking chicken, shrimp, or tofu, you’ll find that Bangbang Skewers are not only delicious but also simple to make, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love Bangbang Skewers

• Flavorful and Spicy Sauce: The star of this dish is the Bangbang sauce, which combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of spice from sriracha. The result is a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that coats each skewer perfectly.
• Customizable Proteins and Veggies: You can make these skewers with a variety of proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. They are also great for adding colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
• Perfect for Grilling: Grilled skewers always have a unique smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, making them ideal for outdoor cooking.
• Simple Preparation: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and is easy to assemble, making it an excellent choice for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs.
• Great for Parties and Gatherings: Bangbang Skewers are fun to eat and easy to serve, making them a perfect dish for barbecues, gatherings, or even casual dinners.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the choice of protein and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or use shrimp, tofu, or your choice of protein)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Bangbang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges

Special Equipment

While making Bangbang Skewers doesn’t require a lot of specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan is essential for cooking the skewers and imparting that delicious smoky flavor. If you’re using a grill pan, make sure it’s preheated before cooking the skewers.
2. Wooden or Metal Skewers: Skewers are a must-have for this dish. Wooden skewers need to be soaked in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Alternatively, metal skewers are a great reusable option.
3. Basting Brush: Use a brush to apply the Bangbang sauce to the skewers while they’re grilling, ensuring they get a nice even coat.
4. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need mixing bowls to marinate the protein, combine the ingredients for the sauce, and assemble the skewers.
5. Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements for the Bangbang sauce ingredients are important to get the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
6. Tongs: Tongs will help you flip the skewers easily on the grill without piercing the meat, which can cause the juices to escape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Skewers

Start by cutting your protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) into 1-inch cubes or pieces. This size allows the protein to cook evenly and ensures each bite is tender and juicy. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

Once the skewers are ready, thread the protein onto the skewers. For an extra pop of color and flavor, you can alternate pieces of protein with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.

2. Season the Protein

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture onto the protein, making sure it’s well-coated. The seasoning adds depth and enhances the flavors of the protein as it cooks.

3. Prepare the Bangbang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you want a little extra garlic flavor, you can add the garlic powder as well. Taste the sauce and adjust the levels of sweetness or spice to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes.

4. Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the protein is fully cooked and has grill marks. Be sure to flip the skewers carefully using tongs to prevent the protein from sticking to the grill.

If you’re cooking shrimp, they will cook much faster, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

5. Baste with the Bangbang Sauce

During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the Bangbang sauce. The heat from the grill will help caramelize the sauce, giving it a rich, glossy finish. Be careful not to burn the sauce, so only brush it on towards the end of cooking.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once the skewers are cooked and nicely glazed, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. Serve the Bangbang Skewers with extra Bangbang sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Bangbang Skewers

• Use Boneless Protein: Boneless chicken breast or thighs, shrimp, or tofu work best for skewers as they cook quickly and evenly. If using chicken thighs, make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a bit longer than chicken breasts.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: While not required, marinating the protein for at least 15 minutes in the seasoning mixture will help infuse more flavor. You can marinate chicken in the fridge for up to 1 hour for best results.
• Adjust Spice Level: The beauty of Bangbang Skewers lies in the flexibility of the sauce. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha, or omit it entirely. Conversely, if you love spicy food, increase the sriracha or add chili flakes for more heat.
• Grill on Medium Heat: Grilling over medium heat helps prevent the skewers from burning on the outside before the protein is fully cooked through. A hotter grill will cause the outside to char too quickly while leaving the inside undercooked.
• Alternating Veggies: If you’re adding vegetables to the skewers, choose ones that cook at the same rate as your protein, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. These vegetables will add color and texture to the dish.

Variations of Bangbang Skewers

• Bangbang Shrimp Skewers: Substitute the chicken for shrimp for a quicker, lighter version. Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes and pairs wonderfully with the creamy Bangbang sauce.
• Bangbang Tofu Skewers: For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into cubes and season. Tofu will absorb the sauce beautifully, providing a satisfying bite.
• Bangbang Veggie Skewers: If you’re looking for a plant-based version, you can make a veggie-only skewer using mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Grill the veggies until tender and brush with the Bangbang sauce for a flavorful dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Bangbang Skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce can be stored separately and used as a dip for other dishes or as a dressing for salads.

Reheat the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that the skewers may lose some of their grilled texture upon reheating.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Bangbang Skewers

Pair these skewers with complementary sides to enhance your meal:

• Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing complements the rich flavor of the Bangbang Skewers.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the skewers with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal. The grains will soak up the extra sauce and enhance the dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: Additional grilled veggies, such as corn on the cob, asparagus, or sweet potatoes, make a great side for the skewers.
• Dipping Sauces: In addition to the Bangbang sauce, try serving the skewers with extra soy sauce, peanut sauce, or a spicy chili oil for extra flavor.

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Conclusion

Bangbang Skewers are the perfect combination of tender, flavorful protein, smoky grilled flavor, and a rich, creamy sauce that packs a punch. Whether you’re grilling for a summer party, cooking dinner on a weeknight, or preparing an appetizer for a gathering, these skewers will quickly become a crowd favorite. With customizable proteins, a versatile sauce, and simple ingredients, Bangbang Skewers are an easy yet impressive dish that everyone will love. Enjoy the explosive flavors and satisfying textures of these skewers—once you make them, they’ll be a staple in your cooking repertoire!