Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is a vibrant dish that brings the exotic flavors of Southeast Asia to your grill. This recipe combines juicy shrimp with fragrant lemongrass and a kick of Sriracha, making it perfect for barbecues, dinner parties, or a quick weeknight meal. The blend of spices and fresh ingredients ensures each bite is bursting with flavor, appealing to seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Explosion – The unique combination of lemongrass and Sriracha offers a delightful taste that stands out.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve these grilled shrimp as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos for a fun twist.
- Healthy Choice – Low in calories and high in protein, this dish makes a wholesome addition to your meals.
- Easy to Customize – Adjust the level of Sriracha or add more herbs based on your preferences for personalized flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into the cooking process, gather some essential tools that will make your cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Brush for oil
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers – These help keep the shrimp organized while grilling, ensuring even cooking.
- Grill – A good grill allows for perfect charred flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your shrimp.
- Mixing bowl – Use this for marinating the shrimp; it helps combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Brush for oil – Brushing oil on the shrimp prevents sticking and adds richness to the dish.
Ingredients
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. Transfer the cleaned shrimp to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Add all marinade ingredients: fish sauce, grated lemongrass, powdered sugar, Sriracha, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, water, chopped cilantro leaves, and calamansi juice to the bowl. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15 minutes. This step helps infuse them with rich flavors.
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread three marinated shrimp onto each skewer. Brush the surface of the shrimp lightly with oil to prevent sticking on the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill the skewered shrimp for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are charred and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve immediately after grilling with additional dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy your delicious Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp!
How to Serve Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
Serving lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and sauces, making it versatile for any occasion.
With Dipping Sauces
- Peanut Sauce: A creamy, nutty sauce that complements the shrimp’s flavors.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers a sweet and spicy kick that balances well with the savory shrimp.
- Soy Sauce with Lime: A zesty option that enhances the grilled taste of the shrimp.
On a Bed of Rice
- Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the zest of lemongrass.
- Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice serves as a perfect base for the flavorful shrimp.
In Tacos
- Shrimp Tacos: Add grilled shrimp into soft tortillas, topped with cabbage slaw for crunch.
- Asian-Inspired Tacos: Use pickled vegetables and Sriracha mayo for an exciting twist on traditional tacos.
As Part of a Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss the shrimp into a fresh salad with light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: Combine with quinoa, cucumbers, and herbs for a refreshing meal.
How to Perfect Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
To get the best flavors from your lemongrass and Sriracha grilled shrimp, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate Longer: Allowing shrimp to marinate for 30 minutes enhances their flavor significantly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemongrass and garlic will give your dish more vibrant flavors than dried alternatives.
- Preheat Your Grill: Ensuring your grill is hot before cooking helps achieve that beautiful char on the shrimp.
- Watch Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly; avoid overcooking them to keep them tender and juicy.
- Experiment with Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in water before using to prevent burning during grilling.
- Add Garnish Before Serving: Fresh cilantro or lime wedges on top add visual appeal and extra flavor.

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 great options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini complement the shrimp’s flavors nicely.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and freshness, balancing out the grilled taste of the shrimp.
- Fried Rice: A savory fried rice dish can soak up any extra marinade flavors left on your plate.
- Mango Salsa: The sweetness of mango salsa contrasts beautifully with spicy grilled shrimp.
- Garlic Noodles: Rich garlic noodles provide a delightful accompaniment that enhances your meal’s overall taste.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn offers a delightful crunch, especially when charred on the grill alongside the shrimp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Marination: Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes is essential. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp fully, enhancing their taste.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Grill until they turn pink and opaque.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemongrass and other ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Opt for fresh instead of dried or pre-packaged versions when possible.
- Neglecting to Clean the Grill: A clean grill helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Always clean your grill grates before use for optimal grilling results.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Each grill is different, so cooking times may vary. Monitor your shrimp closely to ensure they don’t overcook while achieving that perfect char.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store leftover Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odors from other foods.
Freezing Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
- Duration: You can freeze grilled shrimp for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring as much air as possible is removed before sealing.
Reheating Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish with a cover. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil and cook shrimp until heated through, stirring often to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?
Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is a delicious seafood dish packed with vibrant flavors from lemongrass and spicy Sriracha sauce, making it perfect for grilling enthusiasts.
How do I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?
Opt for fresh or frozen tiger or jumbo prawns that are peeled and deveined. Look for ones with a mild scent of seawater; avoid any with a strong fishy smell.
Can I customize the spice level in Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference. For milder flavor, you can reduce it or add more chili garlic sauce instead.
What should I serve with Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce made from lime juice and additional chili garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with exotic flavors that will impress any guest. Feel free to customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice level according to your taste. This versatile recipe can easily become a favorite at any gathering!

Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
Lemongrass and Sriracha Grilled Shrimp is a tantalizing dish that infuses your grilling experience with the vibrant essence of Southeast Asia. This recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, spicy Sriracha, and garlic, creating an explosion of flavor that is sure to delight seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. Perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or quick weeknight meals, these grilled shrimp can be served as a stand-alone dish or incorporated into tacos, salads, or rice bowls. With minimal preparation time and easy customization options, this dish is not just delicious but also healthy—low in calories and high in protein.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb tiger prawns (peeled, deveined)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 lemongrass stalk (grated)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1.5 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- Juice of 1 calamansi or lime
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Clean shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, grated lemongrass, powdered sugar, Sriracha, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, water, chopped cilantro leaves, and calamansi juice.
- Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Skewer shrimp and lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 grilled shrimp (approximately 125g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for up to 30 minutes. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best taste. Monitor cooking times closely to avoid overcooking; shrimp should turn pink and opaque.