If you love bold flavors that burst with every bite, you’re going to adore this Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe. Combining juicy prawns butterflied to perfection, smoky bacon, and a fiery, sweet chili glaze, this dish takes your taste buds on a thrilling ride. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue or looking for an impressive yet easy appetizer, these skewers deliver mouthwatering excitement with every smoky, spicy, succulent mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl on the left is filled with peeled raw shrimp showing a mix of gray and white colors with tails still on; next to it on the right is a white rectangular dish with two neat stacks of pink and white raw bacon slices, the fat and meat clearly visible in layers; above the shrimp bowl are two small white bowls, one holding light brown sugar and the other divided into quarters containing white salt, black pepper, and red paprika; below the bacon dish on the right are two more small white bowls, one with several thick pale yellow butter slices and the other filled with a bundle of wooden toothpicks; all items are arranged evenly on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients can create the most unforgettable dishes, and this recipe is a perfect example. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy prawns offering tender sweetness to the smoky bacon adding irresistible crunch, while the chili glaze ties it all together with a kick.

16 large prawns, peeled, deveined, and butterflied: Butterflying helps the prawns cook evenly and absorb all those amazing flavors.
8 slices streaky bacon, halved: Bacon wrapping provides a salty, crisp contrast that complements the delicate prawn perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and richness while helping the glaze stick beautifully to the skewers.
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce: Brings a luscious balance of sweetness and heat that elevates the smoky notes.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a warm, smoky depth, enhancing the bacon’s flavor without overpowering the prawns.
½ teaspoon chili flakes: Customize the spice level for a gentle warmth or fiery punch.
1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic gives a punchy aromatic boost that’s perfect with grilled seafood.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Lemon wedges, for serving: A fresh squeeze brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
8 skewers: Essential for easy grilling and perfect presentation.

How to Make Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Skewers

Start by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for a nice sizzle but not too fierce to scorch the bacon before the prawns cook through.

Step 2: Wrap and Skewer the Prawns

Butterfly each prawn by slicing down the back without cutting all the way through, allowing the prawn to open flat. Wrap each butterflied prawn with half a slice of streaky bacon, creating a perfect bacon shield. Thread two wrapped prawns onto each skewer, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded for even cooking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Glaze

Mix together the olive oil, sweet chili sauce, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This glaze is the flavor powerhouse of your Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe, giving each bite that irresistible smoky, sweet, and spicy punch.

Step 4: Brush and Grill

Generously brush each prawn and bacon skewer with the chili glaze, coating every nook so the flavors can seep during grilling. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Keep an eye out as the bacon crisps up and the prawns turn pink and opaque—perfectly cooked and bursting with juiciness.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once grilled, serve the skewers right away with fresh lemon wedges alongside. The citrus adds a zesty brightness that balances the indulgent bacon and spicy glaze beautifully.

How to Serve Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe

The image shows several skewers piled on a white wooden board, each skewer full of grilled pieces. The skewers have a mix of golden yellow cubes, reddish-orange chicken pieces, bright red and green bell peppers, and grilled onions with light browning. The chicken pieces have a slightly charred look with visible grill marks, and the vegetables have a shiny, cooked texture. Some green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. The background has a white marbled surface, and the lighting is bright, making the food look fresh and tasty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander or parsley on top. A light dusting of smoky paprika or additional chili flakes will amp up the spice if you want it bolder. Don’t forget those bright lemon wedges—we love a generous squeeze for that perfect tang.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for crunch and acidity. Grilled corn on the cob or a simple garlic butter rice work beautifully to soak up any extra glaze. For a touch of creamy indulgence, serve alongside a garlic aioli dip—every mouthful gets even more decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, arrange the skewers on a long, rustic wooden board with lemon wedges scattered across. You can also serve the skewers over a bed of fragrant couscous studded with herbs and diced vegetables, making it a complete, colorful plate. For casual gatherings, provide dipping bowls of sweet chili sauce and aioli to let everyone customize their bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they might not last long), place the cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They are best eaten within 2 days to maintain the texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, wrapped prawns before grilling. Lay them on a sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with grilling fresh for best results.

Reheating

To reheat cooked skewers, use a grill or oven set to medium heat to warm them gently without drying out the prawns. Avoid microwaving as it can make bacon rubbery and prawns tough. A quick re-grill with a brush of fresh glaze works like a charm.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?

Absolutely! While prawns are ideal for their sweetness and size, you can substitute with scallops or chunks of firm fish like swordfish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays perfectly tender.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili flakes and sweet chili sauce, but it’s easy to dial down for milder palates or ramp up if you crave some serious heat. The key is personalizing the chili flakes amount in the glaze.

What if I don’t have a grill at home?

No grill? No problem. This recipe works beautifully under the oven broiler or on a grill pan on your stovetop. Just watch the cooking closely to get that lovely crisp bacon without burning.

Do I have to butterfly the prawns?

Butterflying helps the prawns cook evenly and provides a larger surface area for wrapping bacon and absorbing the glaze. While not mandatory, it really makes a difference in texture and presentation.

Can these skewers be made ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Prep the wrapped prawns and glaze mixture a few hours ahead, keep refrigerated, then grill just before your guests arrive. This makes entertaining easy while offering a fresh, impressive dish.

Final Thoughts

This Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together—smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a showstopper that’s incredibly simple to pull off, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Trust me, once you try these skewers, they’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So grab those prawns and get ready for your grill to work some magic!