If you’re craving something that perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, this Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy, tender prawns expertly butterflied and wrapped in crispy bacon, all beautifully glazed with a vibrant chili sauce that delivers a kick without overpowering. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual backyard barbecue or wanting to impress guests with a stunning appetizer, these skewers bring that irresistible combination of heat, savory bacon crunch, and succulent seafood that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl is filled with raw shrimp, light gray and translucent with a slight curve, placed on a white marbled surface. Near it, a white bowl holds several thick sticks of pale yellow butter. Next to the butter, a small white bowl contains brown sugar in a coarse texture. Above, a white bowl with salt, black pepper, and red paprika is visible, arranged in separate sections. To the right, a white rectangular tray holds two neat stacks of thin, pink and white slices of bacon with visible fat layers. A small container filled with wooden toothpicks sits near the butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating those layers of flavor and pleasing textures that make these skewers unforgettable. From the smoky depth of paprika to the fresh zing of lemon wedges, every component is essential.

16 large prawns, peeled, deveined, and butterflied: Ensures they cook quickly and evenly with maximum flavor absorption.

8 slices streaky bacon, halved: Adds a crispy, salty wrapper that complements the sweetness of prawns.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the glaze spread evenly and keeps the prawns moist on the grill.
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect balance of sweetness with just a hint of heat.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a warm smokiness that elevates the bacon and prawns.
½ teaspoon chili flakes: Adds a gentle, lingering spice to the glaze — adjust to your taste.
1 garlic clove, minced: Gives a punch of fragrant aroma and savory depth.

Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
Lemon wedges, for serving: A fresh burst of acidity that brightens every bite.
8 skewers: Perfect for threading your prawns and bacon for grilling.

How to Make Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Prawns and Skewers

Start by peeling, deveining, and butterflying your large prawns. This step makes sure they cook quickly and soak up all the glorious flavors while keeping a beautiful, flat shape that’s perfect for wrapping. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill later – it’s a small prep trick that makes a big difference.

Step 2: Wrap and Thread

Take half a slice of streaky bacon and wrap it snugly around each butterflied prawn. Then carefully thread them onto your skewers, making sure the bacon stays wrapped securely. This method ensures that when grilled, every bite delivers the satisfying crunch and saltiness of bacon in perfect harmony with juicy prawns.

Step 3: Make the Chili Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, sweet chili sauce, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and minced garlic. This glaze is where the magic happens – the olive oil carries the bold notes, the chili sauce brings sweet heat, and the smoked paprika adds that signature smoky depth. It’s a simple mixture but packs a punch.

Step 4: Brush and Season

Generously brush your prawn and bacon skewers with the chili glaze, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to finish off. Remember, the glaze will caramelize slightly on the grill, forming a tantalizing sticky shell that seals in all those flavors.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers over a medium-high grill and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The goal is to get the bacon crispy without drying out the prawns. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon is golden and the prawns have turned a lovely opaque pink. Serve these straight away for the best texture and taste.

How to Serve Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe

The image shows several wooden skewers filled with grilled pieces of chicken, yellow pineapple chunks, red bell peppers, and purple onions, all arranged closely on a wooden board. The chicken pieces are golden brown with grill marks, and the pineapple looks slightly caramelized with a shiny texture. The vegetables are vibrant, with the red bell peppers bright and the onions slightly charred. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, giving a fresh look. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the skewers just before eating takes this dish to another level. The acidity cuts through the richness of the bacon and highlights the smoky chili glaze perfectly. For extra flair, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh coriander or a little chopped spring onion to brighten things up.

Side Dishes

These prawns paired with a crunchy garden salad or a light garlic buttered baguette turn into a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. If you want something more filling, a side of fragrant coconut rice or grilled corn on the cob complements the smoky and spicy flavors brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, arrange the skewers on a wooden board with lemon wedges and small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or extra sweet chili. You could also serve them atop a bed of fresh greens or even in soft taco shells for a fun, finger-food twist that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the skewers intact so the bacon stays wrapped around the prawns when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is best done before cooking. Wrap the raw prawns and bacon skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before grilling to keep that perfect texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skewers under a hot grill for a few minutes or warm them gently in a hot pan. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bacon chewy rather than crispy. Reheating just until heated through keeps the prawns juicy and the bacon crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge and pat them dry before butterflying and wrapping with bacon. This step helps achieve that perfect grill texture and flavor absorption.

How spicy is this Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe?

The recipe delivers a mild to moderate heat, mainly from the chili flakes and sweet chili sauce, making it approachable for most palates. You can easily adjust spice levels by using more or less chili flakes to suit your liking.

What type of bacon works best?

Streaky bacon is ideal because its higher fat content crisps up beautifully on the grill, adding richness that complements the prawns. Avoid lean back bacon as it can dry out too fast.

Can I cook these skewers indoors?

Yes, grilling indoors using a grill pan or broiler is a great alternative if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Keep a close eye to prevent burning and aim for that tasty crispy bacon and juicy prawn texture.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

This Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and any other sauces used to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers are the kind of dish that sparks joy at any gathering, blending bold flavors with simple prep. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and share this incredible taste experience with your friends and family.