If you love a vibrant mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, then you are going to absolutely adore this Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, butterflied prawns wrapped lovingly in crispy bacon, all glazed with a tantalizing chili sauce that delivers just the right kick. Perfect as an appetizer or a star feature on your barbecue spread, these skewers make for a fun, flavor-packed bite that’s as delightful to eat as it looks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of raw ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl full of peeled raw shrimp with tails, pale pink and grey in color, filling the bowl. To the upper right is a white rectangular tray with blue trim holding two neat rows of uncooked bacon strips, showing alternating red and white fat layers. Above the shrimp bowl, there are two small white bowls, one containing light brown sugar and the other holding a mix of salt, black pepper, and red paprika powder. Below and slightly to the right of the bacon tray is a small white bowl with several rectangular pale yellow butter pieces. Next to the butter bowl, there is a small container filled with many wooden toothpicks standing upright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in building a perfectly balanced dish. From the fresh prawns and crispy bacon to the spicy glaze that ties it all together, every item has a purpose in bringing contrasting textures and bold flavors to your palate.

16 large prawns, peeled, deveined, and butterflied: The fresh seafood star of the recipe, offering a sweet, tender bite that soaks in the smoky and spicy flavors wonderfully.
8 slices streaky bacon, halved: Wrapping the prawns in bacon adds a gorgeous crunch and irresistibly savory depth.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps create a smooth chili glaze and keeps the prawns juicy.
1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce: Adds a lovely sweetness and mild heat that balances the smoky paprika and chili flakes.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a warm, smoky undertone that complements the bacon beautifully.
½ teaspoon chili flakes: Gives the dish a gentle heat—you can easily adjust based on your spice love.
1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a punch of aromatic flavor into the glaze, making every bite pop.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the other ingredients and seasons the prawns perfectly.
Lemon wedges, for serving: Their bright acidity cuts through the richness and adds freshness to each skewer.
8 skewers: Essential for threading the bacon-wrapped prawns and grilling them evenly.

How to Make Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Prawns and Bacon

Start by peeling, deveining, and butterflying your large prawns—this lets them cook quickly and absorb the wonderful chili glaze. Then, take each butterflied prawn and wrap it tightly with half a slice of streaky bacon. Once wrapped, thread two prawns onto each skewer for easy grilling and serving.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

Combine olive oil, sweet chili sauce, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This vibrant marinade blends smoky, spicy, tangy, and aromatic elements that make these skewers sing with flavor. Give it a good stir to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Glaze and Grill

Brush each prawn and bacon skewer generously with the chili glaze; don’t be shy here because this will lock in all that delicious flavor during grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then cook the skewers for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon crisps up perfectly and prawns turn opaque and tender.

Step 4: Serve Hot with Lemon

Once cooked, serve these beauties hot off the grill with fresh lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty brightness that beautifully cuts through the smoky, spicy richness.

How to Serve Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe

The image shows several skewers loaded with grilled pieces of chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and green herbs sprinkled on top. The food looks juicy with a light char, giving a golden-brown color to the chicken and a caramelized look to the pineapple. The skewers are placed close together on a wooden board, and the background shows a blurred outdoor setting with green plants. The board sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or coriander on top. Additional chili flakes can be added if you love extra heat, or a dollop of garlic aioli on the side brings a creamy, cooling contrast that pairs perfectly with the spice.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine best with simple sides like a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even fluffy couscous. Something fresh and light complements the richness of the bacon and the boldness of the chili glaze so the meal feels balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the skewers on a beautiful wooden board with lemon wedges arranged artfully around them. You can also thread these onto bright, colorful serving plates or even use edible flowers for an eye-catching touch. Pairing the skewers with dipping sauces like a tangy yogurt dip or spicy mango chutney can offer guests a fun flavor customization experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 1 to 2 days to enjoy the optimal combination of flavors and textures.

Freezing

You can freeze the prepared but uncooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in cling film and placing them in a sealed freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge and grill fresh to maintain that irresistible crisp bacon texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in an oven or under a grill to revive the crispiness of the bacon without overcooking the prawns. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery and uneven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before butterflying and wrapping with bacon. This will ensure they cook evenly and the glaze sticks well.

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

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of chili flakes or sweet chili sauce. If you prefer mild, reduce the chili flakes, or add some extra for a fiery kick.

Is it necessary to butterfly the prawns?

Butterflying allows the prawns to cook quickly and absorb more of the delicious marinade and bacon flavor. While you can skip this step, the dish won’t have the same tender texture or presentation quality.

What can I serve with these skewers for a full meal?

Pair them with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of herbed rice for a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the skewers without overpowering their flavor.

Can I make this recipe on an indoor grill or stovetop?

Yes! Just use a grill pan on medium-high heat and cook similarly, turning carefully to crisp the bacon evenly without burning the prawns.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chilli, Bacon & Butterflied Prawn Skewers Recipe enough if you’re craving an appetizer or main that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s easy to prepare, fun to cook, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give this recipe a try at your next barbecue or casual dinner—you’ll be reaching for it time and again!