Spicy Grilled Shrimp Sandwich with Creamy Sriracha Sauce

This Spicy Grilled Shrimp Sandwich is packed with bold flavors, featuring juicy, smoky shrimp nestled in a buttery brioche bun with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a creamy, zesty sriracha sauce. The combination of spice and creaminess makes every bite irresistible! Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, this sandwich comes together in no time.

Total Time: 25 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

½ lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Salt & black pepper to taste

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

1 tsp lemon juice

½ tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp honey (optional, for balance)

Salt to taste

For Assembling the Sandwich:

2 brioche buns, toasted

2 leaves of lettuce

1 tomato, sliced

1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, and honey. Adjust spice level to your liking.

Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and have a slight char. Set aside.

Toast the Buns:
Butter the brioche buns and toast them in a pan until golden brown.

Assemble the Sandwich:

Spread a layer of the creamy sriracha sauce on the bottom bun.

Add lettuce and tomato slices.

Pile on the grilled shrimp.

Drizzle extra sauce on top.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Close with the top bun.

Serve:
Serve hot with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Spicy Grilled Shrimp Sandwich

Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

Marinate for Flavor – Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes to absorb the smoky and spicy flavors.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly! Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and slightly charred. Overcooking can make them rubbery.

Toast the Bun – A buttery, toasted brioche bun adds texture and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.

Adjust Spice Level – Modify the cayenne and sriracha amounts to match your spice preference.

Customize the Toppings – Add avocado slices, pickles, or a slaw for extra crunch and creaminess.

Q&A – Common Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely in cold water, then pat them dry before marinating.

Q: What can I substitute for sriracha in the sauce?
A: You can use hot sauce, chipotle mayo, or a mix of ketchup and cayenne for a similar kick.

Q: Can I cook the shrimp in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
A: Serve it with fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: The shrimp is best served fresh, but you can marinate them in advance and grill them when ready. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.