If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant tropical flavors and is as fun to eat as it is to make, the Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Juicy shrimp grilled to perfection paired with sweet, caramelized pineapple chunks make for an irresistible combination that delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a touch of smoky sweetness. Whether it’s a sunny backyard cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers bring flavor, color, and excitement to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is where the magic starts. Each component in this recipe is simple yet essential, adding layers of flavor and texture that make the dish truly stand out. From the sweetness of fresh pineapple to the zesty brightness of lime juice, here’s what you’ll gather:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh and tender, shrimp cooks up quickly and soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Ripe pineapple chunks: Sweet and juicy, these bring a refreshing tropical contrast to the smoky shrimp.
- Olive oil: A smooth base for the marinade that helps all the flavors meld together.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a savory kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Juice of one lime: Brings zing and brightness to keep the dish lively.
- Honey or brown sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes during grilling for irresistible charred bits.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Paprika and chili flakes: Introduces a subtle smokiness and gentle heat.
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, or dill): Choose your favorite to add a fragrant herbal note and fresh color.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers need pre-soaking to prevent burning, metal ones are reusable.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, honey or brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and your chosen fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, blending sweet, tangy, spicy, and herbal notes all at once to infuse the shrimp with delicious complexity.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss them around so each piece gets a nice coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. This short marinating time is perfect to absorb all the flavor without turning the shrimp mushy, keeping them juicy and just right.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Grab your pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal ones and start threading shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately. Aim to arrange about 3-4 shrimp and 3-4 pineapple pieces per skewer. This creates an even distribution that ensures balanced grilling and easy handling when serving.
Step 4: Preheat and Oil Your Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent the skewers from sticking. A clean and well-oiled grill also helps you get those beautiful char marks that add so much visual and flavor appeal.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place the assembled skewers onto the hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch the shrimp as they turn opaque and firm up, and wait for the pineapple to caramelize enticingly. Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once grilled, transfer the skewers to a serving platter and garnish as desired. Serving right away ensures the shrimp stays juicy and the pineapple fresh, capturing the full spirit of this lively, tropical dish.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or basil takes the dish up a notch. For an extra pop, a squeeze of lime over the finished skewers adds brightness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of chili flakes on top can give a lovely kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with fluffy coconut rice to complement the tropical vibes, or a crisp green salad to add freshness and crunch. Grilled corn on the cob or a simple quinoa salad are also fantastic companions, rounding out the meal deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider serving the grilled shrimp pineapple skewers upright in a decorative glass for a stunning display. You can also lay them across a bed of leafy greens or drizzle with a creamy dipping sauce like a cilantro-lime yogurt for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the marinade separate if possible to avoid the shrimp over-softening.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze uncooked assembled skewers (without delicate herbs) by wrapping them tightly and placing in a freezer bag. Use within 1 month and thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently on a grill pan or in the oven at a low temperature to prevent the shrimp from drying out. Avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well too; just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the sauce clings and grilling is even.
What other fruits can I use instead of pineapple?
Mango and peaches are excellent alternatives that also caramelize nicely and complement the shrimp’s flavor.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated, but for best results, grill fresh right before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat from chili flakes, but you can adjust the amount or omit it altogether to match your spice preference.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is preheated well and lightly oiled before placing the skewers. Also, using metal skewers or soaked wooden ones reduces sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something effortlessly joyful about the Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe that makes it a standout for any occasion. It’s quick, colorful, and packed with flavor that feels both familiar and exotic. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with friends — it’s bound to make your next meal one to remember!
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Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these vibrant Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers combining juicy shrimp with sweet, caramelized pineapple chunks, marinated in a bright, zesty mixture and grilled to perfection. This quick and easy recipe yields a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for summer cookouts or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12–16 fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup ripe pineapple chunks, about 1-inch pieces
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, or dill (choose according to preference)
Other
- 6–8 wooden skewers (pre-soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, honey or brown sugar, salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and your choice of freshly chopped herbs such as cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, or dill. Whisk thoroughly to create a flavorful and aromatic marinade that will infuse the shrimp with a perfect balance of zestiness and sweetness.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl of marinade, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Assemble the skewers: Take the pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers and thread shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately onto each one, aiming for about 3 to 4 shrimp and 3 to 4 pineapple pieces per skewer. This method ensures even cooking and a delightful balance of flavors.
- Preheat and oil your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly brush or oil the grill grates to prevent the shrimp and pineapple from sticking and to help develop beautiful grill marks.
- Grill the skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning carefully to avoid shrimp falling off. Grill until the shrimp turns opaque and firm, and the pineapple chunks show caramelized, charred grill marks. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain tenderness.
- Serve immediately: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve right away while the shrimp is juicy and the pineapple is warm and caramelized. Garnish as desired with extra herbs or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Enjoy these flavorful skewers fresh off the grill!
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Do not marinate the shrimp for more than 30 minutes as the acidity can break down the shrimp texture.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- You can use metal skewers as an alternative to wooden ones for easier reuse.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed rice for a complete meal.
