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
Scale
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.
