Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe: Tropical Joy

Succulent grilled shrimp pineapple skewers dance with tropical flavors that transport you straight to a beachside paradise.

Juicy chunks of sweet pineapple complement perfectly charred seafood in this vibrant dish.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of smoky and tangy notes that awaken your taste buds.

Summer barbecues reach new heights with these colorful and easy-to-prepare skewers.

Quick marinades infuse each morsel with zesty goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Fresh ingredients create a simple yet impressive meal that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Pack these skewers for your next outdoor gathering and watch smiles bloom with each delicious mouthful.

Curious About Shrimp Pineapple Skewers?

  • Why soak wooden skewers in water?

Soaking prevents skewers from burning or catching fire during grilling, ensuring safe and successful cooking.

  • How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate without making the seafood tough or breaking down its texture.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but completely thaw and pat dry frozen shrimp before marinating to ensure proper seasoning and even cooking.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in the oven, which will still provide similar caramelization and flavor.

Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers With a Sweet Kick

  • Effortless summer grilling that brings vibrant flavors to your plate.
  • Marinates in just 15-20 minutes and cooks within 4-6 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and spontaneous gatherings.
  • Combines kid-approved sweet pineapple with protein-packed shrimp, creating a colorful dish that appeals to all ages and encourages interactive meal assembly.
  • Works brilliantly as an appetizer, main course, or backyard barbecue star, impressing guests with minimal cooking skills required.

Skewers Ingredients with a Shrimp & Pineapple Twist

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood star of the skewer, sweet and succulent, best when large and deveined.
  • Chicken: Optional protein alternative for those preferring a different meat.
Fruits and Vegetables:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Sweet tropical fruit that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, adds bright flavor contrast.
  • Bell Pepper: Optional colorful vegetable that adds crunch and visual appeal to skewers.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat ingredients and prevent sticking, adds subtle richness.
  • Lime Juice: Provides tangy brightness and helps tenderize shrimp.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
  • Honey: Offers sweet balance and helps create caramelization.
  • Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and warm spice to the dish.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to seasoning.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Optional garnish for fresh herbal finish.
  • Wooden Skewers: Useful for assembling and grilling ingredients, should be soaked in water to prevent burning.

Directions for Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers completely in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.

Step 2: Create Zesty Marinade

Blend together:
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Minced garlic cloves
  • Golden honey
  • Ground chili powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Coat shrimp thoroughly and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavorful Kabobs

Arrange ingredients onto skewers:
  • Marinated shrimp
  • Chunky pineapple pieces
  • Colorful bell pepper segments (optional)

Alternate ingredients for balanced presentation.

Step 4: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Grill To Perfection

Place assembled kabobs directly on heated grill grates.

Cook 2-3 minutes per side until:
  • Shrimp turn coral pink
  • Edges slightly caramelize
  • Pineapple develops beautiful golden grill marks

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Transfer hot kabobs to serving platter.

Garnish with:
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Additional chili powder sprinkle (optional)

Tips for Nailing Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to avoid charring and potential fire hazards.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes to allow the olive oil, lime, garlic, and honey to deeply penetrate and tenderize the seafood.
  • Check Shrimp Doneness: Look for a firm, pink color and slightly curled shape when grilling to ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
  • Customize Your Skewers: Swap bell peppers with zucchini, red onions, or cherry tomatoes for added variety and personal preference in your grilled dish.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime squeeze just before serving to enhance the bright, tropical flavors of the grilled shrimp and pineapple.

Keeping Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Fresh

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep shrimp and pineapple pieces together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp texture.
  • Drizzle a small amount of olive oil before reheating to prevent dryness and help retain original juiciness.
  • Consume reheated skewers immediately for optimal taste and texture. Discard if stored beyond 2 days to ensure food safety.

Pairing Ideas for Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the sweet-spicy shrimp and pineapple, cutting through the dish's richness with bright, zesty notes.
  • Mix a coconut mojito with rum, fresh mint, lime juice, and coconut water to echo the tropical flavors and enhance the grilled skewer's vibrant profile.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with orange segments, red onion, and a honey-lime vinaigrette that mirrors the skewers' marinade and adds fresh, tangy complexity.
  • Choose a light wheat beer or Hawaiian-style pale ale with citrus undertones that balance the grilled seafood's smoky char and pineapple's sweetness.

Shrimp Pineapple Skewers in New Forms

  • Coconut Curry Skewers: Replace marinade with coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, and turmeric for an Indian-inspired tropical flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Low-Carb Option: Use coconut aminos instead of honey, swap bell peppers for zucchini chunks to create a lighter, diet-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute shrimp with extra-firm tofu cubes, marinate similarly and grill for a plant-based protein option that maintains the original recipe's essence.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Add chipotle powder to marinade, include jalapeño pieces between shrimp and pineapple for a zesty southwestern kick.
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Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Tropical summer nights come alive with grilled shrimp pineapple skewers, a zesty Caribbean-inspired delicacy. Sweet caramelized pineapple and succulent shrimp create a perfect harmony that transports you to sun-soaked beaches with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in cold water for a minimum of 20 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, golden honey, fiery chili powder, sea salt, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Immerse raw shrimp in the marinade, gently coating each piece and allowing them to absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  4. While shrimp marinates, cube fresh pineapple into uniform chunks and slice bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Carefully thread marinated shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper segments onto pre-soaked skewers, alternating ingredients for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
  6. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting approximately 375-400 degrees fahrenheit for optimal cooking conditions.
  7. Arrange prepared skewers on clean grill grates, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing sticking.
  8. Cook skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating carefully to achieve light caramelization on pineapple and ensuring shrimp turn opaque pink throughout.
  9. Remove skewers from grill when shrimp are fully cooked and pineapple displays attractive golden-brown grill marks.
  10. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and optional lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus brightness.

Notes

  • Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them thoroughly in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling.
  • Enhance flavor development by marinating shrimp for no longer than 15-20 minutes, as citrus can start to “cook” the protein if left too long.
  • Keep shrimp tender by watching cooking time closely; overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so aim for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque pink.
  • Adjust heat and skewer placement to create beautiful grill marks without charring the delicate shrimp and sweet pineapple chunks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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