Tantalizing Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Tropical Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe for Summer Joy

Succulent grilled shrimp dance with sweet pineapple skewers in a tropical culinary adventure that promises pure delight.

Summer gatherings call for these vibrant, colorful bites that blend savory and sweet perfectly.

Every golden skewer brings a burst of flavor that transports you to a beachside paradise.

The marinade infuses each shrimp with zesty notes that complement the caramelized pineapple chunks.

Alternating plump shrimp and juicy pineapple creates a stunning presentation that impresses at any outdoor feast.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these skewers turn simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Grill up these irresistible treats and watch them become the star of your next cookout.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

For Marinade:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking while adding richness to the dish.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty tang and helps tenderize the shrimp with its natural acidity.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor and complements the sweetness of pineapple.
  • Honey: Balances the marinade with subtle sweetness and helps create caramelization during grilling.
  • Chili Powder: Introduces a warm, spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Amplifies and balances the other seasonings in the marinade.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the shrimp's flavor.
For Protein and Fruit:
  • Shrimp: Choose fresh, deveined large shrimp for best texture and quick cooking time.
  • Pineapple: Select ripe, golden pineapple with a sweet aroma for maximum flavor and natural caramelization.
For Optional Add-In:
  • Bell Pepper: Provides extra crunch and vibrant color to the skewers, complementing the shrimp and pineapple.
For Garnish:
  • Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the entire dish.
  • Lime: Offers an extra burst of citrusy freshness when squeezed over the finished skewers.
For Grilling:
  • Wooden Skewers: Soak in water to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring safe and even cooking.

Tools To Fire Up Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Grill: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal, needed for threading shrimp and pineapple.
  • Mixing bowl: For preparing the marinade and coating shrimp.
  • Tongs: Crucial for flipping skewers and handling food on the grill.
  • Cutting board: To chop pineapple and prepare ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: For cutting pineapple and preparing vegetables.

How To Grill Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Like A Pro

  • Prepare Skewers

Grab wooden skewers and soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

  • Create Flavor Explosion

Whip up a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, lime juice, crushed garlic, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp in this magical mixture and let it hang out for 15-20 minutes.

  • Build Delicious Towers

Slide shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers, creating colorful, mouth-watering patterns. Add bell peppers for extra pizzazz if you want.

  • Fire Up The Grill

Heat your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F. Get ready for some serious cooking action.

  • Grill To Perfection

Place skewers on the grill and cook 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for shrimp turning pink and getting that beautiful firm texture. Pineapple should develop gorgeous caramelized grill marks.

  • Plate And Enjoy

Transfer hot skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle fresh cilantro or squeeze lime juice for a final flavor boost. Dive in and savor your tropical grilled masterpiece.

Tropical Tips For Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Marinade Magic
  • Perfect Pineapple Prep: Choose ripe, firm pineapple chunks that hold shape during grilling. Look for golden-yellow color with green fresh leaves as sign of ripeness.
  • Quick-Cook Technique: Watch shrimp closely while grilling – they cook super fast and can become rubbery if overcooked. Pink color and slight curl indicate perfect doneness.
  • Dietary Swap Options: For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Swap honey with agave for vegan alternative. Dairy-free and low-carb diets can enjoy this recipe as-is.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder for mild or hot preference. Add red pepper flakes for extra kick or remove entirely for mild version. Fresh jalapeños work great for heat lovers.

Serving Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers With Style

  • Tropical Beachside Dinner: Transform your grilled shrimp pineapple skewers into a complete summer feast by pairing them with coconut rice or a light mixed green salad for refreshing contrast.
  • Cocktail Party Appetizer: Cut skewers into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks, perfect for mingling guests who want a quick, delicious nibble during social gatherings.
  • Weekend Backyard Barbecue Centerpiece: Create a vibrant presentation by arranging skewers on a large wooden board, scattered with extra fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and grilled lemon halves for a stunning visual appeal that invites people to dig in.
  • Healthful Weeknight Meal Companion: Complement the skewers with a quick quinoa salad or cauliflower rice to keep the meal light, nutritious, and packed with tropical flavors that feel like a mini vacation on your plate.

Keep Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Fresh And Juicy

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them sealed in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 2 days.
  • Smart Reheating Method: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out and maintain juicy texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Separate shrimp and pineapple from skewers before freezing. Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Stays delicious for 1-2 months when properly sealed.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare marinade and chop ingredients ahead of time. Store marinated shrimp in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling, allowing flavors to intensify and saving valuable cooking time.
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Tantalizing Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Tantalizing Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Hawaiian grilled shrimp pineapple skewers blend tropical sweetness with zesty seafood flavors. Succulent shrimp and caramelized pineapple chunks create a perfect summer grill companion for hungry guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice (fresh)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Skewer Preparation: Immerse wooden skewers in cool water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
  2. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to develop a robust, tangy flavor profile.
  3. Seafood Infusion: Submerge shrimp in marinade, allowing ingredients to meld and enhance taste for 15-20 minutes at ambient temperature.
  4. Skewer Assembly: Thread marinated shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, alternating ingredients to create a visually appealing and balanced composition.
  5. Grill Preparation: Ignite outdoor grill to medium-high heat, targeting 375-400 degrees fahrenheit for optimal cooking conditions and perfect caramelization.
  6. Grilling Technique: Position skewers on heated grates, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and pineapple develops light char marks, indicating complete cooking.
  7. Serving Presentation: Transfer grilled skewers to a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime squeeze, elevating the dish’s aromatic and citrusy dimensions.

Notes

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to stop them from catching fire during grilling, ensuring safe and smooth cooking.
  • Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let shrimp marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, allowing the seafood to fully absorb the zesty, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
  • Perfect Grilling Temperature: Maintain grill heat between 375-400°F for ideal cooking, creating beautiful caramelization on pineapple and perfectly pink, tender shrimp.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ingredients for gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian versions by using alternative proteins or adjusting marinade components to suit different dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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