If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, then this Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp paired with caramelized pineapple chunks are marinated in zesty lime, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection, making every bite a delightful burst of summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a quick, delicious dinner, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients come together in this recipe, each one playing a vital role in building the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant presentation. From the freshness of shrimp to the tropical sweetness of pineapple, every element shines through.
- Fresh shrimp (12-16, peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and perfect for quick grilling.
- Pineapple chunks (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and juicy bursts with lovely charred edges.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the shrimp moist and helps the marinade cling.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses the skewers with a fragrant, savory base.
- Lime juice (juice of 1 lime): Brings zesty brightness and a refreshing tang.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity with a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
- Salt (about ½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
- Freshly ground black pepper (about ¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right kick of warmth.
- Wooden skewers (6-8, soaked for 30 minutes) or metal skewers: Essential for easy grilling and serving.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a smoky depth and vibrant color to the shrimp.
- Chili flakes (¼ teaspoon): A gentle heat to make things exciting.
- Fresh herbs (1 tablespoon, choose from cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, or dill): Adds freshness and an aromatic boost tailored to your taste.
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, and your choice of herbs and spices into a vibrant marinade. This mixture sets the stage for juicy, flavorful shrimp with every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Gently toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes—just enough time to soak up the flavors without turning mushy.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately onto your pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers. Aim for about 3 to 4 shrimp and pineapple pieces per skewer to ensure they cook evenly and look beautiful when served.
Step 4: Preheat and Oil Your Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high and remember to lightly oil the grates. This step prevents sticking and helps achieve those irresistible grill marks that make the dish look and taste amazing.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye to ensure the shrimp turns opaque and the pineapple gets a lovely caramelized char, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once grilled, plate your skewers promptly to maintain the shrimp’s juiciness and the pineapple’s fresh sweetness. Add your favorite garnishes and get ready to impress!
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, like cilantro or basil, adds a bright, herbal note that complements the marinade perfectly. A wedge of lime on the side invites an extra squeeze of tangy freshness right before eating.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside fluffy coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a full, satisfying meal. The tropical vibe of pineapple pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that don’t overpower the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or even chopped grilled pineapple for extra texture. You could also turn them into a vibrant taco filling with a dollop of creamy avocado and a sprinkle of crunchy slaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the skewers separated from any sauces to maintain their texture.
Freezing
While fresh grilling is best, you can freeze ungrilled marinated shrimp and pineapple skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat gently on a grill pan or under the broiler for just a few minutes, turning once, to revive the smoky flavors without drying out the shrimp or toughening the pineapple.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe?
Medium to large-sized shrimp that are peeled and deveined work best. They hold up well on the grill, cook quickly, and provide the perfect bite size for skewering and pairing with pineapple.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple gives the best texture and natural sweetness with less water content. Canned pineapple can be used in a pinch but tends to be softer and may make the skewers soggier.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate between 15 and 30 minutes. Any longer and the acid from the lime juice can start to cook the shrimp, resulting in a mushy texture.
Can I grill these skewers indoors?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a broiler in your oven can deliver delicious, charred results when outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
Metal skewers are excellent alternatives and reusable. Just be sure to preheat them slightly so the shrimp cooks evenly from both inside and out.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe enough if you want an easy, vibrant dish that feels like a celebration on a plate. The blend of smoky shrimp, sweet pineapple, and zesty marinade is downright addictive. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready for some serious summer goodness that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Print
Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers are a delicious and vibrant dish combining juicy shrimp with sweet pineapple chunks, marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, honey, and herbs. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, these skewers are grilled to perfection with beautiful char marks and a balance of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for summer barbecues or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 12–16 fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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 herbs (cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, or dill, choose according to preference)
Skewers
- 1 cup ripe pineapple chunks, about 1-inch pieces
- 6–8 wooden skewers (pre-soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, honey (or brown sugar), salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and your choice of freshly chopped herbs to create a vibrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, carefully coating each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors without making the shrimp mushy.
- Assemble the skewers: Alternate threading shrimp and pineapple chunks onto the pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers. Aim for about 3-4 shrimp and 3-4 pineapple pieces on each skewer for balanced grilling and easy serving.
- Preheat and oil your grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to help create appealing grill marks.
- Grill the skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully until the shrimp becomes opaque and the pineapple caramelizes with lovely char marks. Take care not to overcook the shrimp to maintain tenderness.
- Serve immediately: Remove the skewers from the grill and plate immediately to preserve juiciness and freshness. Garnish as desired with extra herbs or lime wedges and enjoy your flavorful grilled shrimp pineapple skewers!
Notes
- Pre-soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust chili flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use fresh herbs that complement shrimp, like cilantro or basil, for the best flavor.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Make sure not to over-marinate the shrimp to avoid mushy texture.
