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
Scale
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.
