Sizzling Tropical Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Summer barbecues come alive with these mouthwatering grilled shrimp pineapple skewers that effortlessly blend sweet and savory flavors.

Juicy chunks of fresh pineapple nestle alongside succulent shrimp, creating a vibrant dish bursting with tropical flair.

Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, these skewers promise an explosion of taste in every bite.

The combination of charred pineapple and perfectly grilled shrimp delivers a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Fresh herbs and a light citrus marinade enhance the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

Each skewer offers a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and bright flavors that transport you to a beachside paradise.

Prepare to elevate your summer grilling game with this simple yet impressive recipe that’s sure to impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers – What Goes On the Stick

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for rich taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright citrus tang and helps tenderize shrimp, select fresh limes for maximum zest.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, opt for fresh cloves for intense flavor.
• Honey: Balances heat and adds caramelization, select raw honey for deeper complexity.
• Chili Powder: Delivers subtle warmth and spice, look for high-quality ground blend.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sea salt for cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and warmth, freshly ground provides best flavor.

• Shrimp: Select medium-large size for best grilling, ensure fresh or properly thawed.
• Pineapple: Brings sweet tropical notes, choose ripe fruit with golden color and fragrant aroma.
• Bell Pepper: Optional ingredient adding color and crunch, select firm and vibrant peppers.

• Cilantro: Offers fresh herbal finish, choose bright green leaves.
• Lime: Provides optional zesty finishing touch, select firm, heavy fruits.

Tools That Make Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers a Snap

• Grill: Essential for cooking skewers with perfect char marks.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for creating marinade and coating shrimp.
• Wooden skewers: Used to thread shrimp, pineapple, and bell peppers.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning skewers on the grill.
• Cutting board: Required for preparing ingredients and chopping cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting pineapple chunks and optional bell peppers.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately measuring marinade ingredients.

Assemble and Grill Shrimp Pineapple Skewers with Ease

• Prep the Skewers

Grab wooden skewers and give them a quick bath in water for about 20 minutes. This little trick prevents them from turning into crispy kindling on the grill.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip up a zesty marinade with olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this flavor bath and let them hang out for 15-20 minutes, soaking up all the deliciousness.

• Build Your Flavor Towers

Thread juicy shrimp and sweet pineapple chunks onto the soaked skewers. For extra pizzazz, add colorful bell pepper pieces between the protein and fruit.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a toasty medium-high heat, aiming for around 375-400F. This is where the magic happens!

• Grill to Perfection

Place those flavor-packed skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn a beautiful pink and the pineapple gets those tempting caramelized grill marks.

• Serve and Celebrate

Plate up your culinary creation. For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or squeeze a lime wedge over the top. Bon appétit!

Tweak the Marinade or Fruit to Suit Your Taste

• Let shrimp marinate no longer than 20 minutes to prevent the acid from breaking down the delicate protein, ensuring tender, juicy results every time.
• Keep grill temperature consistent around 375-400°F to achieve beautiful caramelization on pineapple without burning or overcooking the shrimp.
• Swap shrimp for tofu or chicken to create vegetarian or alternative protein versions that still capture the tropical grilling experience.
• Dial up heat by adding extra chili powder or red pepper flakes, or cool things down by reducing spice for sensitive palates while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Together

• Tropical Fiesta Plate: Serve these zesty skewers over a bed of coconut rice for a complete island-inspired meal that brings vibrant colors and flavors to your dinner table.
• Fresh Salsa Sidekick: Top the skewers with a quick homemade salsa made from diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro to add bright, tangy notes that complement the grilled shrimp and pineapple.
• Sunset Beach Appetizer: Break the skewers into smaller portions and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing summer party starter that looks as good as it tastes.
• Cool Creamy Drizzle: Whip up a quick lime-sour cream sauce by mixing sour cream, lime zest, and a pinch of chili powder to drizzle over the skewers, adding a creamy and zesty finishing touch.

Store Skewers for Another Round Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or seal in a container to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery. Avoid microwave reheating, which can toughen the delicate seafood and compromise texture.
• When preparing ahead, keep marinated shrimp and chopped pineapple in separate sealed containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Assemble skewers just before grilling to ensure maximum freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• For longer storage, place uncooked marinated shrimp and pineapple chunks in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling, and consume within 24 hours of defrosting for optimal taste and safety.

Tropical Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Tropical paradise meets summer grilling with these zesty grilled shrimp pineapple skewers, combining sweet and tangy flavors in one perfect bite. Succulent shrimp and caramelized pineapple chunks create an irresistible island-inspired dish you’ll crave at every backyard barbecue.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 2 cups (473 ml) fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice (fresh)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey or brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
2. Flavor Infusion: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat shrimp in marinade and let rest for 15-20 minutes to absorb rich flavors.
3. Skewer Construction: Carefully thread marinated shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces onto prepared skewers, creating an attractive alternating pattern for visual appeal and balanced taste.
4. Grill Ignition: Heat grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F), ensuring optimal cooking surface for perfect caramelization and protein sear.
5. Cooking Process: Position skewers on hot grill grate, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp transform to vibrant pink and develop slight char, while pineapple acquires delicate grill marks that enhance natural sweetness.
6. Presentation: Transfer grilled skewers to serving platter, garnishing with fresh cilantro and optional lime squeeze to elevate flavor profile and add bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and breaking during cooking.
• Let shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes maximum to enhance flavor without making seafood tough or breaking down protein texture.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 375-400°F to achieve perfect char on pineapple and ensure shrimp cook quickly without becoming rubbery.
• Thread skewers evenly with alternating shrimp and pineapple chunks to guarantee consistent cooking and attractive presentation, ensuring each bite has complementary flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg