If you’re craving a sunny, flavor-packed meal that feels like a tropical escape, look no further than these Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers. Sweet pineapple, juicy shrimp, and vibrant veggies meet a zingy marinade to create a dish that’s bursting with color, texture, and taste in every bite. These skewers are simple enough for a weeknight dinner but dazzling enough for a summer party. Get ready for your new favorite grill recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers lies in their simplicity! Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from the natural sweetness of the pineapple to the rich savoriness of shrimp and a marinade that’s perfectly spiced. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with the tails on; they’re juicy, cook quickly, and look extra tempting on a skewer.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple gives you bold, sweet-tart flavor and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Red bell pepper: Bright, crunchy, and slightly sweet, bell pepper adds color and substance to each skewer.
- Red onion: These chunks soften and sweeten as they grill, creating gorgeous color and extra juiciness.
- Olive oil: Brings the marinade together and helps the shrimp and veggies develop that irresistible char.
- Soy sauce: Deepens the savory flavors and balances out the tropical sweetness.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the marinade and enhances caramelization on the grill.
- Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic bite that brings everything together.
- Fresh ginger: Offers a bit of warmth and zest that brightens the whole dish.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the marinade.
- Black pepper: Rounds out the flavor profile with gentle heat.
- Wooden skewers: Soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn up on the grill—an essential step for perfect skewers!
How to Make Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This combination is what makes these Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers truly sing—the marinade infuses the shrimp with layers of bright, smoky, and garlicky flavor that compliments the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add your shrimp to the bowl with the marinade and toss them gently to ensure every piece gets a glossy, flavorful coating. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the shrimp enough time to soak up the goodness without getting mushy or overpowered. While you wait, the anticipation really starts to build!
Step 3: Prepare the Grill and Skewers
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high and get those wooden skewers soaking if you haven’t already. Soaking the skewers for at least half an hour prevents them from burning while grilling, making this step crucial for achieving that perfect skewer experience you’ll find with all the best Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers recipes.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
With your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to assemble! Alternate threading shrimp, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion onto each soaked skewer. This alternating pattern ensures every bite is a colorful, textural adventure, with the shrimp curling up and hugging the juicy fruits and veggies as they grill.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for shrimp that are opaque and lightly charred with gorgeous grill marks. The pineapple will caramelize, the bell pepper and onion will soften, and everything will pick up just a hint of smokiness for that signature Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers taste.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once your skewers are grilled, remove them from the heat and serve right away. These are at their absolute best fresh off the grill, when the shrimp are plump and juicy, the pineapple is caramelized, and the house smells like a summer evening by the beach.
How to Serve Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers
Garnishes
For that final fresh touch, sprinkle your Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers with chopped cilantro or fresh mint leaves. A squeeze of lime juice over the top brightens up all the tropical flavors, and a light dusting of sesame seeds can add a gentle crunch.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with coconut rice or pineapple fried rice for a full tropical feast. You can also serve them with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or grilled corn on the cob with chili-lime butter—the possibilities are endless, but keep the mood vibrant and light!
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, try serving Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers in a hollowed-out pineapple half as a platter. Or pile the skewers atop a bed of shredded lettuce with tropical fruit salsa. Mini-skewers make a festive appetizer for summer parties and backyard BBQs—it’s a showstopper every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers, simply remove any remaining shrimp and veggies from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making for easy lunches or snacks.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and veggies if you must. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to use them within a month for optimal flavor and texture—just note that the pineapple may lose a bit of its juicy snap after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. If using a skillet, toss just until heated through to maintain the tenderness of the shrimp and the veggies. Avoid overcooking, as the shrimp can turn rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for these skewers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade absorb better and ensures even grilling for those perfectly juicy Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers.
What can I substitute for pineapple if I want a different flavor?
Mango is a fantastic alternative, lending a slightly creamier texture and a different kind of tropical sweetness. It grills up beautifully and pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and veggies, giving your skewers a new twist.
How do I prevent the skewers from drying out on the grill?
Don’t overcook your shrimp—2 to 3 minutes per side is usually just right. Keep an eye on the grill, and as soon as the shrimp turn opaque and start to curl, they’re ready! Also, brushing the skewers with a little extra marinade just before grilling helps keep everything moist.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
You can marinate the shrimp several hours ahead and chop the veggies and fruit in advance. Just thread everything onto skewers right before grilling for the freshest result. If you really need a shortcut, the assembled uncooked skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours before grilling.
What type Main Course
Both gas grills and charcoal grills work beautifully for Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers. A grill pan on the stovetop will also do the trick if you’re craving these flavors but don’t want to fire up the outdoor grill!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine or impress friends with a simple yet stunning dish, Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers might just become your new go-to recipe. There’s nothing like that first sweet, smoky bite straight off the grill! Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a try and bring those fresh, vibrant flavors right to your table.
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Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers are a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them a delightful addition to any summer BBQ or gathering. The juicy shrimp, fresh pineapple, and colorful veggies are marinated in a flavorful blend of ingredients before being grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Skewers:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the shrimp, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread marinated shrimp, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Grill the Skewers: Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap pineapple with mango for a different flavor.
- For some heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Serve over coconut rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
