Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

The Perfect Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Summer barbecues embrace these delectable grilled shrimp pineapple skewers that burst with tropical flavors.

Sweet and tangy pineapple chunks complement succulent seafood in every single bite.

Marinades work magic when blending zesty citrus notes with tender shrimp.

Guests always marvel at these colorful, perfectly charred appetizers that feel like an island vacation.

Quick and straightforward preparation means minimal kitchen time and maximum enjoyment.

Crisp char marks add gorgeous visual appeal to these irresistible skewers.

Each morsel promises a delightful combination of smoky, juicy ingredients that dance across your palate.

Jump into this recipe and create a memorable meal that sparks conversations and delights everyone around the table.

Why Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Are So Tropical

  • Quick Tropical Delight: These grilled shrimp pineapple skewers deliver a burst of summer flavors in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or weeknight dinners.
  • Foolproof Cooking Adventure: With simple marinating and easy grilling steps, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious meal without complex techniques.
  • Health-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and vitamin-rich pineapple, these skewers offer a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste, combining sweet and savory elements in every bite.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for summer barbecues, casual get-togethers, or a quick family dinner, these skewers can be easily customized with different spices or additional vegetables to suit any preference.

What You Need For Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs marinade flavors. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, with medium or large sizes ideal for skewering.
  • Pineapple: Sweet and tangy fruit that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Fresh pineapple chunks provide a juicy contrast to the shrimp.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Creates a flavorful and tenderizing base for the marinade. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the marinade. Fresh garlic cloves provide the best taste.
  • Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization. Local honey works great.
  • Chili Powder: Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the dish. Adjust according to spice preference.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Bell Pepper: Adds color and crisp texture to the skewers. Red or yellow peppers work well for visual appeal.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing that provides a bright, fresh finish. Optional but recommended.

Steps To Make Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Prep Wooden Skewers

Grab your wooden skewers and give them a cool bath in water for at least 20 minutes. This little trick stops them from turning into tiny torches on the grill.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whip up a zesty marinade with:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Honey
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the shrimp into this flavor explosion and let them soak up the goodness for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Build Colorful Flavor Towers

Start threading your skewers with a playful pattern:
  • Juicy shrimp
  • Bright pineapple chunks
  • Optional bell pepper pieces

Mix and match to create a rainbow of deliciousness.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). You want that perfect golden-char zone.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place your skewers on the grill and let the magic happen. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until:
  • Shrimp turn a beautiful pink
  • Pineapple develops gorgeous caramelized grill marks
  • Everything looks irresistibly delicious

Step 6: Serve with Sunshine

Transfer your skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or squeeze a lime wedge for an extra flavor punch. Get ready for a tropical taste adventure!

Tips For Juicy Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and ruining your delicious meal.
  • Boost Flavor Fast: Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes to infuse bold taste, ensuring each bite is packed with zesty lime, garlic, and honey notes.
  • Grill Like a Pro: Maintain medium-high heat around 375-400°F for perfectly cooked shrimp with beautiful caramelized edges and juicy pineapple grill marks.
  • Smart Skewering Technique: Alternate shrimp, pineapple, and optional bell peppers to create visually appealing and evenly cooked skewers that cook uniformly.
  • Freshness Finale: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a lime squeeze to brighten flavors and add a vibrant, fresh touch to your grilled summer dish.

How To Store Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Refrigerate leftover grilled shrimp pineapple skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store the skewers flat, keeping them whole or separated, for optimal freshness.
  • Consume refrigerated skewers within 1-2 days to maintain the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid freezing these skewers, as seafood and grilled fruits tend to lose their quality when frozen and thawed.
  • Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Always check the internal temperature of the shrimp reaches 145°F when reheating to ensure food safety.
  • Remove the skewers from the refrigerator 15 minutes before reheating to allow them to come closer to room temperature, promoting more even warming.

Perfect Matches With Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Pair with Tropical Rum Punch: Blend coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine for a refreshing drink that complements the sweet and spicy grilled shrimp skewers.
  • Match with Zesty Mango Salsa: Create a bright side salsa using diced fresh mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to enhance the tropical flavors of the grilled dish.
  • Serve with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled white wine with citrusy notes that will cut through the richness of the shrimp and balance the sweet-spicy marinade.
  • Accompany with Coconut Rice: Prepare light coconut rice as a perfect side that echoes the tropical theme and soaks up the delicious marinade from the skewers.

Flavorful Changes To Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers

  • Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace honey with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for an extra tropical flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jamaican Style: Incorporate scotch bonnet peppers and allspice into the marinade for a bold Caribbean-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap chili powder with dried oregano, thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese after grilling for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Asian Sesame Kick: Substitute lime juice with rice vinegar, add sesame oil to the marinade, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving for an Asian-inspired rendition.

Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers FAQ

  • Why soak wooden skewers in water before grilling?

Soaking prevents the wooden skewers from catching fire or burning during the grilling process, ensuring safe and successful cooking of your shrimp and pineapple skewers.

  • How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, and spices to fully penetrate the shrimp, enhancing their taste and tenderness.

  • How can I tell if the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn from translucent to a pink or opaque color and curl slightly. They typically take 2-3 minutes per side on a medium-high heat grill to reach the perfect doneness.

  • Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can prepare the skewers and marinate the shrimp up to a few hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. Just be sure not to marinate for more than 30 minutes to prevent the lime juice from starting to “cook” the shrimp.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Tropical Hawaiian Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers blend sweet and savory summer flavors into a delightful island-inspired dish. Bold marinade and charred edges promise a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lime juice (fresh)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper

Additional:

  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare wooden skewers by fully submerging them in cool water for a minimum of 20 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, golden honey, fiery chili powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Gently place raw shrimp into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the seafood to absorb the flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Carefully thread marinated shrimp, juicy pineapple chunks, and optional colorful bell pepper pieces onto the pre-soaked skewers, creating an alternating pattern for visual appeal and balanced flavor.
  5. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting approximately 375-400 degrees fahrenheit for optimal cooking conditions.
  6. Carefully position assembled skewers onto the heated grill grates, allowing each side to cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp transform to a beautiful pink hue and pineapple develops light caramelized grill marks.
  7. Remove skewers from grill and transfer to a serving platter, garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and a bright squeeze of lime for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Notes

  • Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling, ensuring they won’t catch fire during cooking.
  • Maximize flavor by marinating shrimp for exactly 15 minutes, allowing the citrusy lime and sweet honey to penetrate without breaking down the delicate protein.
  • Create perfect grill marks by patting shrimp and pineapple dry before threading, which helps achieve beautiful caramelization and prevents steaming.
  • Adapt the recipe for different dietary needs by substituting honey with agave nectar for vegan options or using coconut aminos instead of salt for low-sodium diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star