Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that balances the natural sweetness of pineapple with the smoky, savory flavor of grilled shrimp. This recipe brings together fresh ingredients, a simple marinade, and the magic of the grill (or stovetop grill pan) to create a dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or even as an impressive appetizer.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. The shrimp cook in just minutes, the pineapple caramelizes beautifully, and the skewers make it a fun, shareable dish for gatherings. It’s healthy, fresh, and feels like a mini tropical vacation in every bite!

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors
• Quick to prepare and cook
• Great for entertaining or weeknight dinners
• Healthy, protein-rich, and naturally gluten-free
• Vibrant presentation that impresses guests

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 20–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 minutes
• Total Time: 40–50 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~220 calories per serving (2 skewers)
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Tropical / American

Ingredients

For the Skewers

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1 small pineapple)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the Marinade

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking in water for 20 minutes (skip if using metal skewers).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss shrimp in half of the marinade; refrigerate 20–30 minutes.
4. Thread shrimp, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers.
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Brush skewers with remaining marinade.
7. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and slightly charred, and pineapple is caramelized.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep skewers: Soak wooden skewers; chop pineapple, bell pepper, and onion.
2. Make marinade: Mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate shrimp: Toss shrimp in half of the marinade; refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
4. Assemble skewers: Alternate shrimp, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion on skewers.
5. Preheat grill: Medium-high heat for perfect sear.
6. Grill: Brush skewers with remaining marinade, cook 3–4 minutes per side.
7. Serve: Remove from grill and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve

Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro or parsley. Pair with coconut rice, quinoa, or a light salad for a complete meal. For appetizers, serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili, garlic-lime yogurt, or mango salsa.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• Use ripe, sweet pineapple for natural caramelization.
• Brush skewers with marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
• Alternate colors on the skewers for an eye-catching presentation.
• If using a grill pan indoors, preheat it well to achieve nice char marks.

Variations

• Spicy Pineapple Shrimp: Add sriracha or cayenne to the marinade.
• Teriyaki Glaze: Brush with teriyaki sauce instead of marinade for a sweet-savory twist.
• Tropical Fruit Medley: Add mango, kiwi, or papaya chunks to the skewers.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or halloumi with pineapple and veggies.
• Coconut Lime Marinade: Replace olive oil with coconut milk and add lime zest for extra tropical flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store uncooked, marinated shrimp in airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Freezing: Freeze raw, skewered shrimp for up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator before grilling.
• Leftovers: Cooked skewers are best served immediately; store cooked shrimp and pineapple separately for up to 2 days, then reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
A: Yes, soaking prevents them from burning on the grill.

Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Absolutely—add chili flakes, cayenne, or sriracha to the marinade.

Q: Can I prepare ahead of time?
A: Marinate shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead; assemble skewers just before grilling.

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy a tropical-inspired meal. The combination of caramelized pineapple, smoky shrimp, and colorful veggies makes every bite a delightful mix of sweet and savory. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or casual entertaining, these skewers are easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress.