If you’re craving a vibrant, tropical twist on a quick and easy meal, this Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp paired with sweet, tangy pineapple chunks create a flavor explosion that’s perfectly balanced by a creamy, aromatic marinade. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or just want a bright dish to elevate your weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver mouthwatering taste and impressive presentation without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe plays a starring role, bringing together rich creaminess, lively sweetness, and a hint of spice. These simple but essential components ensure you get a perfect harmony of flavors and a pleasing juicy texture with every bite.
- Extra large shrimp (1 pound): Fresh or thawed, with shells on to lock in juiciness while grilling.
- Pineapple chunks (1 ½ cups): Adds natural sweetness and a refreshing acidity that brightens each skewer.
- Canned coconut milk (½ cup): Provides smooth, tropical creaminess that tenderizes the shrimp and balances heat.
- Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Delivers a perfect blend of sweet and mildly spicy flavor to the marinade.
- Fresh lime: Zest and juice are key for vibrant citrus notes that lift the dish.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a savory depth and umami that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- Optional sriracha (1 teaspoon): For those who love a little extra kick in their skewers.
How to Make Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Shrimp
Start by whisking together the coconut milk, sweet chili sauce, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and optional sriracha in a large bowl. This mixture brings together creamy, spicy, tangy, and salty notes that will soak into the shrimp. Toss the shrimp into the marinade and let it bathe in all those flavors for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you can; the longer they marinate, the more intense and delicious the taste.
Step 2: Soak Wooden Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before assembling. This step prevents the skewers from burning on the grill and makes for safer, easier handling.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Take a shrimp and skewer it, then add a pineapple chunk, continuing to alternate shrimp and pineapple until the skewer is full. This alternating pattern ensures you get a balanced bite of sweet fruit and tender shrimp every time. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly grease the grates. This preparation will help achieve those beautiful char marks while keeping everything from sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on one side. This heat sears the shrimp and caramelizes the pineapple, locking in their natural juices.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Turn the skewers over and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are fully pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook; shrimp cook quickly and stay tender when timed right.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for at least 3 minutes. This little rest time allows flavors to settle and juices to redistribute, making every bite deliciously juicy.
How to Serve Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the visual appeal and add extra bursts of flavor. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, thin lime wedges, or a light dusting of chili flakes complements the tropical and spicy profile perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe with fluffy coconut rice, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete, satisfying meal that highlights those fresh tropical flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers on a bed of leafy greens or sliced mango. Alternatively, place them over a colorful platter with dipping sauces like extra sweet chili or a zesty lime aioli to invite sharing and mingling at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe leftover, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They remain flavorful and are perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked skewers, the pineapple can become a bit watery after thawing. For best results, freeze the marinated shrimp separately in a sealed bag, then skewer and grill fresh when ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in a warm oven or on the grill to preserve their texture. Avoid microwaving when possible, as this can make shrimp rubbery and pineapple mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before marinating to prevent excess water from diluting the marinade flavors or affecting cooking.
Is it necessary to keep the shells on the shrimp?
Leaving the shells on helps keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful while grilling, but you can remove them if you prefer. Just be more delicate when grilling to avoid drying out the meat.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the skewers on a grill pan or broil them in your oven. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe?
The sweetness from pineapple and coconut milk balances out the mild heat from sweet chili sauce. You can control the spice with the optional sriracha—add it sparingly if you’re sensitive to spice.
What’s the best way to marinate shrimp quickly?
Even 30 minutes is enough to infuse great flavor, but if you’re short on time, toss the shrimp in the marinade and turn occasionally to maximize contact. Avoid marinating too long if there’s acidic lime juice involved, as it can start to “cook” the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe is a bright, flavorful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make but impressive enough to serve guests or enjoy as a special weeknight dinner. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these juicy, tropical skewers all year round.
Print
Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion / Tropical
Description
Delicious and easy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers feature juicy shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, sweet chili sauce, lime, and soy sauce, grilled to perfection with sweet pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Perfect for a quick and vibrant meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Marinade and Shrimp
- 1 pound extra large shrimp (raw with shells on)
- ½ cup canned coconut milk
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- Zest of 1 fresh lime
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha
Skewers and Pineapple
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (about 1 can or ½ a fresh pineapple)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes before use, if using)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, sweet chili sauce, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and sriracha if using. Stir well. Add the shrimp to the marinade and mix gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, place them in water and soak for about 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning during grilling.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately onto each skewer until all shrimp and pineapple are used.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the prepared skewers on the grill and cook for 3 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the skewers over and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Enjoy your tropical skewers!
Notes
- Marinate shrimp for longer for more intense flavor, but do not marinate more than 24 hours to avoid texture breakdown.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Ensure grill grates are well greased to avoid shrimp sticking and tearing.
- Can be served as an appetizer or main dish alongside rice or salad.
- Fresh pineapple can be swapped with canned drained pineapple chunks.
