Description
Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers combine succulent shrimp with juicy pineapple chunks for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, these skewers are ideal for summer BBQs, offering a healthy, protein-packed, and visually appealing dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or party finger food.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pineapple
- Medium to large peeled and deveined fresh shrimp – 1 pound
- Ripe fresh pineapple chunks – 2 cups
Marinade
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Freshly minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Lime juice – 2 tablespoons
- Honey or brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers – 8 to 10 skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade that will coat the shrimp evenly.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in but avoid over-marinating to keep the texture firm.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding.
- Preheat Your Grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for those signature grill marks and easy turning.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn opaque and slightly charred, and pineapple caramelizes beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove skewers from the grill, let them rest for a minute, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Choose fresh shrimp or properly thawed shrimp to prevent a rubbery texture after grilling.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- Do not overcook shrimp; cook just until opaque to keep them juicy and tender.
- Use direct heat for initial searing, then move to indirect heat for even cooking.
- Marinate shrimp for 20 to 30 minutes; avoid over-soaking to maintain texture and flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Keywords: grilled shrimp, pineapple skewers, BBQ recipe, summer grilling, seafood appetizer, healthy skewers, sweet and savory