Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple combine the sweet juiciness of fresh pineapple with the smoky, tender flavor of grilled shrimp. This simple yet vibrant tropical dish is easy to prepare, perfect for summer BBQs or quick weeknight dinners, and offers a healthy, protein-rich option that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the shrimp with savory and zesty notes while keeping them moist.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors without compromising the shrimp’s texture.
- Skewer the shrimp and pineapple: Alternate threading shrimp and fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers to ensure each bite delivers a balanced mix of sweet and smoky flavors.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat until it is hot enough to create attractive grill marks and properly cook the shrimp, locking in their smoky essence.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once carefully. The shrimp should turn opaque with a slight char on the edges and the pineapple should be caramelized but remain juicy.
- Serve immediately: Remove the skewers from the grill, let them rest for a minute, then serve hot, showcasing their tropical flavor and smoky goodness.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best texture and flavor; thaw frozen shrimp completely before use.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Do not over-marinate shrimp as it may become mushy; 15-30 minutes is ideal.
- Maintain a medium-high grill temperature for quick, even cooking without burning.
- Cut pineapple chunks evenly to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Grilled shrimp, pineapple skewers, tropical shrimp recipe, BBQ shrimp, healthy shrimp skewers, seafood appetizer