Description
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple offer a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, combining succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple chunks for a refreshing, satisfying, and healthy meal ideal for picnics, barbecues, and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup ripe pineapple chunks
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp and pineapple: Start with peeled and deveined shrimp and cut fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Pat the shrimp dry to help the marinade stick, and make sure your pineapple pieces are uniform for even grilling.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple but flavorful blend will enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp and pineapple.
- Marinate the shrimp: Toss the shrimp and pineapple chunks in the marinade and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This step infuses the seafood with bright, zesty, and smoky flavors.
- Skewer the ingredients: Thread the shrimp and pineapple alternately onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces so heat circulates evenly.
- Grill to perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp turn opaque with distinctive grill marks and pineapple caramelizes slightly.
- Serve immediately: Remove skewers from the grill and serve hot for the best burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor; frozen shrimp works but should be thoroughly thawed and patted dry.
- Don’t over-marinate to avoid shrimp becoming mushy due to acids in the marinade.
- Pre-soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
- Maintain medium-high heat for quick cooking that locks in juices and provides great char.
- Turn skewers carefully using tongs to keep shrimp intact and pineapple secure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 skewers)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg