BBQ SHRIMP AND PINEAPPLE SKEWERS
BBQ Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are a perfect balance of smoky, spicy and sweet flavours, making them a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering. The natural sweetness of pineapple caramelizes it beautifully when grilled, complementing the juicy shrimp seasoned with chilli flakes, salt, pepper and a touch of olive oil. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a flavorful entrée, these skewers bring out the best of bold flavours with minimal ingredients. The slight heat from chilli flakes enhances the dish, making it a versatile option for spice lovers. Ideal for backyard barbecues, picnics or quick weeknight dinners, these shrimp skewers can be prepared in minutes and cooked on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan. Serve them alongside a fresh salad, grilled veggies or a zesty dipping sauce for an irresistible meal that’s healthy, high in protein and packed with vibrant flavours.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Appetisers, Entrée, Snack, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Caribbean, American, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Barbecue / Grill, Marinate, Skewered, Pan-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Backyard BBQ, Summer, Picnic, Super Bowl, Party, Family Reunion, Tailgating
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Quick and Easy, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Skewers, Grilled Seafood
INGREDIENTS
- 80g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 30g pineapple chunks
- ½ tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp honey (optional for added sweetness)
- ½ tsp lime juice (optional, for extra zest)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 220mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, they’re ready to go.
- Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chilli flakes, salt and black pepper. Allow them to marinate for 5-10 minutes for enhanced flavour.
- Assemble the skewers: Alternate threading the shrimp and pineapple chunks onto the skewer, ensuring even distribution.
- Preheat the grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan over a medium-high flame. Lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque with slight grill marks. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Enhance the flavour: If desired, brush with honey and a squeeze of lime juice before serving for an extra burst of flavour.
- Serve hot: Plate the skewers and serve immediately, either as a standalone dish or alongside rice, a fresh salad or a yoghurt-based dipping sauce.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
6 minutes
TIPS
- Use fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple caramelizes better and provides a juicier bite compared to canned pineapple.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and overcooking can result in a rugged, rubbery texture. Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
- Enhance the smoky flavour: For a deeper BBQ taste, add a touch of smoked paprika or grill over charcoal.
- Use different skewers: If serving for a party, consider using mini skewers for bite-sized appetizers.
- Marinate longer: For extra flavour, marinate the shrimp for 20-30 minutes before grilling.
VARIATIONS
- Tropical Twist: Add bell peppers or red onion for extra crunch and colour.
- Spicy Boost: Mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Citrusy Flavor: Replace olive oil with a citrus marinade using orange or lemon juice.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness.
- Teriyaki Style: Swap out chilli flakes for teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory variation.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- Freezing: If preparing in advance, marinate the shrimp and freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.
- Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the skewers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before grilling.