Grilled Shrimp Pineapple Skewers (Print version)

Zesty shrimp and sweet pineapple skewers grilled with fresh cilantro and lime for bright flavor.

# Required ingredients:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Produce

02 - 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
03 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

→ Marinade

08 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
09 - Zest and juice of 2 limes
10 - 1 tablespoon honey
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - Lime wedges for serving
16 - Additional chopped cilantro for garnish

# How to make it:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest and juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, minced garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño until well combined.
02 - Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
03 - Thread shrimp, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and red onion pieces onto skewers in alternating pattern for visual appeal and even cooking.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
05 - Place skewers on grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and cooked through and vegetables show light charring.
06 - Remove skewers from grill and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The shrimp cook so fast you'll have dinner ready before anyone gets restless, and the char on the fruit is basically caramelized candy.
  • That cilantro-lime marinade tastes bright and alive without any heaviness, making it feel fancy but requiring almost zero fuss.
  • These skewers work for feeding a crowd or just a quiet weeknight, and leftovers (if there are any) taste even better the next day.
02 -
  • Overcooked shrimp become rubbery disappointments, so pull them off the grill the second they turn opaque—they'll keep cooking from residual heat.
  • If your pineapple is too soft, it'll fall apart on the grill, so buy one that's just ripe, firm enough to hold its shape but sweet enough to taste like vacation.
03 -
  • Fresh cilantro wilts quickly, so chop it right before serving and scatter it like a finishing flourish—it makes everything look restaurant-quality with zero extra effort.
  • If you're batch-cooking for a crowd, assemble skewers on a sheet tray and keep them in the marinade covered in the fridge until you're ready to grill, which keeps everything organized and tasty.
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