Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are a delightful dish that combines the succulent sweetness of fresh shrimp with the tropical flavors of pineapple.
This dish is perfect for outdoor grilling or as a vibrant appetizer for any gathering. The contrast between the savory shrimp and the sweet, juicy pineapple creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny beach.
This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
The marinated shrimp and pineapple can be skewered and cooked in just minutes, resulting in a dish that’s full of flavor and visually appealing.
Whether served at a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or a festive party, Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more!
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
How to Make Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Make sure the honey is fully dissolved in the mixture.
Marinate the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting later. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the shrimp.
Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple:
While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the pineapple and bell peppers. Cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Assemble the Skewers:
Once the shrimp have marinated, take the skewers and begin assembling. Alternate threading shrimp, pineapple, and bell pepper pieces onto the skewers. You can create a pattern, such as shrimp, pineapple, red pepper, pineapple, green pepper, and repeat until the skewer is filled.
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
Grill the Skewers:
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, basting with the reserved marinade, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the pineapple and bell peppers have grill marks and are slightly charred. This process should take around 8-10 minutes in total.
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve warm with additional lime wedges on the side for drizzling.
Chef’s Note:
Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion for a colorful presentation. If you prefer a sweeter twist, consider adding marinated mushrooms or even chunks of mango.
For a smoky flavor, you can marinate the shrimp and pineapple for a longer time—up to a few hours—but avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can begin to cook the shrimp and affect its texture.
If you do not have a grill, you can also broil the skewers in the oven or cook them on a stovetop grill pan. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
These skewers make an excellent addition to any summer gathering or backyard barbecue, as they can be prepared in advance and cooked right before serving, allowing you to enjoy time with your guests.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 60% of DV
- Calcium: 2% of DV
- Iron: 6% of DV
Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers provide a balanced meal with a good source of protein from the shrimp, natural sugars from the pineapple, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The use of honey and lime juice in the marinade offers a wholesome sweetness without excessive added sugars.
In summary, Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are not just a delicious dish but also a beautiful one, perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends and family.
The bright colors and fresh flavors will elevate any meal and leave a lasting impression. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and savor the deliciousness of these tropical skewers!
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