Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers You’ll Want to Make All Summer Long

These shrimp and pineapple skewers are a delicious summer recipe that brings together sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every juicy, grilled bite.

There’s something magical about the sweet and smoky combination of juicy pineapple chunks and tender shrimp, all lightly charred and kissed by the grill.

These skewers are quick to prep, cook in minutes, and pack a punch of tropical flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, planning a laid-back weeknight dinner, or just looking to shake up your usual BBQ routine, these skewers check all the boxes: they’re easy, impressive, and downright delicious.

Plus, you can mix and match with your favorite veggies or marinades to make them totally your own.

How do you grill shrimp and pineapple kabobs?

  1. Start by making a simple marinade: whisk together paprika, chili powder, fresh lime juice, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and chopped green onions.
  2. Pat shrimp dry before marinating to help the flavors stick and prevent sogginess.
  3. Toss your peeled, deveined shrimp in the marinade and let it soak up the flavor—save some of that marinade for later!
  4. Next, thread your shrimp, diced pineapple, and chunks of red onion onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about an hour beforehand so they don’t burn on the grill.
  5. Place the kabobs directly over the heat on your grill and cook just until the shrimp turn pink and slightly opaque.
  6. Brush with extra marinade and add a little lime zest for even more flavor.
  7. Serve hot with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
What goes with shrimp on a skewer?

Shrimp pairs well with colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini or squash, juicy cherry tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms—all of which grill beautifully. For best results, choose ingredients that cook quickly or give denser veggies a quick pre-cook before threading them on the skewers.

Does pineapple go with shrimp?

Yes! The sweet, juicy flavor of pineapple balances the savory, slightly briny taste of shrimp, especially when grilled. The caramelized edges of pineapple pair beautifully with tender, smoky shrimp for a tropical combo that’s hard to beat.

Can you marinate shrimp in pineapple juice?

Yes, but only for a short time. The natural enzymes in pineapple juice tenderize shrimp quickly, so limit marinating to 15–30 minutes to avoid a mushy texture. It adds a delicious tropical flavor, especially when combined with lime, garlic, or chili.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, usually 3–4 minutes per side on a hot grill.

Can I bake them instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 400°F on a foil-lined baking sheet for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple chunks and red onion on a wooden board.

If you’re loving the tropical vibes of these shrimp and pineapple skewers, be sure to check out these great ideas to keep the summer flavors going strong!

Grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple chunks and red onion on a wooden board.
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Grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple chunks and red onion on a wooden board.

Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

These shrimp and pineapple skewers are the perfect combo of sweet and savory—great for cookouts or weeknight grilling!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Keyword: shrimp & pineapple skewers, Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: momma lew

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb medium shrimp defrosted, peeled, deveined, tail off
  • 2 cups pineapple chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion chopped into large chunks
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic pressed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • zest of one lime

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill to 350-400 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, make your chili lime marinade by combining paprika, chili powder, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, green onions, and honey.
  • Mix well until ingredients are well combined.
  • Add shrimp, and toss. Be sure to hold onto remaining marinade. 
  • Add your shrimp and pineapple to your skewers, adding a slice of red onion between.
  • Drizzle remaining marinade over shrimp & pineapple skewers, and grate the zest of one lime over top. 
  • Cook chili lime shrimp & pineapple skewers on the grill on direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink.
  • Serve your Chili Lime Shrimp Skewers Recipe immediately.

Notes

If you are not using metal skewers, soak wooden skewers in water for 30–60 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning.
 

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8 Comments

  1. These look absolutely delicious, I love shrimp and pineapple! I’m not too sure about it having a little chili kick, but I’d definitely be willing to try them!

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