Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

These Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers are a delightful addition to any summer gathering. With only four simple ingredients, these skewers offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your guests. Ideal for BBQs, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, they bring a tropical flair to your table while being incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
• Few Ingredients: You only need four ingredients, which means less shopping and more time enjoying your meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish; they fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of shrimp and pineapple with spicy chili sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
• Perfect for Grilling: These skewers are ideal for outdoor grilling, bringing a fun and festive vibe to your summer cookouts.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Grill

Importance of Each Tool

• Skewers: Essential for threading the shrimp and pineapple; they help hold everything together during grilling.
• Mixing bowl: This is crucial for combining the sweet chili sauce and sambal evenly.
• Pastry brush: Use this tool to apply the sauce generously on each skewer for maximum flavor.
• Grill: The grill gives these skewers that perfect charred taste that enhances the overall dish.

Ingredients

These sweet and spicy pineapple shrimp skewers require minimal ingredients. Here’s what you need:

For the Skewers

• 1 lb shrimp (large uncooked)
• 1 lb pineapple chunks
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp sambal

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, add the sweet chili sauce and sambal. Mix well until combined. This sauce will be used to marinate the skewers.

Step 2: Assemble Your Skewers

• Thread the shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers alternately.
• Continue until all shrimp and pineapple are used. You should make about 9-10 skewers.
• Using a pastry brush, brush sauce onto both sides of each pineapple shrimp skewer for added flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

• Place the assembled pineapple shrimp skewers on the grill.
• Cook for about 3 minutes on one side. Brush with any remaining sauce.
• Flip the skewers and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

These sweet and spicy pineapple shrimp skewers make a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Their vibrant flavors and appealing presentation will wow your guests.

As an Appetizer

• Cocktail Sauce: Pair the skewers with a zesty cocktail sauce for an extra kick.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with fresh lime wedges to enhance the tropical flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

As a Main Course

• Rice Pilaf: Serve over light rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices.
• Grilled Vegetables: Accompany with seasonal grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Tossed Salad: Offer a crisp green salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.

At Summer BBQs

• Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad pairs perfectly with these skewers at outdoor gatherings.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob complements the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

To achieve the best results with your sweet and spicy pineapple shrimp skewers, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Marinade: Ensure you let shrimp marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and ripe pineapple will elevate the dish’s taste significantly.
• Proper Skewering: Alternate between shrimp and pineapple chunks on skewers for even cooking and presentation.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on shrimp; they should turn opaque when done.
• Brush Generously: Apply sauce generously while grilling to keep skewers moist and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Pairing side dishes with your sweet and spicy pineapple shrimp skewers can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet side complements the tropical flavors of the skewers beautifully.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warm flavors of grilled shrimp.
3. Quinoa Salad: Serve a light quinoa salad packed with veggies for added nutrition.
4. Grilled Asparagus: The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of pineapple.
5. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover sauce from your skewers.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the heat from sambal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using frozen shrimp: Frozen shrimp often have a rubbery texture. Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for better flavor and texture.
• Not marinating long enough: A quick brush of sauce isn’t enough. Allow the skewers to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes for deeper flavor.
• Overcrowding the skewers: If you pack too many shrimp and pineapple chunks onto each skewer, they won’t cook evenly. Ensure there’s space between each piece for thorough cooking.
• Ignoring grill temperature: Cooking on too high or too low heat can result in burnt or undercooked skewers. Use medium-high heat for the perfect char while ensuring the shrimp cook through.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishing adds visual appeal and enhances flavor. Don’t skip on adding chopped parsley or lime wedges before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Make sure the skewers have cooled completely before sealing them in.

Freezing Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

• Freeze individual skewers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• Label the bag with the date to track freshness.

Reheating Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits with Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers?

Yes, you can substitute pineapple with mango or bell peppers for different flavors.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking as they can become tough.

Can I make these Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance, marinate, and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

What should I serve with these skewers?

These skewers pair well with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as an appetizer or main dish at summer gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Enjoy experimenting with this simple yet flavorful recipe!

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Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

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Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers are the ultimate summer treat, bringing together succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple in a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Perfect for BBQs or casual gatherings, these skewers require just four simple ingredients and can be prepared in minutes, making them an effortless yet impressive dish to serve your guests. With a zesty marinade that enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple and the briny flavor of the shrimp, these skewers offer a taste of the tropics right at your table. Grill them to perfection for a charred finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 5 (2 skewers each) 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large uncooked shrimp
• 1 lb pineapple chunks
• 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tsp sambal

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine sweet chili sauce and sambal to create the marinade.
2. Thread shrimp and pineapple onto skewers alternately until all ingredients are used.
3. Brush skewers with marinade on both sides.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill skewers for 3 minutes on one side, brush with remaining marinade, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers (approximately 100g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Avoid overcrowding skewers to ensure even cooking.