These Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers are everything I crave on a warm summer evening—juicy shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and that sticky brown sugar glaze that gets a little charred on the grill. I first made these for a backyard cookout last July, and my neighbor Mia wandered over, drawn by the smell of lime and smoke. She took one bite and said, "You're making these every weekend now, right?" The best part? They come together in about 30 minutes, so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the party.
If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing dinner ideas, you'll love this Healthy Greek Marinated Chicken Recipe or this Healthy Blackened Shrimp Pasta Recipe for weeknight meals with bold flavor.
The combination of sweet tropical fruit and savory seafood might sound fancy, but it's honestly one of the easiest things you can throw on the grill. The jerk seasoning adds warmth without overwhelming heat, and the brown sugar glaze caramelizes into something almost candy-like. I've served these at everything from casual family dinners to backyard parties, and they always disappear first.
Why You'll Love This Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
This Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers hits that sweet spot between impressive and effortless. The Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers look beautiful on a platter, the flavors are bold and tropical, and the actual grilling time is only about 5 minutes. You get restaurant-quality results without any fussy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
The jerk seasoning is mild enough for kids but still packed with flavor from cinnamon, ginger, and thyme. The brown sugar glaze adds a sticky, caramelized finish that makes each bite feel indulgent. And because everything cooks so quickly, the shrimp stay tender and the pineapple gets those gorgeous grill marks without turning mushy.
Plus, these skewers are naturally gluten-free and loaded with protein, so they work for almost any dietary preference. Serve them as an appetizer or make them the main event with rice and Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers on the side.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Ingredients For Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- How To Make Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment For Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Storage Your Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients For Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Here's what you'll need to make these Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
Shrimp & Pineapple
- Large or jumbo shrimp : Bigger shrimp work best because they stay juicy on the grill and don't overcook in seconds. Look for shrimp that are already deveined to save time, but you'll peel them yourself before skewering.
- Pineapple : Fresh pineapple is key here. You'll get about 28 cubes from one pineapple, which is perfect for threading onto skewers. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Jerk Seasoning
- Onion powder : Adds a subtle savory base to the spice blend.
- Garlic powder : Brings depth and warmth without being too sharp.
- Salt : Enhances all the other flavors and helps the shrimp stay juicy.
- Pepper : Just a hint of heat and earthiness.
- Thyme : This is what gives the seasoning that classic Caribbean flavor.
- Chili powder : Adds mild heat and a touch of smokiness.
- Ginger : Brings a warm, slightly spicy note that pairs perfectly with the pineapple.
- Cinnamon : Just enough to add sweetness and complexity without tasting like dessert.
- Nutmeg : Rounds out the spice blend with a warm, earthy finish.
Brown Sugar Glaze
- Brown sugar : Creates a sticky, caramelized coating that balances the tangy lime.
- Lime : Fresh lime juice brightens everything and cuts through the richness of the oil.
- Oil: Helps the glaze coat the skewers and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Cilantro : Adds a fresh, herby finish. If you're not a cilantro fan, you can leave it out.
How To Make Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Follow these steps for perfectly Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers every time.
Soak skewers: Place your wooden skewers in a shallow dish of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This keeps them from catching fire on the grill.
Make jerk seasoning: In a large bowl, whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is evenly mixed. The aroma will be warm and slightly sweet with a hint of spice.
Season shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the bowl with the jerk seasoning and toss until every piece is coated. The shrimp will pick up all those flavors as they sit.
Prep brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, lime juice, oil, and chopped cilantro until the sugar dissolves. Set this aside for brushing on the skewers later.
Prepare pineapple: Slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then stand it upright and cut away the skin in strips. Cut the pineapple into 4 sections around the core, then chop those sections into 1–1.5" cubes. Save any extra pineapple for smoothies or snacking.
Peel shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed, then carefully peel away the shells, leaving the tails on. The tails make the skewers easier to handle and look nice on the plate.
Combine shrimp and pineapple: Add the pineapple cubes to the bowl with the seasoned shrimp and toss gently so the pineapple picks up some of that jerk flavor.
Skewer: Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto your soaked skewers in this order: shrimp (starting with the head end), pineapple, shrimp, pineapple, shrimp. Repeat until you've used all your shrimp and pineapple. You should end up with about 14 skewers.
Preheat grill: Heat your grill to high and lightly grease the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Grill skewers: Place the skewers on the grill parallel to the grates so they don't slip through. Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side, then flip and brush with the brown sugar glaze. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and firm to the touch.
Finish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and brush them with a little more glaze while they're still hot. Serve immediately while the glaze is sticky and warm.
Substitutions and Variations
Don't have fresh pineapple? You can use canned pineapple chunks, but make sure to drain them really well and pat them dry before skewering. Fresh pineapple caramelizes better, but canned will work in a pinch.
Want more heat? Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the jerk seasoning. Start with less and taste as you go.
No grill? You can make these under the broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Just watch them closely since they cook fast.
Prefer chicken? Swap the shrimp for cubed chicken thighs and increase the cooking time to 6–8 minutes per side.
Make it sweeter: Brush the skewers with honey or maple syrup along with the brown sugar glaze.
Equipment For Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- 14 wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
- Large mixing bowls for seasoning the shrimp and mixing the glaze
- Chef's knife for cutting the pineapple
- Cutting board
- Grill or grill pan
- Basting brush for applying the glaze
Storage Your Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Refrigerator: Store leftover Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp will firm up a bit when cold, but they're still tasty.
Reheating: Warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them under the broiler for a minute or two. The microwave works too, but the shrimp can get rubbery.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing these after cooking since shrimp get watery when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the skewers and freeze them raw, then thaw and grill when you're ready.
Extra pineapple: Freeze leftover pineapple chunks in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They're perfect for smoothies or blended margaritas.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled pineapple shrimp skewers are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
Over coconut rice: The sweet, creamy rice soaks up any extra glaze and makes the meal feel more filling.
With a simple salad: Toss together mixed greens, sliced mango, and a lime vinaigrette for a light, tropical side.
On a platter with dipping sauce: Serve the skewers family-style with a side of sweet chili sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
Alongside grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion pick up that same smoky char and complement the shrimp beautifully. You might also enjoy this Best Mediterranean Cod Recipe for another seafood option with bright, fresh flavors.
Expert Tips
Use jumbo shrimp if you can find them. They're easier to peel and thread onto skewers, and they stay tender even if you slightly overcook them.
Don't skip soaking the skewers. Dry wooden skewers will burn on a hot grill, and nobody wants splinters in their dinner.
Pat the pineapple dry before skewering. Excess moisture will steam instead of caramelize, and you'll miss out on those gorgeous grill marks.
Leave space between the shrimp and pineapple. If you pack them too tightly, the heat won't circulate and everything will steam instead of getting that nice char.
Brush the glaze on after flipping. If you brush it on too early, the sugar will burn before the shrimp are cooked.
Let the grill get really hot. High heat is what gives you those beautiful sear marks and keeps the shrimp from drying out.
FAQ
How do you Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers?
Preheat your grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates. Thread seasoned shrimp and pineapple onto soaked wooden skewers, then grill for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque. Brush with the brown sugar glaze after flipping for a sticky, caramelized finish.
What are some tips for Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers?
Always use large or jumbo shrimp so they don't overcook in seconds. Soak your wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Leave a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate, and don't overcrowd the grill. Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely and pull them off as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
What are some common mistakes when Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers?
Overcooking is the biggest issue. Shrimp go from perfectly tender to rubbery in just a minute or two, so keep a close eye on them. Another mistake is not drying the shrimp before seasoning, which prevents the spices from sticking. Also, skipping the skewer soak can lead to burnt wood and a mess on the grill.
How long to Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers?
Pineapple takes about 2–3 minutes per side on a hot grill. You're looking for grill marks and a slight caramelization around the edges. If you cook it too long, it'll get mushy, so pull it off when it's golden and slightly charred.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lb large shrimp shell-on, deveined, tails intact
- 1 pineapple peeled, cored, cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder dry, finely ground
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder dry
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme crushed
- ½ teaspoon chili powder mild or hot depending on preference
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger optional warm spice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ground
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark, packed
- Juice of 1 large lime freshly squeezed
- ⅓ cup neutral oil vegetable or canola
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Combine onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, thyme, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to create the jerk seasoning.
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Place the thawed shrimp into the bowl with jerk seasoning and toss to coat evenly.
- Whisk together brown sugar, lime juice, and oil in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Peel and core the pineapple, then cut into approximately 1–1.5 inch cubes. Set aside 28 pieces for skewers.
- Add the pineapple cubes to the shrimp and gently toss to coat with seasoning.
- Preheat your grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
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Thread shrimp and pineapple onto each skewer, alternating two shrimp, one pineapple, shrimp, pineapple, and finishing with a shrimp.
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Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and slightly charred. brush with glaze halfway through.
- Remove skewers from the grill, brush with remaining brown sugar glaze, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
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