Name: Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 2 lb large or jumbo shrimp, shell-on and deveined (tails intact); 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into 1–1½″ cubes; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 Tbsp brown sugar; Juice of 1 large lime; ⅓ cup oil (vegetable or light olive); 1–2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

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A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp and sweet pineapple grilled to perfection with spicy jerk seasoning and a tangy brown sugar glaze—ideal for summer cookouts or festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These skewers deliver a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Jerk-seasoned shrimp combine with juicy pineapple, all topped with a citrusy brown sugar glaze. They’re easy to assemble, visually impressive, and perfect for grilling season or a tropical-themed meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main

2 lb large or jumbo shrimp, shell-on and deveined (tails intact)
1 pineapple, peeled and cut into 1–1½″ cubes (about 28 cubes)*

Jerk Seasoning

½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Brown Sugar Glaze

1 Tbsp brown sugar
Juice of 1 large lime
⅓ cup oil (vegetable or light olive)
1–2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

*Save any leftover pineapple for smoothies or cocktails later!

Directions

1. Prep Skewers and Pineapple

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut pineapple: slice off top and bottom for stability, peel skin, quarter around the core, and cut into 1–1½″ cubes.

2. Prepare Seasoning and Glaze

In a large bowl, whisk together all jerk seasoning ingredients.
In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, lime juice, oil, and chopped cilantro. Set aside.

3. Season Shrimp and Pineapple

With shrimp fully thawed and tails on, toss shrimp and pineapple cubes in the jerk seasoning until evenly coated.

4. Assemble Skewers

Preheat grill to high heat.
Thread shrimp and pineapple in this order: shrimp (head-end first), pineapple, shrimp, pineapple, shrimp—about three shrimp per skewer.

5. Grill Skewers

Lightly grease grill grates.
Place skewers parallel to grates and grill 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and pineapple shows grill marks.
Flip once, brushing with glaze, then grill the other side and brush again before removing.

6. Serve

Remove skewers from grill, brush with any remaining glaze, and serve hot.

Servings And Timing

Makes: ~6 skewers (adjust based on skewer count)
Prep time: ~20 minutes (plus skewer soaking)
Grill time: ~6–8 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Spice it up: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the jerk seasoning for extra heat.
Protein swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken cubes—cook longer until fully done.
Sweet glaze: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Vegan version: Swap shrimp for firm tofu or tempeh cubes.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover skewers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a grill pan or oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–7 minutes.
Make-ahead: Season shrimp and pineapple ahead of time; assemble and grill just before serving for peak freshness.

FAQs

1. Do I have to leave shrimp tails on?

No—but they’re handy for handling and add a rustic presentation.

2. Can I use metal skewers instead?

Yes—just ensure they’re well oiled to prevent food from sticking.

3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

White sugar or coconut sugar works—melt thoroughly in the lime oil mix.

4. How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

They should turn opaque and pink, with firm texture and slight grill marks.

5. Can I grill pineapple separately?

Yes—grilling pineapple alone caramelizes its natural sweetness beautifully.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—ensure that all seasonings, especially chili powder and jerk seasoning, are gluten-free.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just prep more pineapple and shrimp, and grill in batches.

8. Can I make this indoors?

Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, brushing with glaze as you cook.

9. How do I prevent shrimp from falling apart on skewers?

Thread shrimp snugly but gently—do not overload skewer and avoid overcooking.

10. What can I serve these with?

They pair wonderfully with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy shrimp with a tropical twist. With bright jerk seasoning, caramelized pineapple, and a zesty glaze, they’re easy to assemble, quick to cook, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for outdoor meals or casual gatherings—enjoy the bold, summer-inspired flavors!