Grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple sauce is a quick and healthy meal! Each shrimp is tossed in bold spices and drizzled with a fresh tropical fruit sauce.
Are you still firing up your grill during these warm summer nights? Shrimp is one of the easiest foolproof proteins for a light and healthy meal. I’ve been in a Caribbean mood, so I’m bringing the islands to you!
This spiced grilled shrimp with fruity pineapple cilantro sauce is the quick meal with a flavor kick. A blend of bold spices coats each succulent piece of shrimp. A drizzle of fresh and creamy blender pineapple sauce makes each bite even better.
I am obsessed with blender sauces. They are just so quick and easy to make! Pineapples add a delicate balance of natural sweetness and acidity for this luscious sauce. All you need is fresh or canned pineapple slices, lime juice, coconut milk, cilantro, refreshing mint leaves, and spicy serrano peppers.
I typically used canned pineapple rings when I’m in a hurry. I use the whole can to make the sauce. I add it between the shrimp on the skewer and any leftover I just toss on the grill for some yummy roasted pineapple rings.
These tiny crustaceans are naturally flavorful with a light salty taste. You don’t need more than just a light dusting of kosher salt and pepper, but I like to turn up the flavor volume a notch. Earthy spices like ground cumin, onion, and garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili pepper add some deep flavors with little effort.
When making this recipe you could add anything you want. For these grilled shrimp skewers I added a little bit of red onion, sliced pineapples, and limes. They help infuse more flavor and aroma into each piece of shrimp, and it even adds some additional textures to your meal.
Other great skewer options are bell peppers, squash or even tomatoes. I like to get 4 at least to 5 pieces of shrimp with each skewer sandwiched between vegetables or fruit. These shrimp skewers are perfect for a party as appetizers, or if you are eating as a meal, I like to serve them with crunchy Caribbean coleslaw or some quinoa.
More shrimp recipes you might like
Recipe Science
How can you tell what size shrimp to buy from the market?
Something I learned in culinary school was how to determine a rough estimate of the size of shrimp. This can be selected by the “count” per pound. Typically when you go to the grocery store, you will see signs with numbers in the seafood case. For medium-sized shrimp, I usually buy “16/20 count”. This means that per pound of shrimp you will get 16 to 20 pieces. I found this to be a good size for putting on skewers and not easily overcooking on the grill. The higher the number count, the more shrimp you will get per pound, but the smaller they will be in size.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple Sauce
Ingredients
Pineapple Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, fresh, packed
- 6 mint leaves, fresh
- 1 serrano pepper, stems and seeds removed
Shrimp Skewers
- 1 pound shrimp, medium-sized, peeled and deveined, 16/20 count
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon cumin, ground
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Pineapple Sauce
- Add pineapple, pineapple juice, lime juice, coconut milk, cilantro, mint, and serrano pepper to a blender.
- Puree for about 30 seconds, until smooth with green specs still visible from the cilantro.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to a small container, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Shrimp Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the shrimp.
- In a medium-sized bowl combine shrimp, garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Skewer about 4 to 5 shrimp, plus alternating with lime slices, onions and pineapples if desired.
- Heat grill to medium-high. Add a small amount of vegetable oil on a folded piece of paper towel, and carefully grease the grill grates with the oil.
- Once the grill is nice and hot, add the spiced shrimp skewers.
- Cook uncovered until no longer translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Craig says
Tried these for a last minute BBQ I had at my place tonight and they were a hit! Barely had time to take a pic of the final results before they were all snatched up…LOL. Had everything for the pineapple sauce except the mint…(dang it!). I still made it but I think the mint is really needed to brighten the flavour. Great recipe Jessica!
Nina says
Hi Jessica,
I was wondering if you know a good alternative to cilantro. Every time I eat it I get an upset stomach.
Thanks
Nina
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Nina- CHopped parsley would work great as well!
Scarlett says
The skewered shrimp were simply fantabulous! I threaded some red bell pepper and yellow squash along with the other veggies onto the skewers along with the shrimp. All the colors and flavors were wonderfully vibrant and delicious. I will be making this recipe again and again, and even when guests come over for a patio supper. Love your recipes Jessica.
Jessica Gavin says
I love all of the vegetable add on’s Scarlett! Thank you for trying my recipes, I can’t wait to share more with you 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a beautiful, beautiful dish! I love grilling shrimp, and your pineapple sauce sounds delicious!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you Patricia! I love cooking shrimp, it’s so easy and yummy. I hope you get to give the recipe a try 🙂
Judy says
I appreciate your extra tips Jessica.
Do you use an outdoor grill or do you have a counter grill? I do not own any type of grill but I would like to get one for my counter.
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Judy! I use an outdoor grill but you can use a counter grill or grill pan as well!
Joyce says
Wow, these look amazing. I love the addition of mint to the sauce. What a perfect summer dish!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you so much Joyce! We are definitely enjoying this quick and light meal during the warm summer nights 🙂