Easy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers: A Simple Southern Dinner with Big Flavor
When it comes to making a quick, flavorful meal that feels like summer any time of year, these easy pineapple shrimp skewers on the stovetop or grill are the answer.
This dish brings together the natural sweetness of pineapple with juicy shrimp and a sticky honey garlic glaze that packs a bold punch—ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
You may also like:
- Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp and Sausage Boil Foil Packets
- Shrimp and Sausage Grits
- Shrimp, Turkey, and Sausage Etouffee
Who This Recipe Is For
If you’re a busy home cook looking for quick weeknight shrimp dinner ideas, this recipe is for you.
It’s also great for folks who love tropical flavors but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a parent needing a meal the kids will actually eat, or you’re cooking for a casual get-together with friends, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleaser without the stress.
Bonus—clean-up is easy too.
What Makes Pineapple Shrimp Skewers So Popular
This dish is all about contrast. You’ve got savory and sweet, soft and crisp, hot and refreshing—all on one stick. The sticky honey garlic shrimp glaze clings to every bite, and when it hits that fresh pineapple, it brings out the natural sugars and just the right amount of caramelization during cooking.
This recipe doesn’t require a lot of fancy prep. You can even get the shrimp peeled and deveined ahead of time and use pre-cut pineapple if needed. Just brush, sear, and serve.
When to Serve This Southern-Inspired Skewer Recipe
These grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers with garlic honey glaze are perfect during grilling season, but you don’t have to wait for warm weather.
You can cook them in a skillet on the stovetop just as easily, making this a solid dinner option any time of year.
They’re especially great for a quick weekend lunch, an easy backyard party appetizer, or a low-fuss dinner when you want something light but still satisfying.
Where to Use This Recipe Beyond Dinner
You don’t have to stick with serving these over rice.
Try layering them over a fresh green salad with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette for a lighter meal.
Or, pull the shrimp and pineapple off the skewers and toss them into a wrap with slaw for a fun twist on a shrimp taco.
They’re also excellent served cold as part of a chilled pasta salad or tucked into meal prep containers for lunch throughout the week.
Why This Recipe Works for Southern Kitchens
This kind of dish fits right in with the way we cook in the South—simple ingredients, full flavor, and flexible enough to make your own.
Shrimp is a Southern staple, and pairing it with something sweet like pineapple is a natural move down here.
It’s easy to prepare and can be scaled up for cookouts or cut down for a solo dinner.
How to Make This Dish Even Easier
If you’re really short on time, make the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge. You can marinate the shrimp in the sauce before skewering or just use it fresh as a glaze.
Want less cleanup? Use a grill pan or line your skillet with foil.
Want to stretch it a bit? Serve over a bed of garlic butter rice or coconut jasmine rice to soak up all the leftover sauce.
Add this recipe to your meal plan!
These pineapple shrimp skewers are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to get big flavor on the table.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or keeping it simple on the stovetop, this recipe is a great way to bring a little taste of the coast right to your kitchen.
It’s quick, easy, and full of that sweet-savory combo folks can’t get enough of.
So the next time you’re craving something fresh and fast, give these skewers a try—they just might end up in your regular dinner rotation.
Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Honey Glaze
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 large cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice of ½ a lemon)
- 1 pound shrimp
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or more if desired
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1 cup fresh chopped pineapple
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, optional
Directions:
Submerge the skewers in water while prepping other ingredients.
Heat 2 of the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, honey, garlic, and soy sauce over medium heat.
Stir until well combined, bring to a slight boil, and then allow to simmer for 4-5 mins until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Place the shrimp and pineapple pieces, alternating them on the skewers.
Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Brush the sauce on both sides of the skewers.
In a large pan melt 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Sear the skewers for 3-4 mins per side, brushing sauce on the skewers as it cools.
Skewers are ready when the shrimp is pink and not opaque.
Remove from pan and serve.
The additional sauce can be used for dipping or poured over rice.
Notes:
- Soak the skewers for 20-25 mins for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, cook 3-4 skewers at a time
- This can be done on a grill, instead of pouring the sauce, brush the sauce onto the skewers.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Can I cook pineapple shrimp skewers without a grill?
Yes, you can make stovetop pineapple shrimp skewers in a large skillet. Just cook them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side and brush on the sauce as they cook.
What is the best marinade for shrimp and pineapple skewers?
A homemade honey garlic soy glaze is perfect. It’s sweet, savory, and thickens into a sticky sauce that clings to the shrimp and pineapple during cooking.
How long should I cook shrimp on skewers in a skillet?
Shrimp only need about 3 to 4 minutes per side on medium heat. They’re done when they turn pink and are no longer translucent.
Can I use frozen shrimp for honey garlic shrimp skewers?
Yes, just make sure the shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before threading onto the skewers. This helps the sauce stick better and ensures even cooking.
What side dishes go well with pineapple shrimp skewers?
Popular sides include jasmine rice, coconut rice, grilled vegetables, mango salsa, or a fresh garden salad with citrus dressing.
Can I prepare shrimp skewers ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Brush with the sauce just before cooking for the best flavor and texture.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning during cooking?
Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes before using. This keeps them from burning whether you’re grilling or cooking on the stovetop.
Are shrimp and pineapple skewers good for meal prep?
Yes, they’re great for healthy shrimp meal prep recipes. Store cooked shrimp and pineapple in airtight containers with rice or salad for easy grab-and-go meals.
What’s the best way to reheat cooked shrimp skewers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little extra sauce or butter, or microwave for 30–45 seconds. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Can I bake honey garlic shrimp skewers in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with sauce as they cook for best results.
Is this shrimp skewer recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this can be a gluten-free shrimp and pineapple skewer recipe. Always check labels to be sure.
What type of shrimp is best for grilling or searing on skewers?
Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best for grilling or stovetop searing. They hold their shape on the skewer and cook evenly.
Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Honey Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 large cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice(juice of ½ a lemon)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound shrimp
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt or more if desired
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1 cup fresh chopped pineapple
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
Submerge the skewers in water while prepping other ingredients.
Heat 2 of the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, honey, garlic, and soy sauce over medium heat.
Stir until well combined, bring to a slight boil, and then allow to simmer for 4-5 mins until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
Place the shrimp and pineapple pieces, alternating them on the skewers.
Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Brush the sauce on both sides of the skewers.
In a large pan melt 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Sear the skewers for 3-4 mins per side, brushing sauce on the skewers as it cools.
Skewers are ready when the shrimp is pink and not opaque.
Remove from pan and serve.
The additional sauce can be used for dipping or poured over rice.
