If your summer grilling repertoire needs a little excitement, bring these Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers front and center. This easy yet crowd-pleasing dish combines succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple chunks brushed with a punchy glaze made from sweet chili sauce and sambal. The result? A symphony of caramelized edges, hot-off-the-grill flavors, and just the right balance of sweet heat. Trust me, these skewers are the definition of effortless flavor and are destined to be a staple at your next backyard cookout.

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients, you’ll see how every element in Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers adds something vibrant or essential—whether it’s sweetness, fire, or that unmistakable tropical twist. Fresh, quality ingredients are key, so don’t skimp on the shrimp and pineapple!

Shrimp (1 lb, large and uncooked): Big, juicy shrimp hold up best to grilling and soak up all the bright, bold flavors.
Pineapple chunks (1 lb): These brighten every bite, caramelizing beautifully on the grill for extra sweetness.
Sweet chili sauce (1/3 cup): This vibrant sauce brings a touch of sticky sweetness and delicate heat to unite the glaze.
Sambal (2 tsp): Add a healthy punch of spicy depth; adjust the amount if you like things milder or bolder.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Mix the Glaze

Start by making the glaze that gives these Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers their irresistible flavor. In a small bowl, simply combine the sweet chili sauce with sambal. Give it a good stir until the mixture is smooth and the sambal is evenly distributed. This two-ingredient wonder is the secret to maximum impact with minimal effort!

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the shrimp and juicy pineapple chunks onto your skewers, alternating each piece for the perfect pattern of sweet and savory. Keep the pieces snug but not too packed, so everything cooks evenly. You should end up with about 9 to 10 enticing skewers. Now, grab a pastry brush and lavish both sides of each skewer with the prepared sauce—don’t be shy, this is where the flavor soaks in!

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium high—hot enough for a satisfying sizzle. Place the assembled Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on the first side. Before flipping, brush with any extra sauce you have left. Flip and let them grill for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until your shrimp are opaque and perfectly cooked through. You’ll notice delicious caramelized edges forming—it’s hard not to sneak one hot off the grill!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the skewers are off the grill, transfer them straight to a serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, shower them with chopped parsley for color and zip, and tuck in some lime wedges for a fresh, citrusy finish. Serve these Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers warm and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Garnishes

To take things up a notch, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley delivers a dash of green vibrance and a hint of freshness, while lime wedges on the side allow everyone to amp up the tropical, tangy notes to their liking. Don’t be afraid to offer a tiny pinch of flaky salt or a dusting of chili powder for that chef’s kiss finish.

Side Dishes

These Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers absolutely shine alongside fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or cool rice noodles. A light cucumber salad or a platter of grilled veggies would also keep things bright and refreshing, making your meal balanced and colorful. If you’re hosting a party, sliced avocados or a quick mango salsa are wonderful, sunny companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your skewers by standing them upright in a tall glass or mason jar for a fun and interactive appetizer at your next get-together. For a tropical spin, serve them over a bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce, or use smaller skewers for cocktail-sized bites—perfect for party platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) end up with leftovers, slide the shrimp and pineapple off the skewers and store them together in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their bold flavor for up to two days and are wonderful tossed into salads or grain bowls for easy lunches.

Freezing

While these skewers are always best fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked shrimp and pineapple. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within a month for best flavor. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, quickly reheat your Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers under the broiler or in a hot skillet—just enough to warm through without overcooking the shrimp. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but be careful not to zap the shrimp into chewiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Definitely! Just thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before threading onto skewers to avoid excess moisture and ensure perfect grilling.

Is sambal very spicy?

Sambal does bring heat, but in this recipe it’s balanced out by the sweet chili sauce and pineapple. Feel free to start with less and taste as you go if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I cook these without a grill?

Absolutely. You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even broil the skewers in the oven, flipping halfway through, for comparable caramelization and flavor.

What other protein can I use?

Chicken pieces, scallops, or even tofu cubes would work beautifully as an alternative to shrimp—just adjust cooking times as needed to suit your choice.

How far in advance can I assemble the skewers?

You can assemble and brush the skewers with sauce several hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill for a hassle-free party prep.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely cannot wait for you to try these Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers. They’re outrageously delicious and as easy as summer cooking gets. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let this dish steal the show at your next gathering!

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 9–10 skewers 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers are a perfect blend of flavors, with succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple glazed with a delicious sweet chili sauce. Grilled to perfection, these skewers make a delightful appetizer or main dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 lb shrimp (large uncooked)

Pineapple Chunks:

1 lb pineapple chunks

Sauce:

1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tsp sambal

Instructions

Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce and sambal.
Thread Shrimp and Pineapple: Skewer shrimp and pineapple alternately. Brush sauce onto skewers.
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque.
Serve: Transfer skewers to a dish, garnish with parsley and lime wedges. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Fusion