Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce Recipe

Let me introduce you to my crowd-pleasing, flavor-bursting Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce—a recipe that brings a taste of the tropics to your backyard. This quick and lively dish packs heat, brightness, and sweetness in every juicy bite, and is just as fabulous for weeknight dinners as it is for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients, you’ll be amazed by the depth of taste packed into every skewer. Each component adds a unique note—bringing out color, a touch of heat, and plenty of zest to make Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce shine!

• 1 lb large shrimp (cooked, deveined): Succulent shrimp form the heart of this dish, soaking up the marinade and grilling up plump and juicy.
• 6 grilling skewers: Skewers make serving (and eating!) these shrimp easy, fun, and hands-on.
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil or butter: The richness of coconut oil or butter keeps shrimp extra moist and imparts a subtle tropical aroma.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder: A little goes a long way for that spicy kick—adjust to taste depending on your heat preference.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper: These vibrant flakes bring a punch of heat and beautiful flecks of color atop the skewers.
• 1 lime: Lime juice brightens every bite and ties together the flavors with its tart zing.
• 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herby note that beautifully complements the other tropical flavors.
• 6 grape tomatoes, minced: Tomatoes add juicy sweetness and color to the pineapple salsa.
• 3/4 cup pineapple, minced: Pineapple is the sweet and tart star of the refreshing salsa that tops these shrimp.

Variations

This Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce recipe is wonderfully adaptable—you can easily change it up based on the contents of your fridge, your spice threshold, or any dietary needs. Here are a few tried-and-true swaps and ideas:

• Make it Extra Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or additional cayenne powder if you want your skewers to really tingle on the tongue.
• Mango Salsa Twist: Substitute minced mango for some (or all) of the pineapple for an even juicier tropic vibe.
• Vegan Version: Use grilled tofu cubes or king oyster mushroom slices instead of shrimp for a plant-based spin—just adjust grilling time accordingly.
• Low Carb Lovers: Skip the tomatoes and add diced cucumber or bell pepper to the salsa for extra crunch without upping the carbs.

How to Make Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Grill & Shrimp

Start by preheating your grill to about 350°F (medium-high)—the perfect sweet spot for charred outsides and tender, juicy shrimp. If your shrimp are frozen, make sure they’re totally thawed and patted dry before getting them onto skewers (about 4–5 shrimp per skewer). This ensures even grilling and stops them from sticking together.

Step 2: Season & Skewer

Whisk together your coconut oil (or butter) and cayenne powder until the spicy oil is evenly mixed. Brush this mixture generously over each shrimp skewer to coat the shrimp thoroughly. This not only layers on the flavor but also helps prevent sticking. If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them beforehand for 10 minutes can help keep them from burning on the grill.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and sport those gorgeous grill marks. Be careful not to overcook—shrimp turn rubbery very quickly, so pull them off as soon as they’re just done!

Step 4: Make the Zesty Pineapple Salsa

While your shrimp are grilling, combine the minced pineapple and tomatoes in a small bowl. Give it a gentle toss; you want the salsa bright and juicy but not too watery. This sweet, punchy relish is what sets Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce apart—it’s the flavor crown!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

As soon as the skewers are done, top each one with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, a fresh squeeze of lime juice, a little chopped cilantro if desired, and a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa. Serve immediately, while the shrimp are still glistening and warm.

How to Serve Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and color, a generous scattering of chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley adds brightness to these skewers. A few extra lime wedges on the platter invite your guests to squeeze more citrus over their Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce—because there’s no such thing as too much zing! If you love a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This dish plays so well with a whole spread of summer favorites. I love serving the spicy shrimp skewers over a bed of coconut rice, with a simple cucumber salad or charred corn on the cob. You can tuck them into warmed tortillas for spicy shrimp tacos or offer alongside a crisp green salad for a fresh, light meal any night.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party platter, alternate the grilled shrimp with grilled pineapple chunks and bell pepper slices on each skewer for extra color. Serve the pineapply salsa on the side in mini bowls for a DIY topping bar, or stand skewers upright in tall glasses to make for an eye-catching centerpiece. These are perfect as a finger food appetizer, too—just cut the skewers in half for bite-sized party fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare, but possible!), store the shrimp and pineapple salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The shrimp will keep well for up to 2 days, while the salsa remains fresh and zesty for about 24 hours before it starts to lose its brightness.

Freezing

Grilled shrimp actually freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Pineapple salsa, however, is best enjoyed fresh—freezing will change its texture, so prep a new batch when you thaw those shrimp for next time.

Reheating

Reheat Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce gently to keep them tender—either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts (about 20 seconds at a time), just until warmed through. Always add the salsa after reheating to keep the flavors bright and textures crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try Spicy Grilled Shrimp w/ Pineapple Sauce, I promise you’ll fall in love with its brightness, ease, and festive spirit! Give this recipe a spot on your summer table (or any time you need a little sunshine on your plate) and let me know how you put your own creative spin on it. Happy grilling!

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