These shrimp pineapple skewers bring together juicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and a sticky spicy honey glaze for a dish that feels festive yet effortless. They cook quickly, look beautiful on the table, and deliver a balance of sweet heat that works for casual dinners and special gatherings alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll appreciate how fast this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The contrast of tender shrimp with caramelized pineapple creates layers of flavor in every bite. The glaze is simple but bold, combining sweetness, gentle heat, and a hint of savory depth. These skewers are also versatile, working equally well as an appetizer or a satisfying main dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the spicy honey glaze
2 tablespoons hot honey
2 tablespoons natural honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
For the skewers
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the hot honey, honey, soy sauce, and pineapple juice until fully combined. Pour half of the glaze into a separate bowl and reserve it for finishing the skewers after grilling.
Preheat the grill to 400°F. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Thread the shrimp, pineapple pieces, and red bell pepper onto skewers, alternating ingredients for even cooking and visual appeal.
Brush the assembled skewers lightly with olive oil on all sides.
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
While grilling, brush the skewers with the first half of the glaze after turning them, allowing it to caramelize lightly on the surface.
Remove the skewers from the grill once fully cooked and drizzle with the reserved glaze just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings, assuming 2 skewers per person.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: approximately 28 minutes
Variations
For extra heat, add red chili flakes or a dash of chili paste to the glaze.
You can substitute the red bell pepper with green bell pepper, yellow pepper, or zucchini for a different flavor profile.
For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of fresh lime juice to the glaze.
If grilling isn’t an option, these skewers can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the skewers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating and grilling.
How spicy is the glaze?
The glaze has a mild to medium heat. You can easily adjust it by using more or less hot honey.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
You can assemble the skewers up to 8 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Can these skewers be cooked indoors?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan or broiler works well if outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
What should I serve with these skewers?
They pair nicely with rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely. Doubling the glaze is great if you like extra sauce for drizzling or serving on the side.
Is fresh pineapple necessary?
Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and caramelization, but canned pineapple chunks can be used if well drained.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the amount of honey slightly and increase the soy sauce by a teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
Shrimp Pineapple Skewers with a Spicy Honey Glaze are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big taste with minimal effort. The sweet and spicy glaze, paired with juicy shrimp and caramelized pineapple, makes this recipe one you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a simple dinner, these skewers are sure to impress.
Shrimp Pineapple Skewers with a Spicy Honey Glaze combine juicy shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and a sweet-heat glaze for a quick, vibrant dish perfect for grilling season. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re great for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
For the spicy honey glaze:
2 tablespoons hot honey
2 tablespoons natural honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup pineapple juice
For the skewers:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together hot honey, regular honey, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Reserve half of the glaze in a separate bowl for finishing.
Preheat grill to 400°F. Clean and oil the grates.
Thread shrimp, pineapple, and bell pepper onto skewers, alternating ingredients for even cooking.
Brush skewers with olive oil on all sides.
Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly curled.
Brush skewers with half of the glaze after turning to allow light caramelization.
Remove from grill and drizzle with reserved glaze before serving.
Notes
Add chili flakes or chili paste for extra heat.
Swap bell pepper for zucchini or another vegetable of choice.
Use lime juice for a citrusy glaze variation.
Cook indoors using a grill pan or broiler if needed.
Double the glaze for more sauce to serve on the side.
