Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

When I'm craving something fresh and full of tropical flavor, these pineapple shrimp skewers are the answer. Sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with tender shrimp, and the tangy pineapple sauce caramelizes beautifully on the grill for an irresistible flavor.

If you love the sweet and savory combo in these skewers, you might also enjoy my pineapple chicken! For more summer grilling ideas, check out all of my BBQ grilling recipes (this simple grilled yellow squash makes a great side for shrimp skewers).

🥘 Ingredients

• Pineapple Juice – The base of the sauce, adding natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Soy Sauce – Balances the sweetness with a salty, umami depth.
• Hoisin Sauce – Adds a rich, savory note and a touch of tang.
• Honey – Gives the sauce a smooth sweetness and helps it caramelize on the grill. You can swap it for brown sugar or granulated sugar if you prefer.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it coats the shrimp and veggies beautifully.
• Shrimp – Use raw, large or jumbo shrimp (tail on or off) for the juiciest, most tender results.
• Red Bell Pepper – Adds bright color, crisp texture, and natural sweetness.
• Pineapple – Fresh pineapple pieces are best for vibrant, sweet flavor but canned pineapple chunks work well too.
• Onion (optional) - Sliced sweet yellow onion or red onion are an excellent addition to the skewers.
• Salt & Pepper – Light seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
• Green Onions (optional) – The perfect garnish for a fresh, mild onion bite and pop of color.

🔪 How To Make Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Get out a small saucepan, whisk, grill or grill pan, (metal, wood, or bamboo) skewers, and a basting brush for applying the sauce.

This recipe makes about 6 servings, with each serving being roughly 2 skewers.

Make The Pineapple Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together 8 ounces pineapple juice, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Set your stovetop burner to medium heat and whisk the mixture as it heats to a low simmer.

Once the sauce is fully heated, bubbling, and thickened, remove it from the heat and set aside to keep warm.

Assemble & Grill Skewers

Clean and heat. Prepare your grill by cleaning the grates, lightly greasing them, and preheating to medium heat, about 325°-375°F (163°-191°C).

Assemble skewers. Thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each skewer, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper (from 1 to 2 large peppers) and 1 cup pineapple chunks plus optional sliced onion. Lightly season the skewers with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Sear and baste. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and sear for 2 minutes. Flip the skewers, then brush the cooked side generously with the pineapple sauce.

Flip until done. Cook for 1 minute on the flipped side, then flip again and brush the second side with sauce. Continue flipping and brushing the skewers with sauce until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque, about 5 to 7 minutes total grilling time.

Garnish and serve. Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with 1 tablespoon sliced green onions if desired.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

• To add a spicy element, try stirring a pinch of red pepper flakes into the pineapple sauce before heating it. This adds a nice subtle heat that balances perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors.
• If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning or catching fire while cooking and helps keep your shrimp skewers intact. Overnight soaking works even better if you have the time.
• See my grill temperature guide for detailed tips on how to adjust your grill settings based on the type of grill you have. Knowing the right temperature helps you cook shrimp evenly without drying them out or burning the sauce.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Once cooled, place leftover pineapple shrimp skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked skewers, but shrimp are best enjoyed fresh as freezing can slightly change the texture. If freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

📖 Recipe Card