Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This shrimp kabob recipe with pineapple is your answer. It's a delicious blend of sweet and savory, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. These juicy shrimp and pineapple chunks, marinated in a zesty sauce, are grilled to perfection, creating a taste of paradise on your plate. Ready to make this healthy and quick dinner idea a reality? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)
Instructions:
Marinate the Shrimp and Pineapple:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the shrimp and pineapple chunks to the bowl, ensuring they're fully coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the tastier it becomes!
Assemble and Grill the Kabobs:
- Thread the marinated shrimp and pineapple chunks onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the kabobs on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp!
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and healthy meal! These shrimp kabobs are fantastic on their own or served with rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Kabobs:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the kabobs enough space to cook evenly.
- Watch the shrimp closely: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your kabobs will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your kabobs, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- Use different marinade: Experiment with different marinades to create your own unique flavor combinations. Teriyaki or a cilantro-lime marinade would be delicious!
- Make it a sheet pan meal: If you don't have a grill, you can easily bake these kabobs on a sheet pan in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy shrimp kabob recipe with pineapple is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. It's a healthy meal that's both satisfying and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy the taste of the tropics, right in your own kitchen!