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Sweet and spicy pineapple shrimp skewers sizzling on a gas grill grate with caramelizing glaze and wisps of smoke

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Skewers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings 10 skewers

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb pineapple chunks (fresh)
  • 1/3 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tsp sambal

Instructions
 

  • If using wooden skewers on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before beginning.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the sweet chili sauce and sambal until combined. If you want extra sauce for dipping, reserve a small amount in a separate bowl before it contacts raw shrimp.
  • Thread the shrimp and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers. Aim for roughly even sizing between shrimp and pineapple. You should get approximately 9–10 skewers.
  • Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each skewer generously with the sauce.
  • Heat the grill to medium-high. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3 minutes. Brush with any remaining sauce, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
  • Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.

For Grill Pan

  • Heat grill pan to medium heat. Grease lightly. Cook 3–4 skewers at a time for 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are cooked through and opaque.

For Grill Press

  • Heat grill press to medium-high or high. Grease the surface. Cook 3–4 skewers at a time, closed, for 5–6 minutes total. Flip halfway through if your grill press browns better on one side.

Notes

  • Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. This step is not needed for metal skewers or when using a grill pan/press.
  • Cut pineapple chunks to roughly the same size as your shrimp so skewers lay flat and everything cooks evenly.
  • Reserve a small bowl of sauce before brushing raw skewers if you want a dipping sauce for serving.
  • Sambal substitutes: equal amount of gochujang, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Pineapple substitute: mango chunks work beautifully and keep the tropical flavor.
  • Optional additions: red bell pepper chunks and sweet onion make great additions to the skewers.