Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the epitome of tropical flavors. The sweetness of the pineapple and honey pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp, while the lime and ginger add a refreshing zing. The grill marks on the pineapple give the dish a smoky flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. Plus, serving the shrimp and pineapple in the hollowed-out shell not only makes for a fun presentation but also adds an extra touch of island flair. It’s quick to make, yet feels like an exotic getaway with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 fresh pineapple, halved and hollowed out
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
- Cut the Pineapple: Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to carefully hollow out each half, leaving a shell about ½ inch thick. Reserve the pineapple flesh for later use.
- Chop the Pineapple Flesh: Dice the reserved pineapple into bite-sized chunks, which will be mixed with the shrimp later.
3. Grill the Shrimp and Pineapple:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using) or place them directly on the grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Grill the Pineapple: While the shrimp are grilling, place the hollowed-out pineapple halves on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, just until the outside starts to caramelize and develop grill marks.
4. Assemble and Serve:
- Combine the Shrimp and Pineapple: Once the shrimp are grilled, remove them from the skewers and toss them with the diced pineapple. Stir in some fresh cilantro for added flavor.
- Stuff the Pineapple Shells: Carefully spoon the shrimp and pineapple mixture into the grilled pineapple halves, packing it gently into the shell.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the stuffed pineapple shells immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2-4 servings (depending on the size of the pineapple)
Variations
- Spicy Version: If you love extra heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Grilled Veggies: Add some grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the shrimp and pineapple for an even heartier dish.
- Coconut Rice: Serve this dish with a side of coconut rice to complete the tropical theme.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to consume the dish fresh to retain the texture of the shrimp and pineapple.
- Reheating: If needed, gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving the shrimp, as they can become tough.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating and grilling.
2. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is best for grilling, but if canned pineapple is your only option, use drained pineapple chunks and grill them in a pan or grill them briefly on the stovetop.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to grill the shrimp and pineapple right before serving for optimal flavor.
4. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done—usually around 2-3 minutes per side, depending on size.
5. Can I use a grill pan if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan works perfectly well for this recipe. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions.
6. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade to kick up the heat.
7. Can I use a different fruit for this recipe?
While pineapple is the star of this dish, mango or even papaya can be used as an alternative for a tropical twist.
8. How do I make the shrimp more flavorful?
Marinate the shrimp for at least 10-15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes, to allow the marinade to infuse the shrimp without overpowering the natural flavors.
9. Can I use the pineapple shells for other recipes?
Yes! The hollowed-out pineapple shells can be used for other dishes like tropical salads or as serving bowls for desserts like sorbet or ice cream.
10. Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the marinade with other spices such as cumin, coriander, or even a little garlic powder for extra flavor depth.
Conclusion
Pineapple Shrimp Luau is a fun, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with succulent grilled shrimp, all served in a stunning pineapple shell. This tropical-inspired meal is quick to prepare, visually impressive, and packed with flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or simply when you’re craving something different, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and bring a taste of the islands to your table.
Pineapple Shrimp Luau
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Description
Pineapple Shrimp Luau is a vibrant and tropical dish combining grilled shrimp and caramelized pineapple, served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell for a fun, visually stunning presentation.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 fresh pineapple, halved and hollowed out
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Marinate the shrimp in the mixture for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Pineapple: Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise and hollow out the halves, leaving a ½-inch thick shell. Dice the reserved pineapple flesh into bite-sized chunks.
- Grill the Shrimp and Pineapple: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Grill the hollowed-out pineapple halves for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the outside starts to caramelize.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the shrimp are grilled, remove them from the skewers and toss them with the diced pineapple. Stir in fresh cilantro. Spoon the shrimp and pineapple mixture into the grilled pineapple halves, packing it gently. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For added heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Grill vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the shrimp for a heartier dish.
Serve with coconut rice to complement the tropical flavors of the dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or stovetop to achieve similar results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
