If you’re looking for a deliciously tropical dish that’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, then Pineapple Shrimp recipe is the perfect recipe! This dish combines juicy shrimp with caramelized pineapple, tossed in a flavorful sauce for a meal that’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
One of the best things about pineapple shrimp is its versatility—you can make it spicy, buttery, stir-fried, or grilled! Whether you’re serving it over rice, stuffing it into tacos, or pairing it with noodles, this dish is sure to impress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
✅ The best ingredients for a flavorful pineapple shrimp dish
✅ How to cook shrimp and pineapple perfectly
✅ Delicious variations like spicy, stir-fried, and grilled versions
✅ Pro tips for balancing sweet and savory flavors
This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with tropical flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or summer BBQs!
Ingredients for Pineapple Shrimp
To make a flavorful and well-balanced pineapple shrimp dish, you’ll need fresh seafood, juicy pineapple, and bold seasonings.
Essential Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Juice of ½ lime (adds freshness)
For the Pineapple:
- 1½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 teaspoon honey (enhances caramelization)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm touch)
For the Sauce (Optional, for Extra Flavor):
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds umami)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for a tropical kick)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (optional, for spice)
Optional Add-Ins for More Flavor:
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced (adds crunch and color)
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced (enhances savory depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for extra aroma)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for an Asian-inspired twist)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Best Pineapple to Use 🍍
- Fresh pineapple – Best for natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Canned pineapple – Works in a pinch but has extra juice; drain well before using.
- Frozen pineapple – Can be used but should be thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to how to cook pineapple shrimp perfectly!
How to Make Pineapple Shrimp Recipe
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to cook juicy shrimp and perfectly caramelized pineapple for a flavorful tropical dish.
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
- Clean the Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10–15 minutes.
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes (if using), and lime juice.
- Set aside while preparing the pineapple.
- Prepare the Pineapple & Vegetables:
- If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks.
- Toss pineapple chunks with 1 teaspoon honey to help caramelize them.
- If using bell peppers, onions, or garlic, slice them now.
Step 2: Cooking the Pineapple
- Heat the Pan:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Caramelize the Pineapple:
- Add pineapple chunks to the hot pan in a single layer.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned and caramelized.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
🔥 Tip: If you want a smoky char, use grilled pineapple instead!
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat More Oil:
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
🔥 Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp—they should be juicy and tender, not rubbery!
Step 4: Bringing Everything Together
- Sauté Additional Ingredients:
- If using bell peppers, onions, or garlic, add them to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return Shrimp and Pineapple to the Pan:
- Toss everything together and stir well.
- Add Sauce (Optional):
- If using a sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sriracha in a bowl, then pour over the shrimp and pineapple.
- Stir and let cook for 1–2 minutes until flavors meld.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or green onions.
- Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or tortillas.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve Pineapple Shrimp with:
🍚 Steamed jasmine rice – Perfect for absorbing the sauce.
🥢 Rice noodles or lo mein – Great for an Asian-style meal.
🌮 Tortillas – Make pineapple shrimp tacos!
🥗 A side salad with citrus dressing – Adds freshness.
Your sweet, savory, and tropical Pineapple Shrimp is now ready to enjoy!
Variations of Pineapple Shrimp Recipe
Pineapple shrimp is versatile, and you can customize it with different flavors, spice levels, and cooking methods. Here are some delicious variations to try!
1. Spicy Pineapple Shrimp 🌶️🔥
For those who love heat, this spicy version adds a bold kick!
How to Make It Spicy:
- Increase chili flakes or cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon.
- Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Toss in sliced jalapeños or Thai chilies for extra heat.
🔥 Best Served With: Steamed rice and a side of cooling cucumber salad.
2. Pineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry 🍜
A quick and easy Asian-style stir-fry with pineapple and shrimp!
How to Make It:
- Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger for a stir-fry flavor.
- Add bell peppers, onions, and carrots for extra crunch.
- Toss with cooked rice noodles or serve over fried rice.
🥢 Best Served With: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.
3. Garlic Butter Pineapple Shrimp 🧄🧈
For a rich, buttery flavor, this version is perfect!
How to Make It:
- Replace olive oil with 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 4 cloves minced garlic while cooking shrimp.
- Squeeze extra lemon juice for a fresh balance.
🧄 Best Served With: Mashed potatoes or garlic bread!
4. Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Skewers 🍍🔥
A BBQ-style dish that’s smoky, juicy, and perfect for summer!
How to Make It:
- Thread shrimp, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers onto skewers.
- Brush with honey-lime glaze before grilling.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
🍢 Best Served With: A side of grilled corn and coconut rice.
5. Pineapple Shrimp Tacos 🌮
Turn pineapple shrimp into a fun and flavorful taco filling!
How to Make It:
- Serve shrimp and pineapple in warm corn tortillas.
- Add coleslaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Top with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco.
🌮 Best Served With: A side of black beans and mango salsa.
Each of these variations adds a unique twist to classic Pineapple Shrimp.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Shrimp
To make restaurant-quality pineapple shrimp, follow these pro tips for perfect texture, flavor balance, and presentation!
1. Choosing the Best Shrimp 🦐
- Use large shrimp (16/20 count) – They stay juicy and don’t overcook quickly.
- Fresh shrimp is best, but if using frozen shrimp, thaw properly in cold water for 10–15 minutes.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning – This helps them brown nicely.
🔥 Tip: Cook shrimp for only 1–2 minutes per side to keep them tender!
2. Getting the Best Pineapple Flavor 🍍
- Fresh pineapple caramelizes better than canned.
- Grill or pan-sear pineapple for extra depth and sweetness.
- If using canned pineapple, drain and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
🔥 Tip: A pinch of cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of pineapple!
3. Balancing Sweet and Savory Flavors
- Soy sauce or fish sauce adds umami to balance the sweetness.
- Lime juice or vinegar cuts through the richness and enhances the tropical taste.
- A touch of honey or brown sugar brings out the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
🔥 Tip: If the dish is too sweet, add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne for contrast!
4. Best Cooking Methods for Pineapple Shrimp
- Sautéing – Quick and easy, perfect for a stir-fry or skillet dish.
- Grilling – Gives a smoky flavor, great for BBQ skewers.
- Baking – Works well for a hands-off method, especially in foil packets.
🔥 Tip: For an extra tropical touch, cook the dish inside a hollowed-out pineapple half!
5. What to Serve with Pineapple Shrimp
This dish pairs well with:
🍚 Coconut rice – Enhances the tropical flavors.
🥗 Cucumber or mango salad – Adds a refreshing contrast.
🌮 Corn tortillas – For a fun taco-style meal.
🍹 Pineapple margaritas or fruit smoothies – Completes the tropical theme!
By following these tips, you’ll get juicy, flavorful shrimp and caramelized pineapple every time!
FAQs About Pineapple Shrimp Recipe
Here are answers to common questions to help you perfect your Pineapple Shrimp every time!
1. Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes! But keep these tips in mind:
- Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Use pineapple chunks, not crushed pineapple, for the best texture.
- Caramelize in a pan or oven to bring out sweetness.
🔥 Tip: Fresh pineapple gives a better caramelization and natural sweetness!
2. How Do I Make Pineapple Shrimp Spicier?
To add more heat, try:
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce in the sauce.
- 1 finely chopped jalapeño or Thai chili for extra spice.
- A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while seasoning shrimp.
🔥 Tip: A mix of sweet pineapple and spicy chilies creates the perfect balance!
3. Can I Make Pineapple Shrimp Ahead of Time?
Yes! Here’s how to store and reheat:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat shrimp separately in a pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Don’t microwave shrimp for too long—it can become rubbery.
🔥 Tip: If making ahead, cook the shrimp fresh and store the sauce and pineapple separately!
4. What Can I Serve with Pineapple Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with:
🍚 Steamed jasmine or coconut rice – Absorbs the sweet and savory sauce.
🥗 Tropical fruit salad – Complements the dish’s light flavors.
🌮 Tacos with slaw and avocado – Turns it into a fun taco night!
🥢 Lo mein or stir-fried noodles – A great Asian-inspired pairing.
5. Can I Grill Pineapple Shrimp Instead of Sautéing?
Absolutely! Grilled pineapple shrimp is smoky and delicious.
- Thread shrimp, pineapple, and bell peppers onto skewers.
- Brush with honey-lime glaze.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
🔥 Tip: Grilling adds a smoky depth that enhances the sweetness of the pineapple!
These FAQs should help you customize and perfect your Pineapple Shrimp.
Conclusion
Pineapple shrimp is a sweet, savory, and tropical dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or special occasions. Whether you sauté, grill, or stir-fry, this dish is quick, flavorful, and easy to customize.
To make the best Pineapple Shrimp, remember:
✅ Use fresh pineapple for the best caramelization and sweetness.
✅ Cook shrimp for only 1–2 minutes per side to keep them juicy.
✅ Balance flavors with soy sauce, lime juice, or spice to avoid excessive sweetness.
✅ Experiment with variations like spicy, garlic butter, stir-fried, or grilled versions.
This dish pairs well with coconut rice, tacos, salads, or lo mein, making it a versatile and delicious meal. Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your ingredients and enjoy a taste of the tropics with homemade Pineapple Shrimp! 🍍🍤