Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, this Shrimp Kabobs Recipe absolutely delivers! Juicy shrimp, ripe pineapple, and crisp veggies come together on a skewer, marinated in a glaze that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking indoors, every bite tastes like summer on a stick. It’s the kind of dish that draws everyone to the table — sharing stories over irresistible flavor and vibrant color. This Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is your ticket to a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here — just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients working together to build incredible flavor in every bite. Each component in this Shrimp Kabobs Recipe adds a special touch, from the bold shrimp to the sweet pineapple and zingy marinade.

• Shrimp: Large shrimp (21-25 count) are perfect for kabobs — they cook up juicy and hold their shape beautifully on the grill.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple delivers natural sweetness and helps tenderize the shrimp with its subtle acidity.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green — pick any color combo you like for bright visual pop and a little crunch!
• Red Onion: Adds a gentle tang and becomes irresistibly sweet once grilled.
• Olive Oil: Keeps everything moist and helps lock in all those amazing flavors.
• Cornstarch: Just a touch thickens up the glaze so it clings to every delicious piece.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Supplies a tangy backbone for the marinade that balances the sweetness.
• Canned Pineapple Juice: Carries that tropical note through both the marinade and the glaze.
• Sugar and Honey: Sweeteners that combine for a luscious, sticky finish on your kabobs.
• Ketchup: Adds depth, color, and a subtle sweetness to the glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Lends a touch of savoriness and umami.
• Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors.
• Garlic Powder & Ginger Powder: Offer warmth and complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For just enough heat to keep things interesting (add more or less as you like!).

How to Make Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Step 1: Soak Wooden Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, give them at least 30 minutes in water before you even think about grilling or broiling. This keeps them from burning on the grill, letting you focus entirely on those mouthwatering kabobs instead of putting out tiny fires.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk up all the marinade and glaze ingredients, then separate out 1/4 cup. Pour this, along with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, over your prepped shrimp in a big freezer bag or bowl. Toss to coat, then set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes — just enough time to infuse the shrimp with sweet, tangy, savory flavor.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Pineapple

Add 2 tablespoons of the marinade and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large bowl. Toss in your chopped pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion, turning everything carefully so every colorful piece gets coated. Any extra marinade? Save it for later — this “Reserved Glaze” will make your kabobs downright crave-worthy.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Now comes a little bit of kabob artistry. Thread your marinated shrimp, pineapple, peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating ingredients for a rainbow effect. Not only do the kabobs taste amazing, but they’ll also look gorgeous on the plate!

Step 5: Make the Sweet and Tangy Glaze

While the grill (or oven) heats up, pour the Reserved Glaze into a small saucepan and whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until it’s glossy and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. If you love things sweeter, stir in a little more honey, or go bolder with a splash more vinegar for extra tang.

Step 6: Grill or Bake the Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

If you’re using the grill, make sure the grates are clean and greased. Grill your kabobs over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, just until shrimp are pink and slightly charred. Baking? Arrange kabobs on a lined baking sheet and roast at 450°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. No matter which method you choose, brush those piping-hot kabobs with your luscious Sweet and Tangy Glaze as soon as they come off the heat.

How to Serve Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Garnishes

These kabobs are delicious as-is, but a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley brings a burst of color and freshness. For a citrusy finish, squeeze a wedge of lime right on top just before serving. A final dusting of sesame seeds or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes offers a fun pop at the table, making every skewer a visual and flavorful delight.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Kabobs Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy coconut rice, crunchy slaw, or a bowl of garlic buttered asparagus. Even simple grilled bread makes a lovely accompaniment, mopping up every drop of that golden glaze. If you want to keep things light, serve these kabobs over a bed of mixed greens for a bright, healthy dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by serving the kabobs upright in a pineapple half for a tropical centerpiece. Or, lay them out on a vibrant platter lined with banana leaves or fresh herbs. If you’re having a party, set up a DIY kabob bar and let guests build their own — it’s interactive, fun, and lets everyone customize their perfect skewer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra kabobs (lucky you!), simply remove the shrimp and veggies from the skewers and store everything in an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them ideal for next-day salads, sandwiches, or snacking straight from the fridge.

Freezing

The cooked shrimp kabobs can be frozen for later enjoyment. After cooling, slip the shrimp and veggies off the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months, and remember to label with the date so you never lose track of your culinary treasures.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, avoid drying out the shrimp. For the microwave, remove the shrimp from the skewers and heat in short bursts — 30 seconds at first, then 15-second intervals until just warmed through. Or, reheat gently in a skillet on the stove, tossing until everything is hot but not overcooked. This way, your shrimp stay plump and juicy every single time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Kabobs Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work great for this Shrimp Kabobs Recipe! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. This ensures they soak up all that gloriously tangy glaze and cook evenly on the skewer.

What’s the best way to tell if shrimp are cooked through?

Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque, and their tails curl up. They should feel firm but not rubbery. On the grill or in the oven, this usually takes just 4 to 8 minutes total. Overcooking is the enemy, so keep an eye out — they finish quickly!

Can I make this kabob recipe ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can prep and marinate the shrimp and veggies up to a day in advance. Thread onto skewers and store covered in the fridge. When it’s party time, simply grill or bake and brush with glaze for stress-free entertaining.

Is it possible to make this recipe without pineapple?

Definitely. If pineapple isn’t your thing, swap it for other sweet fruits like mango, peaches, or even chunks of zucchini for a savory twist. The beauty of the Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is its flexibility — make it your own!

Can I bake these Shrimp Kabobs Recipe if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! This Shrimp Kabobs Recipe turns out beautifully in the oven. Just preheat to 450°F, bake as directed, and finish with that sweet-and-tangy glaze. You’ll get juicy, caramelized kabobs even without a grill.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something tropical or just want to add a burst of joyful color to your dinner table, this Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is guaranteed to please. It’s simple enough for weeknights, yet impressive at any cookout. So gather your favorite people and give it a try — you’ll see just how fun and delicious dinner on a stick can be!

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