Pineapple Shrimp – This combination of sweet, tangy pineapple and succulent shrimp is a quick, refreshing meal that’s loaded with tropical flavors.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple Shrimp
- Burst of flavors: The sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the briny, juicy shrimp.
- Quick and easy: With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood that provides a great source of vitamins like B12, selenium, and phosphorus.
- Customizable: From spicy to tangy, you can adapt this dish to suit your personal flavor preferences.
Tips and Tricks
Balance the sweetness: If the dish feels too sweet from the pineapple, adjust with a splash of lime juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Use fresh pineapple: While canned pineapple can work in a pinch, fresh pineapple adds a much brighter and more intense flavor.
Marinate the shrimp: If you have extra time, marinating the shrimp in a little soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic for 20 minutes before cooking can infuse them with even more flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks incredibly fast. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Variations of Pineapple Shrimp
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what’s available in your pantry.
Stir-Fry: Add more veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for a stir-fry twist. Serve with a light soy or teriyaki glaze.
Spicy Shrimp: If you love a bit of heat, add more chili flakes or drizzle with Sriracha. You can also throw in some fresh jalapeños or use a spicy pineapple glaze.
Coconut Shrimp: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, island-inspired twist. Coconut shrimp is another delicious variation that brings richness to the dish.
Grilled Pineapple Skewers: For a summer barbecue, thread shrimp and pineapple onto skewers and grill them over medium heat. This adds a delicious smoky flavor.
How to Serve Pineapple Shrimp
This dish is as versatile in its presentation as it is in flavor. Here are some serving ideas:
As tacos: Pineapple shrimp makes an amazing taco filling. Just grab some warm tortillas and top the shrimp with slaw and a drizzle of lime crema.
Serve over rice: Coconut rice or jasmine rice is a classic pairing. The subtle sweetness of coconut rice balances the tang of the pineapple and the savory shrimp perfectly.
Pair with noodles: For a fun twist, serve this dish over stir-fried rice noodles or soba noodles.
In a pineapple boat: If you really want to impress, serve the shrimp in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun, tropical presentation.
Storing and Reheating Pineapple Shrimp
How to Store:
If you have leftovers (which, honestly, may not happen!), you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat:
To reheat, sauté the shrimp over medium heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become tough. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes on medium heat.
Can You Freeze Pineapple Shrimp?
While shrimp can be frozen, the texture of the pineapple might change once thawed, making it slightly mushy. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the shrimp separately and adding fresh pineapple when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Pineapple Shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
What kind of pineapple is best?
Fresh pineapple is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple can work. Make sure to use pineapple chunks in juice, not syrup, to avoid making the dish overly sweet.
Is Pineapple Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes, this dish can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Consider adding ginger, lemongrass, or fish sauce for extra depth of flavor. You can also add toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts as a garnish for a bit of crunch.
Pineapple Shrimp (Sweet Tangy)
Pineapple Shrimp - This combination of sweet, tangy pineapple and succulent shrimp is a quick, refreshing meal that's loaded with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Shrimp:
- 1 ½ lb jumbo shrimp, shells removed and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 bell peppers (green and red)
For Serving:
- White rice
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of pineapple juice with cornstarch until smooth. Whisk in the rest of the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shrimp, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté Pineapple and Peppers: In the same skillet, heat sesame oil. Add fresh pineapple chunks and bell peppers, cooking for 3 minutes until lightly caramelized and tender.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with a side of fluffy white rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 542Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 359mgSodium 1983mgCarbohydrates 60gFiber 4gSugar 29gProtein 44g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
In conclusion, Pineapple Shrimp is the perfect dish for anyone who loves tropical flavors and the simplicity of a quick seafood dinner. It’s customizable, vibrant, and bursting with flavor—everything you want from a weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be hooked!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
