If you’re craving a dish that screams summer, delivers big flavors, and takes almost no time to make, Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are the answer. Sweet, juicy pineapple, succulent shrimp, and a sticky-salty marinade come together on the grill for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main that always disappears fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Juicy Flavor: Every bite is an irresistible combo of caramelized pineapple, tender shrimp, and sticky-sweet honey soy glaze.
Super Fast & Easy: From start to finish, Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers take just 20 minutes—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impromptu cookouts.
Colorful & Gorgeous: These skewers look absolutely stunning on the plate, making them a true conversation starter at any gathering.
Customizable for Everyone: Swap proteins, adjust the marinade, or mix up the fruit—this recipe flexes to suit all tastes and diets!

Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list proves you don’t need a lot to make something magical. Each element plays a key role—shrimp brings savory richness, pineapple delivers pop and zing, and the simple marinade ties it all together for that signature sticky, golden finish.

Large Shrimp (peeled & deveined): Opt for 21–30 count or larger; they’ll stay juicy and meaty on the grill, soaking up the sweet-salty marinade beautifully.
Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Cut into 1-inch pieces—fresh pineapple caramelizes best, but canned chunks (in juice, not syrup) are a solid backup in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: The salty umami backbone of the marinade; choose regular or low-sodium depending on your taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a mellow tang and just a whisper of fruity depth—don’t skip it, it makes the glaze sing!
Honey: This is what gives that gorgeous caramelization and sticky-sweet finish; local or wildflower honey are both wonderful.
Minced Garlic: Just enough to infuse every shrimp with savory aroma.
Black Pepper: A simple hit of spice to bring everything together.
Wooden Skewers: Soaked for at least 30 minutes—this prevents burning and splintering on the grill.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The great thing about Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers is how wildly customizable they are. Shake things up based on cravings, what’s on hand, or the dietary needs of your guests—the options are deliciously endless!

Chicken or Tofu: Substitute shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or firm tofu for a land or plant-based twist—just adjust grill time as needed.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for some tongue-tingling heat.
Mango or Bell Peppers: Alternate the pineapple with ripe mango chunks or colorful bell peppers for extra sweetness and crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to effortlessly make the recipe wholly gluten-free.

How to Make Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers & Ingredients

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes—this is essential to keep them from burning on the grill. Meanwhile, peel and devein your shrimp if needed, and chop your fresh pineapple into hearty 1-inch pieces. Lay them out on a chopping board so you’re ready for assembly.

Step 2: Thread and Marinate

Now the fun part—alternate threading shrimp and pineapple chunks onto each skewer. In a sturdy, gallon-sized zip-top bag, whisk together the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper. Carefully drop the skewers into the bag, arranging them so the marinade coats the shrimp and pineapple, seal, and give a gentle massage. Let them soak up all those delicious flavors for just 10 minutes in the fridge—any longer, and the marinade may start to break down the shrimp.

Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium heat. Remove the skewers from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and place them directly on the grates. Grill for 5–8 minutes, turning once—watch as the shrimp pinks up and the pineapple gets those irresistible grill marks. Don’t overcook; you want the shrimp just curled and juicy, not rubbery!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Short Marinade Window: Ten minutes is all you need—any more and the acid from the vinegar will make your shrimp mushy instead of plump and juicy.
Even Skewer Spacing: Leave a little space between each shrimp and pineapple chunk—this helps everything cook evenly and lets that flavor-packed glaze caramelize all over.
Grab Fresh Pineapple if You Can: The natural sugars in fresh pineapple caramelize and char gorgeously, creating that crave-worthy sweet-smoky crust you just can’t mimic with frozen or canned.
Use Two Skewers Per Kabob: If your shrimp are extra-large, thread each skewer “double-wide” (two skewers parallel) for added stability—no spinning on the grill!

How to Serve Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Garnishes

Finish your Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with a flurry of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a bright, herbal pop. A few toasted sesame seeds add subtle crunch, while a squeeze of lime just before serving amplifies every other flavor—feel free to offer an extra platter on the side so guests can garnish to taste!

Side Dishes

This recipe is right at home next to fluffy coconut rice, a crisp Asian-style slaw, or a vibrant summer salad. For a more filling meal, try pairing with grilled veggies, garlic noodles, or even a crusty loaf of sourdough to soak up any extra marinade.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive by arranging your skewers on a large platter scattered with pineapple leaves, or serve each one over an individual scoop of rice in mini bowls. For appetizers, cut the skewers into bite-sized portions and stand them upright in mason jars or glasses for an eye-catching party display that’s easy to grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for up to two days—just be sure to remove the shrimp and pineapple from the skewers before storing for space efficiency and maximum freshness.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze them, remove everything from the skewers first. Lay the shrimp and pineapple in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within one month for the best texture and flavor—just remember, pineapple may soften a bit when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the shrimp and pineapple in a skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes until warmed through, or flash under the broiler for a minute or two. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but be careful not to overdo it—the shrimp can toughen quickly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before marinating. This ensures the marinade clings well and the shrimp grill up beautifully juicy.
Do I have to use fresh pineapple, or can I substitute canned?

Fresh pineapple is ideal for charring and caramelization, but canned pineapple chunks (packed in juice, not syrup) are a tasty alternative in a pinch. Drain them well and pat dry before using.
Is the marinade safe to cook with or re-use as a sauce?

For food safety, discard the marinade after using it on raw shrimp. If you’d like extra sauce, whisk together a small fresh batch and simmer it briefly to thicken, then drizzle it over your finished skewers.
Can I prepare Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers in advance?

You can assemble the skewers and store them in the fridge for up to a couple of hours before grilling, but only add the marinade for a brief 10-minute soak right before you cook. This keeps the shrimp tender and prevents over-marinating.

Final Thoughts

I hope these Grilled Honey Soy Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers land a starring role at your next cookout or weeknight dinner. Their sweet, tangy, and savory flavors light up every table—and there’s something just a little magical about how easy and universally loved they are. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and let these skewers kick off your summer feasting in delicious style!