Summer is the season of outdoor cookouts, barbecues, and picnics. One of the best ways to enjoy a healthy summer meal is by grilling shrimp and pineapple skewers. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers are a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The juicy, sweet pineapple perfectly complements the succulent, tender shrimp, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.
Why Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers best for healthy summer dinner recipes shrimp?
Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers are the perfect summer dinner recipe for several reasons. Firstly, shrimp is a low-calorie and high-protein food that’s ideal for weight loss and maintenance. A serving of grilled shrimp contains only 84 calories, 18 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat.
Secondly, pineapple is a low-calorie, high-fiber fruit that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps with digestion, reduces inflammation, and improves immunity. Thirdly, grilling shrimp and pineapple helps retain their natural flavors, and you don’t need to add any oil or butter, making it a healthy and low-fat dish.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Skewers (metal or bamboo)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
The marinade is an essential part of this recipe. In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. These ingredients will create a sweet and savory marinade that will infuse the shrimp and pineapple with delicious flavor.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
After mixing the marinade, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate the shrimp, the more flavorful it will become.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it for 10-15 minutes before adding the skewers. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing orange and ashed over before adding the skewers.
- Thread shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers, alternating between them.
Once the shrimp has finished marinating, it’s time to skewer them with the pineapple chunks. You can use either metal or bamboo skewers for this recipe. If you’re using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the shrimp and pineapple chunks onto the skewers, alternating between them.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Once the skewers are ready, place them on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. The shrimp should be pink and cooked through when they’re done. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as this can cause them to become tough and rubbery.
- Remove from the grill and serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa.
Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. You can serve them as they are or with a side of brown rice or quinoa. This will create a complete and balanced meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
And that’s it! Follow these instructions, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy summer meal that’s perfect for outdoor cookouts, barbecues, and picnics. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning.
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before marinating to prevent dilution of the marinade.
- You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple chunks.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough and rubbery.
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Can I use other types of marinade for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of marinade, such as lemon juice, honey, ginger, or chili flakes, depending on your preference.
Freezing
Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the skewers cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight and grill or reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Storage
Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional information for a serving of grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers:
- Calories: 214
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1446mg
Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers are a low-calorie, high-protein dish that’s perfect for a healthy summer dinner. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory shrimp is a taste sensation that’s sure to delight your taste buds. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients without compromising on your health goals.
Grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers are an excellent addition to your summer meal plan. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for outdoor cookouts, barbecues, and picnics. By following the recipe outlined above, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
