There’s something magical about a good pineapple shrimp recipe that brings together succulent shrimp, tangy pineapple chunks, and vibrant red bell peppers, all bathed in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. This pineapple shrimp recipe delivers a perfect harmony of flavors that dance on your palate – sweetness from the pineapple, a subtle kick from the barbecue sauce, and the delicate taste of perfectly cooked shrimp.
What makes this dish truly special is how quickly it comes together. In less than 15 minutes of actual cooking time, you can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this pineapple shrimp recipe over the years, and it remains a steadfast favorite whenever I need a quick yet impressive dinner option.
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Easy Pineapple Shrimp Recipe: A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
The pineapple-shrimp pairing isn’t new in the culinary world, but there’s a reason this combination has stood the test of time. The natural sweetness of pineapple beautifully complements the mild, ocean-fresh flavor of shrimp. This pineapple shrimp recipe came about one evening when I had some leftover pineapple and shrimp in the fridge – sometimes the best culinary creations happen when you’re just working with what you have on hand!
What Kind of Shrimp Will You Need?
While you can technically use shrimp with the tails on for this pineapple shrimp recipe, I strongly recommend using tail-off shrimp for the best dining experience. There’s nothing more annoying than having to put down your fork mid-bite to remove a shrimp tail, especially when everything is coated in delicious sauce. This small detail makes a world of difference, particularly if you’re serving this dish to children or at a dinner party.
For convenience, look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This time-saving step can reduce your prep work significantly, allowing you to get this meal on the table even faster.
Pineapple Shrimp Recipe Ingredients: Everything You Need
Here’s a comprehensive table of all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious pineapple shrimp recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Unsalted preferred |
| Medium shrimp | 1 pound | Peeled, deveined, tails removed |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Extra virgin for best flavor |
| Red bell pepper | 1 large | Chopped into 1-inch pieces |
| Pineapple chunks | 2 cups | Fresh or canned (drained) |
| Spicy barbecue sauce | 1/3 cup | Choose your preferred spice level |
| Green onions | 3 | Thinly sliced |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning shrimp |
Stir Fry with Pineapple Shrimp: Quick and Flavorful
What makes this pineapple shrimp recipe so appealing is how the flavors develop in such a short cooking time. The secret lies in cooking each component properly and then bringing them together at just the right moment. The entire cooking process takes just about 8 minutes, making this the perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
The combination of sweet pineapple chunks, tender bell peppers, and plump shrimp creates a medley of textures that’s as satisfying as the flavor profile. Each bite offers something different – a burst of juicy pineapple, the tender snap of bell pepper, or the succulent bite of perfectly cooked shrimp.
Perfect Pineapple Shrimp Recipe: Cooking Instructions
Follow this step-by-step table to ensure your pineapple shrimp recipe turns out perfectly every time:
| Step | Instructions | Time | Tips |
| 1 | Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat | 1 min | Ensure pan is hot before adding shrimp |
| 2 | Add shrimp, cook until pink on both sides | 2-3 min | Don’t overcook; remove as soon as they begin to turn pink |
| 3 | Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside | – | Keep warm if possible |
| 4 | Add olive oil and bell peppers to pan | 2-3 min | Sauté until slightly softened but still crisp |
| 5 | Add pineapple chunks, stir to combine | 1-2 min | Just enough to warm through |
| 6 | Pour barbecue sauce over mixture, stir to coat | 30 sec | Allow to simmer briefly |
| 7 | Return shrimp to pan, stir to combine | 1-2 min | Until shrimp are fully cooked and coated with sauce |
| 8 | Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions | – | Serve immediately for best flavor |
Pineapple Shrimp Recipe Variations: Expanding Your Collection
Once you’ve mastered this Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Recipe, you might want to explore other variations. Some reader favorites include Kielbasa and Pineapple Shrimp for a unique fusion approach, Chili Lime Pineapple Shrimp for those who enjoy bright, citrusy flavors, or the classic Garlic Butter Pineapple Shrimp that never fails to please even the pickiest eaters.
Many home cooks enjoy adding their own twist to this versatile pineapple shrimp recipe. Some add minced garlic and diced onion for additional depth, while others experiment with different sauce options like sweet chili or teriyaki. The adaptability of this base recipe makes it perfect for customization based on your family’s preferences.
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Recipe: The Complete Dish
For this pineapple shrimp recipe, a spicy barbecue sauce works best to balance the sweetness of the pineapple. Don’t worry though – the final dish won’t be overly spicy, as the natural sweetness of the pineapple mellows the heat considerably. If you’re particularly sensitive to spice, you can use a milder barbecue sauce and add a dash of hot sauce to taste.
To make meal prep even faster, buy pre-chopped pineapple from your grocery store’s prepared foods section. Combined with pre-peeled and deveined shrimp, you can have this entire pineapple shrimp recipe ready in well under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving (¼ of recipe):
- Calories: 245
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
Nutritional information is calculated by dividing the total recipe into equal portions and should be considered an estimate.
This Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Recipe has become a reader favorite over the years. The combination of juicy pineapple chunks and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress weekend guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this pineapple shrimp recipe delivers on all fronts – flavor, speed, and presentation.
The beauty of this pineapple shrimp recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. The sweet pineapple, spicy barbecue sauce, and savory shrimp create a trifecta of flavors that complement each other perfectly. The addition of crisp bell peppers and fresh green onions adds color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.
Whether served over rice, with noodles, or on its own, this pineapple shrimp recipe is versatile enough to please everyone at your table. Give it a try tonight, and it might just become your new go-to shrimp recipe for years to come!
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