In a double rite of passage, I became a grill owner a few short days after becoming a homeowner. My purchase was an optimistic one, made with the hope that Ben might take to grilling with, if not enthusiasm, at least cooperative direction-following. Neither came to fruition. (Though he still washes dishes, so I will keep my grievances to an inaudible mumble.) Rather than miss out on the easy, healthy, and indisputably delicious genre that is grilled food, I decided to pick up my skewers and learn to grill myself. Kabob recipes were the very first I learned to master, because they are among the most simple, and the results are consistently superb. Fajita Chicken Kabobs were my first foray into skewer-style cooking, soon followed by Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers (DEAD EASY), and these peppy Grilled Orange Chicken Kabobs. Eventually, shrimp kabobs came into the mix. SOLD. No matter how many dozens of skewers I flip, shrimp kabobs are the ones I find myself returning to most. Shrimp kabobs cook in a matter of minutes, they are easy to transition to your oven or stovetop if you don’t own a grill (or if it’s chilly or raining outside and you don’t feel like braving the elements to use it), and, because shrimp are mild, they pair well with just about any combination of fruits, vegetables, and even sausage you care to add to them. To get us good and ready for the easy, breezy summer living that’s surely ahead, today I’m sharing my go-to shrimp kabob marinade and skewer additions, along with a few ways to switch it up.
How to Make the Most Flavorful Shrimp Kabobs
The magic of these easy shrimp kabobs is in the shrimp marinade. It’s only five ingredients but packs a wallop of flavor:
Cool, Creamy Coconut Milk. To make the shrimp extra juicy and balance the heat from magic Ingredient #5.Fresh Lime Juice and Fresh Orange Juice. To turn the shrimp kabobs into summer gold on a skewer.Soy Sauce. To provide essential saltiness. I like soy sauce in place of plain-old kosher salt here, because its flavor is more complex and balances well with the sweetness of fruit you may add, like pineapple.Tabasco. To be the somethin’ somethin’ and give the shrimp kabobs a Cajun edge. Made in the heart of Louisiana (I came up with this recipe shortly after visiting the factory!), Tabasco adds the right amount of heat to unite the rest of the ingredients, and its spice will cause you to reach for “just one more” shrimp skewer…three times in a row.
If you are looking to season the shrimp kabobs with a dry spice blend rather than a wet marinade, you can check out my all-purpose Grilled Shrimp Seasoning. It uses simple pantry ingredients like Italian seasoning and cayenne and is another keeper.
What to Add to Shrimp Kabobs
Here’s where you can play around! A few of my top suggestions include:
Pineapple. I know shrimp kabobs with fruit might sound a little odd, but pineapple shrimp is dreamy, especially with this marinade. If you only add one other item to these shrimp kabobs, make it this one.Mango. Another tasty tropical option. Shrimp kabobs with pineapple and mango would be particularly summery.Vegetables. You can use almost any kind you like for shrimp and vegetable kabobs, as long as it is it somewhat “soft” and easy to spear. My favorite is Hawaiian Shrimp Kabobs with a mix of red peppers, pineapple, and red onion. We like mushrooms and zucchini too.Sausage. For a meaty, Cajun twist, try shrimp and sausage kabobs! Cut precooked andouille sausage into coins the same thickness as the shrimp, tucking them into the shrimp’s curve so that the shrimp wraps around the outside. Thread onto the skewers together.
How to Cook Shrimp Kabobs on the Grill
You can cook shrimp kabobs on any kind of grill: charcoal, gas (what we have), Traeger, Green Egg, and yes, even George Foreman (shout out to my first apartment!). Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
If you are using wooden skewers with any open flame, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first so that they do not burn.Heat the grill to high, around 450 degrees F.Cook the shrimp for a few minutes on each side, just until they are pink and opaque. This can happen in as few as 2 to 3 minutes per side, so don’t walk away!Let the shrimp cool a few minutes, then serve. You can either set the skewers directly on plates or carefully remove the shrimp from the skewers prior to serving. If using metal skewers, be careful not to touch them directly.
How to Cook Shrimp Kabobs in the Oven
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, are out of fuel, or the weather isn’t cooperating, you can easily cook shrimp kabobs in your oven instead.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray.Place the threaded skewers onto the baking sheet. Place into oven and roast just until pink, firm and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
How to Cook Shrimp Kabobs on the Stove
No outdoor grill and your oven is on the fritz or occupied with other food? No problem! Here are tips to cook shrimp kabobs on the stove.
Use a stovetop grill pan like this reversible one or this skillet/grill combo.You won’t have the same smoky flavor that you get from an outdoor grill, but your shrimp will still be ultra tasty.
What to Serve with Shrimp Kabobs
I originally intended these Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs as an appetizer for four, but now we make them so often, I like to turn the recipe into a dinner for two or multiply it for a crowd. You can serve shrimp kabobs with:
A simple green salad like this Arugula Salad or this Spinach Strawberry Salad.Extra skewers of grilled veggies.A grain like rice. I recommend brown rice, as it is whole grain and more filling. Cauliflower rice is an excellent option if you’d like to keep the meal more low carb.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp TacosGarlic Shrimp with QuinoaSkinny Cajun Shrimp and GritsShrimp Guacamole Bites
Recommended Tools to Make Shrimp Kabobs
Double prong grill skewers (this is what we use the most often). I used simple wood skewers for the photos.Non-slip mixing bowl (for marinating the shrimp).
Final Thoughts on Flavor
I will warn you: these Coconut Pineapple Shrimp are habit forming. They deftly combine salty-sweet flavors, and the hot sauce is subtle. It won’t burn your mouth and slow you down, but as you devour shrimp kabob after shrimp kabob, you will slowly begin to realize that it was the kick that kept you munching all along.If you prefer more heat, feel free to up the amount of Tabasco in the shrimp marinade, or follow my grammy’s lead at our family dinners and set the bottle on the table for guests to sprinkle on as many dashes as they dare.
These grilled shrimp kabobs delight without overwhelming, won’t monopolize your evening (they cook in fewer than 5 minutes), and are an ideal recipe to share with family and friends.
