Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

If you’re craving a BBQ favorite that’s vibrant, zingy, and guaranteed to dazzle a crowd, Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers are about to make your taste buds sing! Juicy shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and crunchy bell peppers all get hugged by a tangy-sweet sauce and kissed by the grill—making every bite a blend of tropical sunshine and pure summer joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients can deliver this much wow-factor! Each single component brings something vital: juicy shrimp for that delicate bite, pops of tart-sweet pineapple, and a finger-licking sauce that ties it all together in every skewer.

• Shrimp (1.5 lbs, uncooked): Go for large or jumbo shrimp—they cook up juicy and become wonderfully tender on the grill.
• Pineapple Chunks (2 cups): Fresh pineapple adds tangy sweetness and becomes beautifully caramelized over flame.
• Red Bell Pepper (2 cups, diced): Adds crunch, color, and a mild bitterness that balances the sweet and sour sauce.
• Red Onion (1 cup): Chunky red onion mellows and sweetens on the grill, giving savory depth and a pop of purple color.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Provides savory backbone to the marinade without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): The touch of heat and sticky sweetness takes your sauce to another level—I love KAME brand for this!
• Unsweetened Applesauce (1/2 cup): The secret to that glossy, sweet, velvety texture without excess sugar.
• Honey (1 tbsp): Just a hint, to bring everything together and encourage that glorious caramelization.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that elevates the sauce with a toasted finish.
• Scallions (2, chopped): For bright, herbal notes that keep the marinade tasting fresh and lively.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For punchy, savory complexity that clings to every piece of shrimp.

Variations

This recipe is one of my summer standbys because it’s endlessly customizable. Play with the skewers according to what you have, what you love, or what you’re craving—Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers happily adapt to just about any fresh twist you’re in the mood for!

• Zesty Citrus Marinade: Swap out the applesauce for fresh orange juice and zest for a punchier, sunshiny tang.
• Add More Veggies: Thread on zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even chunks of mango for extra color and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Toss in a thinly sliced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace honey with a little monk fruit sweetener or skip it altogether for a lighter barbecue experience.
• Go Tropical: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and add a dash of grated ginger for island-inspired flair.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade & Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine your soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, unsweetened applesauce, honey, sesame oil, scallions, and plenty of minced garlic. Give it a good stir and inhale—you’ll get a hint right away of the flavor magic to come! This marinade doubles as a glaze, so set aside some for basting and dipping later.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined—tails off or on, that’s up to you (off is less messy for guests). Pat them dry, toss them with half the marinade in a bowl, and let them hang out for at least 30 minutes so the flavors soak in. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak those in water as well to prevent any grill flare-ups.

Step 3: Skewer Assembly

While the shrimp are marinating, cut your bell pepper, onion, and pineapple into even-sized chunks—think bite-size, so everything grills at the same speed. Begin threading: shrimp, pepper, pineapple, onion, and keep rotating the order until each skewer is loaded and colorful. It’s a craft project you can eat!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium, then place the skewers over direct heat. Grill for about 5 minutes per side—turning once the shrimp go opaque and the veggies get those dreamy char marks. Watch closely; shrimp cook fast! Meanwhile, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan for a few minutes to thicken and develop those rich, saucy flavors.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Transfer your cooked Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers to a platter, drizzle with the glossy sauce, or serve it alongside for the ultimate dipping action. They’ll be snapped up fast, so be ready to bask in a chorus of “oohs” and “ahhs”!

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions, cilantro, or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds right before serving. Each of these little extras not only adds a pop of color but also deepens the flavor and gives your Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers that “chef’s kiss” finish.

Side Dishes

For a full backyard feast, serve these skewers over fragrant jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or grilled veggies. A chilled noodle salad or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette makes a wonderfully refreshing companion to balance the sweet and sour punch.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your skewers onto a big platter lined with pineapple leaves for a festive, tropical look. Or, for an appetizer party, serve each skewer upright in shot glasses with a swipe of extra sauce at the bottom—guaranteed smiles and zero mess!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will still be tasty chilled or gently reheated, and that sauce is just as delicious the next day for drizzling over salads or rice.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, assemble your raw skewers and wrap tightly before marinating—then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before marinating and grilling. Cooked shrimp can be frozen too, but the texture is best enjoyed fresh or just-refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers quickly in a hot skillet or on the grill for about a minute per side; this keeps the shrimp juicy and brings those veggies back to life without overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so cheerful about Sweet and Sour Grilled Shrimp Skewers—the colors, the sticky-tender shrimp, and the burst of grilled summer flavor in every mouthful. I hope you’ll give these a try at your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight craving—the smiles and requests for seconds are all but guaranteed!

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