If you’re craving a quick dinner with bold tropical flavors, this Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp are coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze, tossed with fresh pineapple, garlic, and ginger, then cooked to perfection in just minutes. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and summer entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Juicy shrimp with caramelized pineapple.
- Perfect over rice, noodles, or quinoa.
- Easy one-pan dinner.
- Family-friendly and naturally dairy-free.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Pineapple
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
- While the shrimp marinates, cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks if using fresh pineapple.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to warm and lightly caramelize.
- Add the lime juice and red pepper flakes, if using, and toss everything together.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve this Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp Recipe immediately over steamed rice, jasmine rice, coconut rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for better browning.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp—they only need a few minutes.
- Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully, but canned pineapple works if well-drained.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice.
- Finish with fresh lime juice for extra brightness.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free, High Protein
Notes
- Frozen shrimp work well once fully thawed and patted dry.
- Honey mixed with sriracha can replace sweet chili sauce if needed.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for extra freshness.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Can I make Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp ahead of time?
The marinade can be prepared a day ahead, but the shrimp are best cooked just before serving.
Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for about 2 minutes per side.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the sweet chili sauce. Add red pepper flakes for more heat.
What should I serve with Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp?
Steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, fried rice, noodles, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables all pair wonderfully.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Freeze without garnishes for the best texture.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave briefly until heated through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Similar Recipes
Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
For the Pineapple
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
- While the shrimp marinates, cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks if using fresh pineapple.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to warm and lightly caramelize.
- Add the lime juice and red pepper flakes, if using, and toss everything together.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
- Serve this Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp Recipe immediately over steamed rice, jasmine rice, coconut rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Notes
- Frozen shrimp work well once fully thawed and patted dry.
- Honey mixed with sriracha can replace sweet chili sauce if needed.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for extra freshness.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.
Conclusion
This Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp Recipe is a quick, vibrant meal packed with juicy shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky sweet chili glaze. Whether you’re making an easy weeknight dinner or serving guests, this tropical shrimp recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.