Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in a smoky Cajun spice blend, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant charred pineapple salsa that balances heat and sweetness. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, Cajun seasoning into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place 1 cup diced fresh pineapple on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly charred and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred around the edges, then transfer to a serving plate.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the charred pineapple with 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp topped with the charred pineapple salsa, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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