Pan-Seared Shrimp with Pineapple-Lime Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp pan-seared and finished with a tangy-sweet pineapple and lime glaze that captures the essence of tropical flavors. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, fresh or canned pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Season 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer the glaze for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
  6. Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the pineapple-lime glaze for 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp, and serve immediately with steamed rice or greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Pineapple-Lime Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Shrimp with Pineapple-Lime Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp with Pineapple-Lime Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Pineapple-Lime Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Pineapple-Lime Glaze?

General 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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