Rum-Spiced Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Lime and Cilantro
Tender shrimp and pineapple chunks marinated in a rum-spiced sauce, grilled to smoky perfection and brightened with fresh lime and cilantro. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh pineapple chunks, dark rum for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 tbsp dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp and pineapple alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, basting occasionally with marinade, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Spiced Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Lime and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Lime and Cilantro?
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 fresh pineapple chunks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Spiced Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Lime and Cilantro?
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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Lime and Cilantro 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 Rum-Spiced Pineapple Shrimp Skewers with Lime and Cilantro?
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.
