BBQ Pineapple Shrimp is a dish that brings me right back to my college apartment kitchen. I had just picked up a discounted bag of frozen shrimp and a can of pineapple chunks, with no real plan—until I remembered the half-used bottle of barbecue sauce in my fridge. That accidental combo turned into something spectacular. It wasn’t just a meal—it was the start of something new in my kitchen: experimenting with bold contrasts like sweet fruit and savory sauces. Since then, this BBQ Pineapple Shrimp recipe has evolved into a go-to dish in my house. It’s quick, flavorful, and hits every craving spot on.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers. Juicy shrimp, caramelized peppers, tender onions, and tangy pineapple all come together in a rich, buttery barbecue glaze. If you’re a fan of dynamic shrimp dishes like Cajun Pickled Shrimp or spicy Firecracker Shrimp, you’re going to be hooked on this one too.
Let’s dive into the sizzling skillet of BBQ Pineapple Shrimp magic.
Table of Contents
Juicy Shrimp Meets Grilled Fruit Perfection
Why BBQ Pineapple Shrimp Just Works
The beauty of BBQ Pineapple Shrimp lies in how well sweet and smoky play together. The shrimp soak up the buttery garlic, while the pineapple softens just enough to caramelize slightly, soaking in every drop of the barbecue sauce. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a great way to get restaurant-level flavor in under 30 minutes. The layered flavor also makes it a crowd-pleaser, even among picky eaters.
Not to mention, shrimp cooks fast, so it’s perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but want something vibrant and homemade. Think of it like a simpler cousin to Marry Me Shrimp Orzo—comforting, colorful, and worth repeating.
Ingredients BBQ Pineapple Shrimp That Create Big Flavor
What really makes this dish sing is the balance. The garlic kicks things off with a little depth. Then comes the crisp bell pepper, sweet onion, and pineapple—each adding texture and a bit of bite. The barbecue sauce ties everything together with its tangy richness, made extra luxurious by just two tablespoons of butter.
Here’s the list of what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped garlic
- 1 large green or red bell pepper (cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
- 1 large onion (cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
- 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Hot cooked rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Quick & Satisfying Weeknight Meal
Step-by-Step: Skillet Simplicity
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet until it sizzles. Add shrimp and garlic and sauté until the shrimp turns pink—about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add chopped bell pepper and onion, cooking until they’re crisp-tender—another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the reserved shrimp, drained pineapple tidbits, and barbecue sauce. Cook everything for another 1–2 minutes until it’s all heated through.
This final step is key—don’t overcook the shrimp here. You just want everything coated and warm.
Serve It Right
Spoon your BBQ Pineapple Shrimp over a bowl of steaming hot rice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. The rice soaks up all that rich sauce, creating the perfect base for every bite.
If you’ve ever tried Firecracker Shrimp, you know how essential rice is to balance bold flavors. Same idea here—sweet, smoky, buttery shrimp on fluffy grains? Perfection.
Shrimp Cooking Tips That Matter
How to Keep Shrimp Juicy
Shrimp is easy to cook—but just as easy to overcook. The key to juicy shrimp like you’d find at a great Chinese restaurant is timing and temperature. High heat for a short time locks in moisture without turning them rubbery.
Start with dry, thawed shrimp. Pat them dry to avoid steaming. A quick sear in butter gives them flavor while sealing in the juices. The final toss in sauce should only take a minute—any longer, and they risk drying out.
Sauce & Marinade Considerations
You might wonder if you can marinate shrimp in pineapple juice. The answer is yes—but keep it short. Pineapple contains enzymes that can tenderize meat, but too much time breaks it down to mush. For this dish, skip the marinade and let the sauté method shine. You’ll still get all the flavor from the pineapple and sauce as it cooks together.
Craving more sweet-and-savory combinations? BBQ Pineapple Shrimp delivers on that balance without the hassle of long marinades or complex prep.
Versatility, Pairings & FAQs
Customize Your Plate
BBQ Pineapple Shrimp is incredibly flexible. Serve it over jasmine rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb. Craving heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue glaze.
This dish also pairs beautifully with fresh side salads, roasted veggies, or crispy egg rolls. For a fusion spin, try it in lettuce cups or as taco filling. Inspired by bold flavor pairings like Cajun Pickled Shrimp, it works in both classic and creative formats.
Conclusion: The Shrimp Skillet You’ll Crave Again
BBQ Pineapple Shrimp isn’t just another shrimp recipe—it’s a weeknight wonder, a backyard barbecue favorite, and a tropical twist on comfort food. From the sizzling butter to the tangy barbecue sauce and juicy pineapple, every bite is satisfying and flavorful.So next time you need something fast, fun, and a little sweet, remember this skillet star. Serve it alongside dishes like Marry Me Shrimp Orzo or spice it up with a Firecracker Shrimp side—because you really can’t go wrong when shrimp takes center stage.
For more recipes follow me in page Facebook and Pintrest.
FAQs about BBQ Pineapple Shrimp
Does pineapple go with shrimp?
Absolutely. Pineapple’s sweetness enhances the natural brininess of shrimp. It adds brightness and a light acidic edge that balances savory sauces.
How to make shrimp juicy like Chinese restaurants?
Use high heat and short cook times. Stir-fry or sauté in butter or oil, then coat in sauce just before serving to avoid overcooking.
Is it better to barbecue shrimp with shell on or off?
It depends on texture and flavor. Shell-on adds more flavor during grilling but can be messier. For skillet dishes like this one, shell-off is best for even cooking and easy eating.
Can you marinate shrimp in pineapple juice?
Yes, but only for 15–30 minutes. Pineapple juice has bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Too long, and it may ruin the texture.
BBQ Pineapple Shrimp – Fast, Flavor-Packed Dinner You’ll Love
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A sweet, smoky, and savory skillet recipe with shrimp, pineapple, and barbecue sauce—perfect over rice for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 large bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 large onion, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Hot cooked rice
Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet; add shrimp and garlic. Cook until pink. Remove shrimp.
2. Melt remaining butter; add bell pepper and onion. Cook until tender.
3. Return shrimp to pan with pineapple and barbecue sauce. Stir and cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Serve over hot rice and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Use fresh pineapple if available for even more flavor.
Serve with a side of crispy egg rolls or fresh cucumber salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: BBQ Pineapple Shrimp, barbecue shrimp, shrimp with pineapple, skillet shrimp recipe