Introduction

Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and tangy notes. This quick and easy recipe brings together succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple in a delightful sweet chili sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat for guests.

A white plate holds a bed of fluffy white rice that forms the bottom layer. On top, there is a mix of cooked shrimp with a soft pink-orange color and bite-sized pieces of golden pineapple, along with small red bell pepper chunks. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green onions, adding small green spots across the top. A golden fork touches the food on the left side of the plate. The background shows a white marbled surface with parts of a pineapple and a colorful cloth visible at the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup of fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized chunks
1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon of lime juice for a zesty kick
Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Optional: Sesame seeds for a crunchy finish

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shrimp, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the pineapple by cutting fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks or draining canned pineapple well.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to blend. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5 (Optional): Add a splash of lime juice, sprinkle chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds just before serving for extra brightness and texture.

Tips & Variations

Marinate shrimp up to an hour for deeper flavor but avoid over-salting.
Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade for extra zing.
Use wild-caught shrimp if possible for firmer texture and robust flavor.
Cook shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
For more heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch.

Storage

Store leftover Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp or microwave briefly until warmed through. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with cooked shrimp that are orange-pink and slightly curled, mixed with bright yellow pineapple cubes and vibrant red bell pepper pieces. The dish is shiny with a thick, glossy sauce coating all the ingredients. Sprinkled white sesame seeds and small green chives add texture and color contrast on top. A wooden spoon holds a mix of shrimp, pineapple, and pepper, lifting some of the food inside the bowl. The scene has a clean white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with Sweet Chili Pineapple Shrimp?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a light green salad. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.