Spicy Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

These spicy chipotle lime grilled shrimp skewers are bursting with flavor. Juicy shrimp are marinated in a smoky chipotle sauce, lime juice and zesty spices, then grilled until perfectly charred. Served alongside a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, this is summertime grilling at its best!

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

• Shrimp - peeled, deveined with tails on
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Garlic - minced
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt and pepper

For the pineapple salsa:

• Pineapple - diced
• Red onion - diced
• Jalapeño - seeded, diced
• Cilantro - chopped
• Lime juice
• Salt

You'll also need:

• Bamboo skewers
• Cooking spray or oil

Marinating the Shrimp

In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder and salt/pepper. Blend until smooth to make a marinade.

Place the shrimp in a Ziploc bag or bowl. Pour over 3/4 of the chipotle marinade. Seal or cover and marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge.

Reserve the remaining 1/4 marinade for basting while grilling.

Tips for Marinating

• Use raw peeled shrimp with tails on for the best texture.
• The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the shrimp.
• Flip the bag occasionally to evenly coat.

Assembling the Skewers

Once the shrimp has marinated, thread them onto the bamboo skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.

Try to space them out evenly for even grilling. Brush or spray the skewers with oil to prevent sticking.

Skewer Tips

• Soak skewers in water first to prevent burning.
• Weave shrimp through twice for secure skewering.
• Leave a small space between shrimp.

Making the Pineapple Salsa

While the shrimp marinates, you can make the salsa.

Chop the pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the lime juice and salt. Mix well and taste for flavor. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Salsa Tips

• Use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
• Add the jalapeño seeds for extra heat if desired.
• Let the flavors meld by making the salsa ahead.

Grilling the Shrimp

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush or spray with oil to prevent sticking.

Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Use the reserved marinade to baste the shrimp while cooking.

Grill until the shrimp are pink and opaque in the center, about 4-6 minutes total.

Grilling Tips

• Use a hot grill for nice char marks.
• Baste frequently with the marinade.
• Cook just until opaque, do not overcook.

Serving Suggestions

These spicy chipotle lime shrimp skewers pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy pineapple salsa. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve skewers on top of fresh pineapple rings.
• Spoon salsa over grilled shrimp.
• Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro and green onion.
• Serve with coconut rice and grilled corn.
• Serve in taco shells or lettuce wraps with salsa.
• Enjoy shrimp and salsa as an appetizer with tortilla chips.

Make-Ahead Tips

To get a head start on this recipe:

• Marinate shrimp up to 24 hours in advance.
• Chop ingredients and make salsa 1 day ahead.
• Assemble skewers in the morning ready to grill later.

The shrimp and assembled skewers can be refrigerated until ready to grill and serve.

Substitutions

Customize these shrimp skewers with your favorite flavors:

• Use red pepper flakes instead of chipotle for heat.
• Substitute mango, peaches or strawberries for the pineapple.
• Use cayenne and paprika instead of chili powder.
• Try cilantro or parsley instead of green onion.
• Swap limes for the lemon juice.
• Use zucchini or peppers instead of pineapple.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover shrimp skewers and salsa in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.

The shrimp can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Reheat gently on the grill or stove until warmed through.

More Grilled Shrimp Recipes

If you love shrimp on the grill, try these other amazing recipes:

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers - simple marinade, bright flavor.
• Jerk Shrimp Skewers - spicy jerk seasoning, mango salsa.
• Coconut Shrimp Skewers - coconut milk marinade, Thai peanut dipping sauce.
• Shrimp Skewers with Chimichurri - zesty chimichurri sauce, grilled corn.
• Cajun Shrimp Skewers - Cajun seasoning, remoulade sauce.

Amazing Flavors

These spicy chipotle lime grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple salsa are packed with incredible summer flavor. The shrimp marinate in a smoky, spicy blend of chipotle, lime, cumin and chili powder for tons of flavor. Grilled until caramelized and juicy, then served with a fresh and vibrant pineapple salsa, this dish is perfect for easy backyard grilling. Enjoy these skewers all summer long!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size shrimp should I use?

Medium (26-30 count) or large (16-20 count) shrimp work best. Make sure they are raw and peeled with tails on.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them first and pat dry. Marinate as directed before skewer and grilling.

What is the best way to skewer shrimp?

Thread shrimp through twice for security, leaving small spaces between. Soak skewers beforehand and coat in oil.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

At least 30 minutes to 1 hour for best flavor. Can marinate up to 24 hrs.

What if my shrimp fall through the grill grates?

Use a grill basket or foil pouches with holes poked through to protect small or thinly sliced ingredients.

Can I use wooden skewers?

Yes, just be sure to soak them for 30+ minutes beforehand so they don't burn on the grill.

What drinks pair well with this recipe?

A light white wine, rose, or Mexican beer would be fantastic with these shrimp skewers.

How should I store leftover shrimp and salsa?

Refrigerate in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shrimp for longer storage.

Can I use fresh chopped pineapple instead?

Yes, fresh pineapple would work great in the salsa. Just chop into small diced pieces.