Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs: The Ultimate Easy Summer Grilling Recipe
Elevate your summer grilling experience with these irresistible Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs. Featuring succulent shrimp, sweet and tangy pineapple, and perfectly tender red onion, all generously coated in a rich, savory teriyaki glaze, these kebabs are a true crowd-plepleaser. Best of all, they come together in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for quick weeknight dinners, spontaneous backyard barbecues, or impressive family gatherings.
Ah, summer! It’s the glorious season synonymous with sunshine, outdoor adventures, and, of course, the unparalleled joy of grilling. If you’re seeking to refresh your barbecue repertoire and infuse it with vibrant flavors, look no further than these spectacular Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs. This recipe strikes a harmonious balance between savory and sweet, offering plump, juicy shrimp alongside tender-crisp pineapple chunks and subtly charred red onion, all caramelized to perfection with a luscious teriyaki sauce. Imagine the enticing sizzle as these skewers hit the hot grates, the aroma of sweet and salty teriyaki filling the air, and the anticipation of that first mouthwatering bite. It’s an experience that truly defines summer dining.
One of the most appealing aspects of this Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs recipe is its remarkable simplicity and speed. From the moment you begin preparation to the instant these flavorful skewers are plated, you’re looking at a mere 20 minutes. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave a delicious homemade meal but are short on time. For entertainers, the ease of assembly means you can prepare the kebabs earlier in the day—threading your ingredients onto skewers and letting them marinate in the refrigerator—leaving only the quick grilling step for when your guests arrive. This allows you to spend more quality time with your company and less time confined to the kitchen.
When grilled, each succulent shrimp achieves a delightful char and becomes infused with the irresistible teriyaki flavor, cooking to perfection in mere minutes. The pineapple becomes wonderfully juicy and slightly caramelized, while the red onion softens and sweetens, offering a fantastic textural and flavor contrast. These savory-sweet kebabs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a truly refreshing complement, consider a chilled White Sangria. To round out your meal, I highly recommend a vibrant, spicy Homemade Salsa or a crisp, cool Southwestern Corn Salad. These sides enhance the tropical notes of the pineapple and the savory depth of the teriyaki, creating a well-balanced and satisfying feast.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous backyard bash or a more elaborate summer feast, these Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs are your passport to a stress-free and undeniably delicious meal that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for the recipe. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let these vibrant kebabs become the star of your memorable summer nights!
Why These Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs Will Be Your New Favorite
These Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs aren’t just easy and delicious; they offer a host of benefits that make them a standout choice for any meal. Here’s why you’ll want to add them to your regular rotation:
- Outdoor Cooking Delight: Grilling isn’t just a cooking method; it’s a summer ritual. Cooking these kebabs outdoors imparts an incredible smoky char that deepens the flavor of the teriyaki sauce and shrimp, creating a unique taste profile that oven-baking simply can’t replicate. Furthermore, it keeps your kitchen cool and clean, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful weather and fresh air while your delicious meal cooks itself.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus, while being low in calories and saturated fat. The addition of fresh pineapple brings a burst of vitamins (especially Vitamin C), fiber, and beneficial antioxidants. Red onions contribute flavor and additional nutrients, making these kebabs a wholesome and guilt-free meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Enjoyment: The beauty of cooking on skewers is that it dramatically simplifies cleanup. All your main ingredients are cooked on a single stick, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. Once grilled, you can often serve them directly from the skewers or slide them onto a plate with minimal fuss. This means less time scrubbing dishes and more time relaxing and savoring those precious summer moments.
- Lightning-Fast Preparation & Cook Time: From start to finish, these kebabs are ready in just 20 minutes. This makes them an ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is a luxury, or for those impromptu gatherings where you need a quick, impressive dish. The rapid cooking time of shrimp ensures a deliciously tender result without a long wait.
- Effortless Customization: While the shrimp, pineapple, and red onion combination is classic, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out or add vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand, making it a versatile base for endless culinary creativity.
Essential Ingredients for Your Kebabs
Crafting these delectable kebabs requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Kebabs: The Stars of the Show
- Shrimp: Opt for large (21-25 count) raw shrimp, ideally peeled and deveined. While fresh is always wonderful, high-quality frozen shrimp work perfectly and are often more convenient. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before skewering to prevent excess moisture from interfering with grilling. Approximately 1 1/2 pounds will yield about 48 medium-sized shrimp, perfect for 8 kebabs.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and firm texture, which holds up beautifully on the grill. Cut it into 1-inch chunks. The natural sweetness of the pineapple caramelizes slightly on the grill, providing a fantastic contrast to the savory teriyaki. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks (drained well) can be a substitute, though the texture might be softer.
- Red Onion: A small red onion, cut into 8 wedges, adds a mild, sweet onion flavor and a pop of color. Red onions tend to soften and sweeten significantly when grilled, losing their raw sharpness and developing a delightful char. Ensure your wedges are substantial enough to stay on the skewer.
For the Flavor-Packed Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce: A good quality store-bought teriyaki sauce will simplify this recipe immensely. Look for one with a good balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. You can also make your own homemade teriyaki sauce for an even fresher taste, but for speed and convenience, a ready-made option is excellent.
- Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a lovely textural crunch. They also visually enhance the kebabs, making them look even more appetizing. Both white and black sesame seeds work well.
Crafting Your Perfect Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these straightforward steps to create incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked shrimp kebabs:
- Preheat the Grill to Perfection: Begin by firing up your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Achieving the right temperature is crucial for ensuring proper searing and even cooking. A well-heated grill prevents sticking and helps develop those desirable grill marks that add both flavor and visual appeal. While the grill heats, clean the grates thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any residue, then lightly oil them to further prevent sticking.
- Prepare and Prep Your Ingredients: If your shrimp aren’t already, peel and devein them thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is important for getting a good sear. Next, cube your fresh pineapple into approximately 1-inch pieces. For the red onion, cut it into substantial wedges that are roughly the same size as the pineapple chunks; this ensures they cook evenly and remain securely on the skewers.
- Assemble the Flavorful Kebabs: Carefully thread the shrimp, pineapple chunks, and red onion wedges onto your skewers. Alternate the ingredients to create an appealing visual pattern and ensure that flavors are distributed throughout each bite. Aim for about 6 pieces of shrimp, 4 chunks of pineapple, and 1-2 onion wedges per skewer. Be mindful not to overcrowd the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow for even heat circulation and cooking. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to assembly to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Whip Up the Teriyaki Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce with the sesame seeds. Stir well to fully incorporate the seeds. This simple mixture will serve as both a marinade (if desired) and the basting sauce, creating that signature sweet and savory glaze.
- Grill to Golden Perfection: Place your assembled skewers directly on the preheated grill grates. Immediately brush them generously with the teriyaki sauce mixture. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes in total. Make sure to turn the kebabs halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are cooked evenly and boast beautiful grill marks. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when cooked through, and the pineapple and onion should show signs of softening and light charring.
- Serve Immediately and Savor: Once the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables have achieved a tender-crisp texture with a slight char, carefully remove the kebabs from the grill. Serve them hot, perhaps with a final drizzle of any remaining teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These kebabs are best enjoyed fresh off the grill!
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs
Achieving perfectly cooked and flavor-packed kebabs is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Smart Ingredient Shopping: To truly maximize your time, consider buying shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Many grocery stores also offer pre-cut pineapple chunks, which can significantly reduce your prep time. While fresh pineapple is superior, these shortcuts are perfectly acceptable for convenience.
- Endless Customization Options: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms. For protein alternatives, cubed chicken breast or firm tofu can be substituted for shrimp; just adjust grilling times accordingly to ensure they cook through.
- Avoid Overcrowding Your Skewers: Give each piece of shrimp, pineapple, and onion ample space on the skewer. Overcrowding prevents even cooking and inhibits proper heat distribution, leading to some pieces being undercooked while others are overcooked. A little breathing room ensures everything cooks uniformly and browns beautifully.
- Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, it is absolutely essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, up to a few hours) before grilling. This prevents them from igniting or burning excessively on the hot grill grates, ensuring your kebabs stay intact. Metal skewers are a great reusable alternative and don’t require soaking.
- Uniformity in Cuts: Strive to cut your pineapple and red onion into pieces of similar size. This consistency is key to ensuring all ingredients cook at roughly the same rate. Uneven pieces will lead to some components being perfectly cooked while others are still raw or already burnt.
- Marinate for Enhanced Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, don’t just brush the sauce on; marinate the shrimp (and even the pineapple and onion) in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for about 15-30 minutes before skewering. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the ingredients. Remember to reserve some fresh sauce for basting during grilling to avoid cross-contamination.
- Master Grill Control: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat. If your grill has a lid, keep it closed as much as possible between turns. This creates an oven-like effect, which helps to cook the ingredients more thoroughly and evenly, ensuring the shrimp are cooked through without drying out, and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. The moment they turn opaque and pink, they are done. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Generous Basting: Don’t be shy with the teriyaki sauce! Basting frequently during grilling helps build layers of flavor and creates that beautiful, slightly sticky, caramelized glaze.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs
These Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs are incredibly versatile and can effortlessly transform into a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to inspire your next dinner:
- Classic Rice Pairing: Serve your succulent shrimp kebabs alongside a bed of fluffy Instant Pot Jasmine rice. The mild flavor of the rice provides a perfect canvas for the bold teriyaki sauce. For extra flavor, drizzle a little additional warm teriyaki sauce over both the kebabs and the rice. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice are excellent healthy alternatives.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Complement the kebabs with more wholesome goodness. Try Roasted Brussels Sprouts (perhaps with a touch of bacon and balsamic for extra flavor) or simple Grilled Zucchini slices. Bell peppers, asparagus, or even corn on the cob grilled alongside the kebabs would also be fantastic additions.
- Convenient Grilled Potato Packs: For an all-in-one grilling experience, prepare some Grilled Potato Packs. These foil packets can cook simultaneously on the grill while you prep and cook your shrimp, making for an incredibly easy cleanup and a hearty side dish.
- Fresh and Crisp Salads: A light and refreshing salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich teriyaki flavor. A simple Tossed Salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Alternatively, an Asian-inspired slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing would beautifully complement the teriyaki.
- Noodle Dishes: For a heartier meal, serve the kebabs alongside a cold sesame noodle salad or warm lo mein. The combination of noodles and the flavorful shrimp makes for a delightful and filling dinner.
- Appetizer Option: If you’re hosting a party, these kebabs can also be scaled down and served as an impressive appetizer.
Preventing overcooked, rubbery shrimp is key to a delicious kebab. The best strategy is to grill them over medium-high heat for a very short duration, typically 6-8 minutes total, flipping them halfway through. Shrimp cook incredibly quickly; watch for them to turn opaque and bright pink. As soon as they reach this stage, they are done. Remove them from the heat promptly, as they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
Absolutely! If shrimp isn’t your preference or if you have dietary restrictions, this recipe is highly adaptable. Cubed chicken breast or firm tofu are excellent substitutes. For chicken, cut it into 1-inch pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), which will take longer than shrimp, typically 10-15 minutes. For tofu, press out excess water, cut into cubes, and marinate for at least an hour before grilling until golden and firm, also taking longer than shrimp.
Mango and peach are fantastic alternatives to pineapple, offering a different but equally delightful sweet contrast to the savory teriyaki sauce. Ensure you use ripe but firm mangoes or peaches, cut into at least 1-inch chunks so they hold up well on the skewers and don’t become mushy during grilling. They will soften and caramelize beautifully, adding another dimension of flavor to your kebabs.
Yes, these kebabs are great for meal prep! You can assemble the skewers with shrimp, pineapple, and red onion, then brush them with the teriyaki sauce and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. If marinating the shrimp in the sauce, 30 minutes is usually sufficient, but avoid marinating for much longer than an hour, as the acid in some teriyaki sauces can start to “cook” the shrimp, making them tough. Just before grilling, give them another brush of sauce.
You have a couple of options. Wooden or bamboo skewers are widely available and disposable, but they must be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are reusable, conduct heat well, and don’t require soaking, but they will be hot to handle after grilling, so use tongs. Choose skewers that are long enough to hold a good amount of ingredients without overcrowding.
Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp Kebabs
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
4
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
-
1 1/2
pounds
large shrimp
,
, peeled and deveined (about 48 shrimp) -
Cubed pineapple -
small red onion
,
, cut into 8 wedges
Sauce
-
1/2
cup
teriyaki sauce -
2
Tablespoons
sesame seeds
Instructions
-
Preheat grill to medium high heat.
-
To prepare the kebabs, thread about 6 pieces of shrimp, 4 chunks of pineapple, and 1 wedge of red onion, alternating onto 8 skewers.
-
Mix together teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds. Generously brush over shrimp kebabs.
-
Grill for 6-8 minutes, flipping half way, or until the shrimp is completely cooked.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
|
Calories:
378
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
27
g
|
Protein:
45
g
|
Fat:
10
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
7
g
|
Cholesterol:
359
mg
|
Sodium:
2996
mg
|
Fiber:
4
g
|
Sugar:
13
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
4
378
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kingsford Charcoal and Glad . The opinions and text are all mine.