Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers with Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites

This vibrant dish brings together two irresistible flavors — the tropical sweetness of grilled pineapple and shrimp skewers and the crispy, tangy-spicy delight of sweet chili cauliflower bites. The shrimp skewers are juicy, caramelized, and infused with a zesty marinade, while the cauliflower bites are light yet crunchy, coated in a glossy, sticky sweet chili glaze.

Together, they create a beautifully balanced meal — sweet, smoky, savory, and slightly spicy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family dinner, or simply want to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home, this combo is guaranteed to impress!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures — the smoky sweetness of the grilled shrimp complements the crispy, tangy cauliflower so well. It’s a refreshing, fun meal that looks stunning and feels indulgent yet wholesome.

It’s also super versatile — you can serve both dishes separately as appetizers or combine them into a complete meal with rice or noodles.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
• Two dishes in one – tropical seafood + crispy vegetarian bites.
• Balanced sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
• Quick, healthy, and easy to make.
• Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (both dishes combined)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Fusion / Tropical / Asian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer

Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers

For the Skewers

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh preferred)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks (optional)
• 8–10 skewers (wooden or metal)

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites

For the Bites

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water (or milk for richness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sweet Chili Sauce

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Marinate shrimp in the soy-honey-lime mixture for 15–20 minutes.
2. Prepare the cauliflower batter, dip florets, and bake or air-fry until golden.
3. Grill shrimp and pineapple skewers until caramelized.
4. Toss baked cauliflower in sweet chili sauce until evenly coated.
5. Serve both dishes together with lime wedges and fresh herbs.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Part 1: Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread shrimp and pineapple alternately on skewers (add bell peppers or onions if desired).

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
3. Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
4. Brush with leftover marinade during the last minute for a glossy finish.

Part 2: Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Bake or Air-Fry

• To Bake:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange coated florets in a single layer.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
• To Air-Fry:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Air fry for 14–16 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 3: Coat with Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Warm for 1–2 minutes on low heat.
3. Add baked cauliflower and toss until fully coated.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

How to Serve

Serve both dishes together for a tropical feast:

• Arrange shrimp skewers on one side of the platter and sweet chili cauliflower bites on the other.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sesame seeds.
• Perfect pairings:
  • Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
  • Cucumber salad or mango salsa
  • Chilled tropical drinks (like pineapple mojito or coconut water)

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they only need a few minutes per side.
• Fresh pineapple caramelizes better than canned.
• Use parchment paper when baking cauliflower to avoid sticking.
• Double the sauce if you love extra glaze on cauliflower.
• Add a touch of crushed peanuts or toasted sesame for crunch.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Mango Shrimp Skewers – Replace honey with mango puree and a pinch of chili.
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers – Use melted butter and garlic in the marinade.
3. BBQ Cauliflower Bites – Swap sweet chili sauce for smoky BBQ sauce.
4. Teriyaki Version – Brush both shrimp and cauliflower with teriyaki glaze.
5. Vegan Option – Replace shrimp with tofu cubes marinated in the same sauce.

Freezing and Storage

For Shrimp Skewers:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers (off the skewers) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze (uncooked): Marinated shrimp can be frozen up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Grill or sauté lightly until heated through.

For Cauliflower Bites:

• Refrigerate: Store coated cauliflower (without sauce) for 2 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze baked cauliflower bites for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven or air fryer before tossing in sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Baking tray or air fryer
• Tongs
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Saucepan
• Whisk

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the cauliflower bites ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake them ahead and reheat in the oven before tossing with sauce to keep them crisp.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Thaw and pat dry before marinating.

Q3: What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
A: Mix honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and a bit of vinegar for a homemade alternative.

Q4: Can I grill the cauliflower instead of baking?
A: Yes! Thread cauliflower on skewers and grill for 10–12 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Q5: How do I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice flour or chickpea flour for the cauliflower batter.

Conclusion

Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Skewers with Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, spicy, and tangy elements. It’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds — combining tropical seafood delight with a crisp vegetarian favorite.