Sizzling Bacon-Wrapped Chili-Lime Shrimp with Sweet Pineapple: Your Ultimate Grilling Guide

Every now and then, a truly brilliant dinner idea emerges from the simplest of conversations. That’s exactly how this incredible recipe for bacon-wrapped, chili-lime shrimp with pineapple came to be! One day, while brainstorming new dinner ideas with colleagues, a suggestion popped up that instantly sparked my culinary imagination: shrimp with pineapple, all wrapped in crispy bacon. The concept was so alluringly delicious that I knew I had to bring it to life in my kitchen that very evening. The result? A perfectly balanced dish that combines savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in every succulent bite. A huge thank you to Michelle for the fantastic inspiration – this recipe has quickly become a household favorite!

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty chili-lime blend, paired with sweet, tropical pineapple chunks, and then lovingly enveloped in strips of smoky bacon. When grilled to perfection, the bacon crisps up, the shrimp cooks tenderly, and the pineapple caramelizes slightly, creating an explosion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an ideal recipe for entertaining, a summer barbecue, or simply a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something special yet surprisingly easy to prepare.

Why This Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons to add this bacon-wrapped chili-lime shrimp with pineapple to your regular cooking repertoire:

Explosion of Flavors: The combination of savory bacon, sweet pineapple, spicy chili, and tangy lime creates a dynamic and irresistible flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish comes together remarkably quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The prep time is minimal, and grilling takes only minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves bacon, shrimp, and pineapple! This dish is a guaranteed hit at any party, barbecue, or family dinner. The skewers are also naturally portioned, making serving a breeze.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the shrimp, pineapple, bacon, and bell pepper make for a stunning presentation, especially when served fresh off the grill.
Versatile: While grilling is the preferred method for that smoky flavor and crispy bacon, this recipe can also be adapted for oven-baking or pan-frying if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.

The Magic of Flavor Combinations: A Deeper Dive

What makes this dish so uniquely delicious? It’s all about the interplay of contrasting yet complementary flavors:

Sweetness from Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a juicy, tropical sweetness that cuts through the richness of the bacon and balances the spice. When grilled, pineapple develops a beautiful caramelization, enhancing its natural sugars.
Savory Depth from Bacon: Bacon is the star here, providing a salty, smoky, and utterly irresistible umami flavor. As it crisps, it adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender shrimp and soft pineapple.
Zesty Kick from Chili and Lime: The chili powder brings a warm, earthy spice, while the cayenne adds a touch of fiery heat. Fresh lime zest and juice provide a bright, citrusy tang that awakens all the flavors and prevents the dish from being too heavy. Old Bay seasoning contributes a classic, savory seafood note that enhances the shrimp’s natural taste.

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

High-quality ingredients are key to the success of this simple yet elegant dish. Here’s what to look for:

Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for easier wrapping and a more substantial bite. Fresh or frozen (and properly thawed) shrimp work equally well. Always choose peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, or do it yourself for maximum freshness.
Bacon: Center-cut bacon is ideal as it’s typically leaner and less likely to fall apart on the grill. Avoid thick-cut bacon, which takes longer to cook and may not crisp up as evenly around the shrimp. Regular-cut bacon, sliced in half lengthwise, is perfect.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and firm texture, which holds up well on the grill. Look for a pineapple that smells sweet at the base and gives slightly when pressed. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks (drained well) can be a substitute, though the flavor won’t be as intense.
Limes: Fresh limes are non-negotiable for this recipe. You’ll need both the zest for aromatic brightness and the juice for that essential tangy kick.
Spices: Good quality chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper will provide the necessary warmth and heat. Adjust the cayenne to your preferred spice level. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are staples for seasoning.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and also prevents sticking on the grill.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper not only adds a lovely splash of color but also a subtle sweetness and crisp texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Bacon-Wrapped Chili-Lime Shrimp with Pineapple

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Authur: Erica

Ingredients

1 ½ lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 t chili powder
1 t Old Bay
¼ t kosher salt
¼ t freshly ground black pepper
good pinch cayenne pepper
zest of one lime
juice of 1/2 lime
½ T extra virgin olive oil
fresh pineapple cut into 1/2-inch cubes
~1/2 lb center-cut bacon strips cut in halves
red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for approximately 450°F (230°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with chili powder, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, a good pinch of cayenne pepper, the zest of one lime, and the juice of half a lime. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toss everything gently to ensure the shrimp are thoroughly coated with the delicious marinade. Transfer the seasoned shrimp to a large cutting board. Place one 1/2-inch cube of fresh pineapple onto each shrimp. Carefully wrap each shrimp and pineapple pair with a halved strip of center-cut bacon, securing it with a skewer. Thread pieces of red bell pepper in between the shrimp-pineapple bundles on the skewers. If you have any leftover bacon, you can wrap it around additional pineapple chunks and grill them separately for a delightful treat. Remember to lightly brush the assembled skewers with olive oil before grilling to prevent them from sticking.
Once your grill has reached the target temperature of approximately 450°F (230°C), it is crucial to oil the grill grates thoroughly. This step is essential to prevent the bacon from sticking and ensures your skewers remain intact! Add the prepared skewers to the hot grill. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-high. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy and cooked through, and the shrimp have turned opaque and pink. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges of the bacon are perfectly browned and crisp.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor and a gentle kick, I’ve also made this dish by adding a small slice of jalapeño pepper with the pineapple on the skewers – absolutely delicious!

Essential Equipment for Grilling Success

To make these irresistible skewers, you’ll need a few basic tools:

Grill: A gas grill or charcoal grill is essential for achieving that perfect smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and durable. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Mixing Bowl: For marinating the shrimp.
Cutting Board & Knife: For preparing the shrimp, pineapple, and bell pepper.
Tongs: For easily turning the skewers on the grill.
Basting Brush: For oiling the skewers and grill grates.

Step-by-Step Grilling Success: Tips for Perfection

While the recipe card provides concise instructions, here are some expanded tips to ensure your bacon-wrapped shrimp and pineapple skewers turn out perfectly every time:

Marination Matters: Don’t skip the marination step for the shrimp. Even a short 15-20 minute soak in the chili-lime mixture will infuse them with wonderful flavor. Avoid marinating for too long (more than 30 minutes) as the acid in the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, making them tough.
Skewering Technique: When assembling the skewers, ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly around both the shrimp and pineapple. This helps keep everything together and allows the bacon to cook evenly. Placing a piece of bell pepper between each shrimp-pineapple bundle also helps prevent overcrowding and ensures each component gets even heat.
Preheat Thoroughly: A hot grill is crucial for searing the bacon and shrimp quickly, locking in juices and preventing sticking. Allow your grill to preheat to a high temperature (around 450°F / 230°C) before you even think about putting the food on.
Oil the Grates, Seriously: This is arguably the most important step for preventing sticking, especially with bacon. Use a basting brush or a paper towel dipped in high-heat cooking oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) to generously coat your hot grill grates just before placing the skewers. Re-oil if necessary between batches.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give your skewers space to breathe on the grill. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and lead to steaming rather than searing, resulting in less crispy bacon and less flavorful shrimp. Cook in batches if needed.
Watch the Time: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Grill for 5-7 minutes total, turning once. The bacon should be crispy, and the shrimp should turn opaque pink. The pineapple will soften slightly and caramelize.
Utilize Leftover Bacon/Pineapple: As noted, any extra bacon can be wrapped around pineapple chunks and grilled. These make fantastic little bites or a delicious garnish for the main skewers.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

Rice: Serve alongside fluffy white rice, brown rice, or a tropical coconut rice to soak up any juices.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a vibrant coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob complements the barbecue theme perfectly.
Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier option, a side of quinoa or couscous can be a great choice.
Tropical Salsa: A fresh mango or avocado salsa would be an amazing accompaniment, adding even more fresh, fruity flavors.

Customization and Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own!

Add Heat: As mentioned in the notes, adding a small slice of jalapeño or serrano pepper with the pineapple on the skewers takes the spice level up a notch.
Different Spices: Experiment with other spice blends. A touch of smoked paprika, cumin, or even a dash of garlic powder can add different dimensions.
Honey Glaze: Towards the end of grilling, brush the skewers with a light honey-lime glaze for extra sweetness and shine.
Fruit Alternatives: While pineapple is classic, mango or even firm peaches could offer a different sweet contrast.
Cooking Indoors: No grill? No problem! You can bake these skewers in a hot oven (around 400°F / 200°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or pan-fry them in a large skillet until bacon is crispy and shrimp cooked through.

~✿♥✿~

This bacon-wrapped chili-lime shrimp with pineapple recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that promises to delight with every bite. The irresistible combination of crispy, smoky bacon, tender, spicy shrimp, and sweet, juicy pineapple makes for a dish that’s both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that’s bursting with sunshine and savory goodness. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us your favorite variations in the comments below!