Honey Garlic Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers | Gluten-Free & Paleo

Welcome to a burst of summer flavors on your plate with our irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers featuring succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple. Not only are these skewers a celebration of sunny days, but they also cater to dietary needs, being both gluten-free and paleo-friendly.

We believe in versatility, so whether you prefer the sizzle of the grill, the warmth of the oven, or the quick stovetop magic, these skewers adapt effortlessly. And for those embracing a dairy-free lifestyle, fear not—this recipe comes with modifications that maintain the creamy, savory goodness without compromising dietary preferences.

Keep reading for this perfect seafood kabobs recipe.

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

Why you’ll love this recipe for Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers:

• These grilled shrimp skewers with honey have all the flavors of summertime and will have you feeling like vacation—I call these my Caribbean shrimp kabobs!
• The honey garlic marinade gives you teriyaki flavor without wheat or soy keeping it 100% gluten-free and one of you new favorite paleo shrimp recipes.
• This gluten free appetizers recipe can be made on the stovetop, baked, or grilled with equally wonderful results!

Is shrimp gluten free?

Yes—all shellfish is naturally gluten-free.  That said, sometimes pre-packed or frozen shellfish has been processed on equipment with wheat, so it still is worth checking the ingredients labels for any warnings.  Crazy.  I know.

Ingredients for Caribbean grilled shrimp and pineapple

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are fresh and can be found at your local grocery store, but you’ll find great deals on gluten-free ingredients in like the seasonings and coconut aminos on Thrive Market.

To make the gluten-free marinade for shrimp kabobs you’ll need:

• wooden skewers. (soaked in water for 20-25 minutes before using) or you can use reusable metal skewers.
• ghee or butter.  True paleo would stick to ghee (clarified butter), but regular butter is gluten-free & totally works in this recipe. If you need to be totally dairy free, simply sub your favorite plant-based butter.
• honey.  If you’re looking for a lower sugar recipe, instead of ¼ cup honey you could sub in 1-2 tablespoon coconut sugar or sweetener dissolved in about 3 tablespoon water.  This will work for the marinade and be decent for grilling, but if you are looking to make this on the stovetop or bake and reuse some sauce, it may not cook down as well as it would if you used honey.
• minced garlic.
• coconut aminos.  Coconut aminos are a gluten-free and paleo substitute to traditional soy sauce.  If not looking for paleo or soy free, feel free to use soy aminos or gluten free soy sauce instead).
• lemon juice.
• Sriracha. Omit if you don’t like spice, but I think this really kicks up the flavor! Check out this guide to the best gluten free brands.

To prepare and cook the shrimp skewers you’ll need:

• raw shrimp. Use large or jumbo shrimp and be sure they are peeled and deveined.
• chopped pineapple.  Fresh is better for this recipe, but canned pineapple chunks are still yummy in a pinch!
• salt.
• black pepper.

How to make Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple

Making these gluten-free shrimp skewers is simple and easy!

First, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes (or use metal skewers!)

To prepare your marinade, melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the honey, garlic, aminos, and Sriracha (if using) and whisk together, letting it simmer for a few minutes. 

When finished, add lemon juice and set the marinade aside in a bowl to cool.

Then, alternate the shrimp and pineapple on the skewers and season with the salt and pepper.

These shrimp skewers can then be cooked on the grill, stove top, or baked in the oven.

How to grill shrimp and pineapple skewers

Reserve half the sauce for serving.

Heat the grill over medium-high heat and brush both sides of the kabobs with the sauce.  Cook each side on the grill for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is pink, continuing to brush wish sauce as it cooks.

Serve with the reserved sauce.

How to make shrimp skewers on the stove top

Reserve half the sauce for serving.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.  Brush both sides of the kabobs with the sauce and sear in the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, the skewers are done when the shrimp is pink.

Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers in the pan.

Serve with the reserved sauce.

How to make shrimp kabobs in the oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the skewers in a 13x9 baking dish and pour sauce over the shrimp.  Bake about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink & cooked through. 

You may want to turn your shrimp pineapple skewers over halfway through the cooking time to be sure they get well coated in the marinade.

What goes with shrimp kabobs?

These seafood skewers can be served as is with the reserved/cooked sauce paring with a yummy carb source such as rice or quinoa on the side. I'd also pair them with an additional veggie such as a side salad or pan-fried broccoli with garlic.

Or prepare some rice cooker coconut rice, remove the shrimp and pineapple from the skewers, and then serve over the rice with the reserved sauce drizzled on top. 

Either way is really yummy!

Scroll down for the printable recipe for shrimp kabobs with pineapple, and take the FREE quiz to discover your personalized gluten free plan to claim back your love of food!

Looking for other yummy gluten-free and paleo recipes?  Try these:

• Easy (no soy) steak marinade
• Slow cooker barbacoa
• Slow cooker cabbage soup
• Easy homemade applesauce

Delicious Gluten-Free Caribbean Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs