Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Coconut Rice Recipe

Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Coconut Rice Recipe - Braizebbq

Summer heat, grill marks, and tropical flavors are a great combination. This dish brings together plump, smoky-grilled shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and velvety coconut rice for a flavor-packed meal that feels like a beachside escape. Sweet meets savory with every bite, and the creamy rice keeps things balanced and satisfying. This recipe is a quick way to bring vacation vibes to your backyard.

Why Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Coconut Rice?

  • Combines bright, tropical flavors with smoky grill magic.
  • Quick to prep: shrimp and pineapple cook in minutes, rice in under 20 minutes.
  • Perfect for grill-friendly, gluten‑free, lean‑protein dinners.
  • Ideal for entertaining or turning a weeknight meal into something special.

Grilled shrimp served in a hollowed pineapple half over coconut rice

Tools That Make It Better

  • Kabob Grill Basket : keeps shrimp and pineapple secure and easy to flip.
  • Rice pot with lid: for flawless, creamy coconut rice.

Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Coconut Rice

Ingredients

  • For the Shrimp:
    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
    • 1 lb fresh pineapple, cut into 1‑inch chunks
    • Marinade ideas: soy‑ginger, honey-teriyaki, lime-garlic, or spicy chili-lime
  • For the Coconut Rice:
    • 1 cup long-grain rice
    • 1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup water (or a 1:1 ratio for creamy flavor) 
    • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or green onions

Instructions

  1. Prep & Marinate:
    Place shrimp and pineapple alternately into Kabob Grill Basket. Marinate briefly (10 to 30 mins) in your choice of sauce. Do not over-marinate to avoid cooking the shrimp in the acid.
  2. Cook the Coconut Rice:
    Bring rice, coconut milk, and water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
  3. Grill to Perfection:
    Preheat grill to medium-high. Place Grill Basket  on the grill, cook 2 to 4 minutes per side until shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F and are opaque.  Brush with extra marinade halfway through for added flavor.
  4. Serve:
    Spoon coconut rice onto plates, top with skewers, and garnish with cilantro or green onions.

Bowl of grilled shrimp and coconut rice topped with fresh pineapple chunks and herbs

Perfect Pairings

  • Crisp mango or cucumber salad for freshness.
  • A citrusy green salad or light coleslaw.
  • Sides of grilled corn or warm flatbread.
  • Refreshing drinks like coconut water, sparkling wine, or lime‑infused iced tea

Pro Grilling Tips

  • Use a grill basket if shrimp pieces are small or to prevent sticking.
  • Do not overcook shrimp. They cook fast and become tough if left too long. 

Nutritional Highlights

  • Lean, high-quality protein from shrimp.
  • Naturally gluten-free.
  • Coconut rice adds richness, but can be lightened with reduced-fat coconut milk or a mix of water.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this on a grill pan or indoors?
Absolutely. A grill pan works great. Just follow the same timings and you will still get lovely char.

Q: How can I lighten the meal?
Use light coconut milk or reduce the coconut-to-water ratio. Serve with a side salad for a fresh balance.

Q: What if shrimp and pineapple cook at different rates?
Cut pineapple into slightly smaller or similarly sized pieces to match shrimp, and avoid crowded skewers.

Q: Can I prep ahead?
Yes. Rice can be made in advance and reheated. Marinate shrimp just before grilling for best texture.

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🔥 Recipe Card Prep 30 min · Cook 28 min · Total 58 min · 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 lb fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Marinade (soy-ginger, honey-teriyaki, lime-garlic, or spicy chili-lime)
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: chopped cilantro or green onions

Steps

  1. Place shrimp and pineapple alternately into a grill basket.
  2. Marinate for 10–30 minutes; do not over-marinate to prevent the acid from "cooking" the shrimp.
  3. Bring rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to a boil in a pot.
  4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Place the grill basket on the grill and cook for 4–8 minutes total (2–4 minutes per side) until shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F and are opaque.
  7. Brush with extra marinade halfway through cooking.
  8. Serve the shrimp and pineapple over the coconut rice, garnished with cilantro or green onions.