Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Name: Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1-1/2 lbs raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup fresh pineapple juice; 1/3 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce); 2 large sweet red bell peppers; 1 small pineapple (peeled and sliced); 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice; Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Published: July 12, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The marinade blends fresh pineapple juice, ginger, and honey for a sweet and savory kick.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and nutrients from fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious option.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in no time.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for meal prep or serving at parties; it adapts well to various dietary preferences.
Eye-Catching Presentation: Serve in vibrant bell pepper bowls for an impressive look that dazzles guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skewers (bamboo or metal)
Grill pan or outdoor grill
Medium bowl for mixing
Whisk
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Skewers: Essential for grilling shrimp evenly; they help maintain shape during cooking.
Grill Pan/Outdoor Grill: Provides high heat to achieve that perfect char on both shrimp and veggies.
Whisk: Ensures your marinade blends thoroughly for an even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1-1/2 lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/3 cup coconut aminos, tamari, Braggs liquid aminos, or low sodium soy sauce
2 tsps apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
3 Tbsps raw honey or pure maple syrup
3-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated on the microplane
3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced or grated on the microplane
1/2 tsp chili flakes, or to taste
3 tsps sesame oil
Bamboo skewers soaked in water so they don’t burn or metal skewers

For the Bowls:

2 large sweet red bell peppers, seeded and cut into chunks
1 small pineapple, peeled and sliced, center removed
1 Tbsp avocado oil, or melted unrefined coconut oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, chopped
Fresh lime wedges

How to Make Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning while grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine fresh pineapple juice, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, raw honey, ginger, garlic, chili flakes, and sesame oil.
2. Whisk well until fully blended.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp

Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade (this will be used later).
Add the remaining marinade into a large glass bowl or ziplock bag with the shrimp.
Seal tightly and shake or stir to combine well.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to marinate.

Step 4: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat.

Step 5: Skewer the Shrimp

Skew the marinated shrimp onto soaked skewers carefully.

Step 6: Grill the Shrimp

Grill your shrimp over medium-high heat:
1. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Step 7: Prepare Bell Peppers & Pineapple

While grilling shrimp:
1. Drizzle/spray bell peppers and pineapple with avocado oil/coconut oil.
2. Sprinkle bell peppers with smoked paprika, sea salt, and pepper.

Step 8: Grill Veggies

On the same preheated grill:
1. Grill bell peppers & pineapple for 2–3 minutes on each side until charred.

Step 9: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice into four serving bowls:
1. Top with grilled bell peppers and pineapple.
2. Serve with shrimp skewers arranged attractively on top.

Step 10: Garnish & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges, then serve with reserved marinade sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls!

How to Serve Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Serving Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls is all about enhancing the tropical flavors while creating a visually appealing presentation. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Serve with Fresh Herbs

Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh herbs over the bowls for a burst of color and flavor.
Mint Leaves: Add mint leaves for a refreshing twist that complements the shrimp.

Pair with Citrus Fruits

Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra zing when squeezed over the shrimp.
Orange Slices: Include orange slices for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Add Crunchy Elements

Chopped Nuts: Toss in some chopped almonds or cashews for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch that enhances the dish.

Utilize Colorful Vegetables

Shredded Carrots: Garnish with shredded carrots for an extra layer of color and texture.
Radish Slices: Add thinly sliced radishes for a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.

How to Perfect Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Perfecting this recipe requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish is unforgettable.

Marinate Well: Let the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps infuse flavor into every bite.
Preheat Grill Properly: Make sure your grill is at medium-high heat before adding the shrimp. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Watch Cooking Time: Grill shrimp just until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple juice and ginger deliver better flavor than bottled options, enhancing your overall dish.
Opt for Colorful Bell Peppers: Using different colored bell peppers not only looks appealing but also adds varied flavors.
Serve Immediately: For best taste and texture, serve your bowls right after assembling while everything is warm.

Best Side Dishes for Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Complementing your Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls with sides can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent side dish ideas that pair well with this tropical feast.

Coconut Quinoa: Lightly sweetened quinoa cooked in coconut milk adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Mango Salsa: A fresh mango salsa brings sweetness and acidity, enhancing the tropical vibe of your meal.
Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb option that complements the grilled ingredients nicely.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness to balance out savory flavors.
Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad dressed in lime juice provides creaminess and freshness alongside your main dish.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob seasoned with lime and chili powder makes for a delicious, finger-licking side that everyone loves.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread can be an unexpected yet delightful addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover marinade.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots adds brightness and texture, making it an excellent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

Skipping the marination time: Marinating the shrimp enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 20-30 minutes in the fridge.
Not soaking skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, failing to soak them can lead to burning on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many shrimp or vegetables on the grill can result in uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary.
Neglecting to reserve marinade: Always set aside some marinade before adding raw shrimp. This prevents contamination and allows you to enjoy extra sauce later.
Ignoring doneness signs: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover shrimp and bowls in airtight containers.
They will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Place cooked shrimp and vegetables in freezer-safe bags or containers.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp and vegetables on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure they are fully thawed before marinating.

What can I substitute for pineapple juice?

You can use orange juice or a mixture of lime juice with a bit of sugar as alternatives.

How do I customize my Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe?

Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, or replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for different flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce options like coconut aminos, this recipe is gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness comes from chili flakes, which you can adjust according to your taste preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice!

Final Thoughts

The Island Dream Grilled Shrimp + Pineapple Bowls Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist. Give it a try and enjoy the tropical flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card