Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs

Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs Recipe - A Taste of Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the smoky heat of chipotle with the sweetness of pineapple. These kabobs are perfect for grilling season and make a great addition to any summer cookout or barbecue.

History

The combination of shrimp, pineapple, and chipotle flavors is a popular one in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Mexican flavors and adds a modern twist with the addition of the tangy Baja Chipotle Marinade with lime juice.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of Lawry's™ Baja chipotle Marinade with lime juice
1 medium-sized red onion, cut into chunks
1.5 lb (680 g) of uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
1 can (16 oz (454 g)) of pineapple chunks in natural juice, drained or 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks

How to prepare

In a large resealable plastic bag, pour 0.25 cup of Lawry's™ Baja Chipotle Marinade with lime juice over the shrimp. Turn the shrimp to coat them evenly.
Close the bag and marinate the shrimp in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
On skewers, alternately thread the shrimp with pineapple, onion, and bell peppers.
Grill the kabobs, turning them occasionally and brushing them with the remaining 0.25 cup of marinade, for 8 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.

Variations

Substitute chicken or beef for the shrimp for a different protein option.
Add cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the kabobs for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.

- Brushing the kabobs with marinade while grilling helps to keep them moist and adds extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs with a side of cilantro lime rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the kabobs over medium-high heat helps to caramelize the pineapple and vegetables, adding depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Lawry's™ Baja Chipotle Marinade with lime juice, you can use your favorite chipotle marinade and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the shrimp and prepare the kabobs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs with a cold Mexican beer or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may contain allergens such as soy and gluten.

Summary

Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs are a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in protein and low in fat. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer grilling. With a balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, these kabobs are sure to be a hit at your next cookout or barbecue. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs. It was a warm summer day, and I was attending a backyard barbecue at my friend Maria's house. As I walked towards the grill, my senses were immediately captivated by the delicious aroma wafting through the air. I could smell the smoky chipotle, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the succulent shrimp all mingling together to create a tantalizing symphony of flavors.

Maria greeted me with a smile and handed me a skewer of the mouth-watering kabobs. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The spicy chipotle was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple, and the juicy shrimp added a burst of freshness to each bite. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I immediately asked Maria for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to teach me. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping, marinating, and grilling until we had a platter full of perfectly charred Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs. As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Maria shared with me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that she had learned how to make the kabobs from her grandmother, who had picked up the recipe while traveling in Mexico many years ago. The combination of chipotle, shrimp, and pineapple was a traditional Mexican flavor pairing that had been passed down through generations. Maria's grandmother had taught her how to balance the heat of the chipotle with the sweetness of the pineapple, and how to grill the shrimp just right so that it was tender and juicy.

As I savored each bite of the kabobs, I could taste the history and tradition that had gone into creating this dish. The flavors were bold and vibrant, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. I knew that I wanted to carry on this tradition and share it with my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have made the Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends at potlucks, family gatherings, and backyard barbecues. Each time, the kabobs are met with rave reviews, and I am always asked for the recipe.

I have come to cherish this recipe not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories and stories that are tied to it. Every time I make the kabobs, I am reminded of that sunny summer day at Maria's house, of the laughter and camaraderie that filled her kitchen as we cooked together. I am reminded of her grandmother, of the generations of women who have passed down this recipe with love and care.

As I sit here now, preparing to make a batch of Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs for my family, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the friendships that have enriched my life, for the culinary traditions that have shaped me, and for the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones I love.

And so, as I skewer the shrimp, pineapple, and chipotle onto the skewers, I do so with a heart full of memories and a spirit of tradition. I know that with each bite of the kabobs, my family will taste not just the flavors of Mexico, but the love and history that have gone into creating this dish.

And for that, I am truly grateful.