Name: Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2/3 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (26-30 count); 1 pineapple, split and hollowed out (save pineapple); 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1/4 cup red pepper – diced; 1/2 cup onion – diced; 1 cup pineapple, diced; 3 cups cooked rice (1 1/2 cup white rice cooked with 3 cups chicken stock); 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped for garnishing; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; Sea salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons scallions, sliced for garnishing; 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning for blackening shrimp

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to transport your taste buds straight to the tropics, you’re in for a treat with this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe. It’s fresh, festive, and truly bursting with vibrant flavors—think juicy shrimp, sweet caramelized pineapple, and veggies, all scooped into a real pineapple boat. This easy weeknight dinner feels just a little extra special, perfect for when you want something fun and different but don’t want to fuss for hours in the kitchen. Give this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe a try if you love color, flavor, and a bit of wow-factor at the dinner table!

Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, but each one brings real character. The mix of juicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and crisp veggies makes this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe both satisfying and beautiful—every bite is a burst of island-inspired flavor. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips to make them shine):

Shrimp: Go for peeled and deveined shrimp (26-30 count) for the perfect bite size, and make sure they’re patted dry before seasoning.
Pineapple: Pick a ripe, fragrant pineapple—half is hollowed out for a showstopper presentation, while the fruit gets diced for the filling.
Corn Kernels: Fresh or frozen corn adds juicy pop and sunny yellow color.
Red Pepper: Diced for crunch and a burst of color—bell or sweet mini peppers both work.
Onion: Sautéed onion builds an aromatic base and natural sweetness.
Pineapple (diced): Adds the signature sweetness and tang that makes this recipe so unforgettable.
Cooked Rice: Fluffy white rice cooked in chicken stock, a savory backdrop for all those island flavors.
Cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled for a fresh, herbal lift as garnish.
Butter: Adds richness when sautéing the veggies and pineapple.
Cooking Oil: A neutral oil helps cook the shrimp to a perfect light sear.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To taste—season as you go for layers of flavor.
Scallions: Sliced for a final touch of zippy, green freshness as garnish.
Cajun Seasoning: Blackens the shrimp for delicious contrast, but you can swap in Old Bay or paprika if you prefer milder spice.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Boats

Begin by splitting your pineapple right down the middle, including the stalk. This turns an ordinary pineapple into something spectacular—truly the star of this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe! Use a paring knife to carefully run along the edges, trying not to puncture the skin. Gently angle the knife to cut the pineapple flesh into sections, removing the core and scooping out the fruit. Reserve the amount you need for this recipe, and save the rest for smoothies or snacks later.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

If you haven’t already, get your rice underway! For big flavor, cook white rice in chicken stock instead of water, using about 1.5 cups of rice with 3 cups of stock. It’s simple but makes the finished dish so much more savory and satisfying.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Pineapple

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add corn, diced onion, red pepper, and diced pineapple. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onions soften and everything smells tempting. This creates the sweet-savory medley that makes this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe shine. Set aside when done.

Step 4: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Next, pat the shrimp dry and toss them well in your favorite Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. If you prefer milder flavor, Old Bay or a sprinkle of paprika will give great color without the heat. Heat a bit of cooking oil over medium-high and lightly blacken the shrimp on both sides, cooking until just opaque. You want them juicy inside!

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed pineapple-veggie mix, and blackened shrimp. Gently fold everything together so the flavors mingle but the shrimp stay plump. Tasting for seasoning now is key—add salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Fill the Pineapple Boats and Garnish

Spoon the shrimp and rice mixture into your hollowed-out pineapple halves, making sure some of the shrimp peek out invitingly on top. Finish with generous sprinkles of scallions and cilantro for a fresh, fragrant finish. Serve straight away—that’s the true magic of this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe!

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can really make this dish sing. Pile on chopped cilantro for herbal freshness and a sprinkle of sliced scallions for bright color and zing. You could even zest a little lime on top or add a drizzle of sriracha for those who like extra heat. The pineapple boat, of course, makes any garnish stand out!

Side Dishes

The savory-sweet notes of this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe pair perfectly with a light side. Think a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette, steamed edamame, or even coconut rice if you want to double down on the tropical vibes. Fresh mango slaw or grilled vegetables are winners if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous.

Creative Ways to Present

One of the best parts about this recipe is the presentation: serving in a pineapple boat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! For a party, you can make mini versions using pineapple rings, or layer the shrimp mixture into jars for easy picnicking. If you’re prepping for a group, just line up the filled pineapple halves on a platter and watch how quickly everyone gathers around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Scoop any extra from the pineapple shell into an airtight container and store for up to three days. The flavors will mingle even more overnight, making for a delicious and easy lunch.

Freezing

While the shrimp and rice mixture can be frozen, the pineapple itself won’t hold up well, so be sure to separate the filling first. Let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze the filling for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the shrimp and rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Microwave also works for quick lunches, but avoid reheating the pineapple boats themselves for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking so they sear up nicely.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes! Substitute the shrimp for cubes of tofu or tempeh, and use veggie broth for the rice. The Cajun (or smoky paprika) seasoning will still pack lots of flavor.

What’s the best way to hollow out a pineapple?

Use a sharp paring knife to cut around the edges, then make lengthwise and crosswise cuts in the flesh to lift out chunks. Take your time and use a spoon to scrape the sides for a clean boat.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Definitely! You can cook the rice, veggies, and even blacken the shrimp ahead of time. Store each separately, then mix together and reheat just before serving in the pineapple halves.

How spicy is the dish?

That’s entirely up to you! The Cajun seasoning adds smoky heat, but you can use Old Bay, mild paprika, or your favorite mild blend to dial it down while still adding color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

For a weeknight dinner that brings big island energy and major flavor, you just can’t beat this Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can make such a vibrant, feel-good dish. Let your kitchen feel a little more tropical tonight!

Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Recipe is a delightful combination of sweet pineapple, succulent shrimp, and flavorful vegetables all served in a hollowed-out pineapple boat. It’s a tropical dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Instructions

Prepare Pineapple: Split pineapple down the middle, hollow it out, and save the pineapple flesh.
Remove Edible Pineapple Sections: Use a knife to cut out edible sections of pineapple without puncturing the skin.
Remove Core: Discard the core and save the remaining pineapple for later use.
Cook Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Saute Vegetables: In a pan, saute corn, onion, peppers, and pineapple in butter until onions are cooked. Set aside.
Prepare Shrimp: Peel, devein, and dredge shrimp in cajun seasoning. Blacken the shrimp in a pan until fully cooked.
Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked rice with sauteed vegetables and shrimp.
Fill Pineapple: Fill the hollowed-out pineapple halves with the rice, vegetable, and shrimp mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and scallions, then serve immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Saute, Blacken, Mix
Cuisine: Hawaiian