Pineapple Thai Shrimp is a fun and tasty dish that combines juicy shrimp with sweet pineapple and a bit of spice. It’s colorful and packed with flavor, making it perfect for dinner or a special occasion!
I love how the sweet pineapple balances the spices, making every bite exciting. Serve it over rice, and you’re in for a delicious treat that will have everyone asking for seconds! 🍤🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works too—just make sure to thaw it properly. For a budget-friendly option, you can swap shrimp with chicken or tofu.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness, but canned pineapple works as a substitute. Just drain it well. If you’re looking to skip pineapple, sweet bell peppers could add a nice touch.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient brings authentic Thai flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative instead.
Chili Peppers: Adjust the heat by using fewer peppers or opting for mild varieties, like Anaheim peppers. For a non-spicy option, you could leave them out altogether.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, regular granulated sugar or coconut sugar are decent substitutes that will maintain the sweetness.
How Can I Ensure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp correctly is crucial to avoid a rubbery texture. Here’s how:
- Start with a preheated skillet or wok to get a nice sear.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook!
- If using frozen shrimp, give them enough time to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.
Getting the timing right is key—remove them from heat as soon as they’re done. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender and juicy!
Pineapple Thai Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus lime wedges for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: fresh purple cabbage shreds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish can be ready in about 20 minutes! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s really hot before you begin—this will give everything a nice sizzle!
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Once the oil is ready, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red chili peppers. Stir-fry these ingredients for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant and the onion starts to soften. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once they’re done, take them out and set them aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Pineapple:
In the same skillet, add the pineapple chunks. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they get a little caramelized and warm. This will bring out their sweetness!
5. Combine and Heat:
After the pineapple is sautéed, return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and broth. Mix everything well and let it heat through for another 1-2 minutes. This step combines all those lovely flavors together!
6. Add Green Onions and Cilantro:
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. These will add a pop of color and flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your delicious Pineapple Thai Shrimp to a serving dish and garnish it with extra cilantro and purple cabbage shreds if you’re using them. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker results.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more chili peppers, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also use a spicier variety of chili, like Thai bird’s eye peppers, for an extra kick!
What Should I Do With Leftover Pineapple Thai Shrimp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently on the stove over low heat, ensuring the shrimp doesn’t overcook. You might add a splash of broth for moisture!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian or vegan fish sauce replacement. Adjust other flavors, like using more soy sauce or adding a bit of coconut sugar for sweetness!