Hawaiian Style Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

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Juicy, tender grilled shrimp kabobs are a delicious meal that is customizable to everyone’s liking. Just a few simple ingredients and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy dinner.

Mahalo to Foodland Hawai’i for sponsoring this post. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Warmer nights just call for outdoor BBQs. Firing up the grill and cooking your favorite dishes like coffee rub grilled pork chops or these grilled shrimp kabobs. Just doesn’t get any better than that.

Quick and easy dinners are my jam. Like this Hawaiian style grilled shrimp kabob recipe. All you need is a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes and you’ve got yourself a customizable dinner.

Whether you call them kabobs, kebabs, skewers or any other name, this grilled shrimp kabob recipe is one you don’t want to miss.

What is a kabob?

Kebabs originated in the Middle East and are commonly made with cut up meat, placed on a skewer, and cooked over fire. 

The best thing about kabobs is the ability to cook things that might fall through the grates of the grill, hence shrimp. Placing the shrimp on the skewer makes it really easy to cook and you don’t have to worry about losing some along the way.

Grilled shrimp kabobs with vegetables are a fun way for children to design their own meal. Add the things you want. Leave out the ones you don’t. Please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients for grilled shrimp kabobs

• Jumbo shrimp. Any size will do here. You’ll want to be sure to have them peeled and deveined.
• Maika’i Papaya Seed Dressing. The secret sauce to all the yummy goodness.
• Bell pepper. Use any color you like. Feel free to use a spicier pepper if you’d like as well.
• Pineapple chunks. These serve as a great slight sweet addition to a savory dish. Fresh or canned works well.
• Red onion. Sweet Maui onions would also work well here.
• Skewers. Wooden or metal will do.

Other great add on options include

• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini

What is papaya seed dressing?

Papaya seed dressing is a tangy dressing made from the seeds of the papaya, hence the name. Papaya seeds are edible and have a strong peppery flavor. This dressing is delicious on salads, but one of my favorite things to use it for is a marinade for grilled shrimp.

How long do shrimp need to marinate?

I would suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave them up to overnight. If you are using a different marinade that is acidic, be sure not to leave overnight. The acidity can cook the shrimp and change the texture and flavor.

Why do I need to soak the skewers?

If using wooden skewers, I would recommend soaking in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent the skewers from catching fire while cooking. If using metal skewers you can skip this step.

What temperature should you grill shrimp skewers?

Shrimp are small and cook quickly. Setting your grill to medium high heat while cooking works well.

How long should you grill shrimp kabobs?

The great thing about shrimp is they have their very own internal thermometer. When shrimp are done cooking they turn an opaque pink orange color. This only takes 2-3 minutes over a medium high grill.

What temperature should grilled shrimp be cooked to?

The FDA does not actually give a temperature to cook shrimp to. They suggest cooking until the shrimp is pearl or white and opaque. This generally is achieved at 120F.

Shrimp are easily over cooked. A tell tale sign is when the shrimp begin to constrict. Over cooked shrimp develop a rubbery and tough texture.

What to serve with shrimp kabobs?

• As I always say, here in Hawai’i you can’t go wrong with some sticky, white rice.
• Pair with a green salad
• Or just serve it alone

How to store?

Shrimp are best eaten right after cooking, however if you have leftovers place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

How long does cooked shrimp last?

Stored in the refrigerator, cooked shrimp will last 3 days.

How to reheat?

The tricky thing with reheating shrimp is avoiding over cooking. While you can certainly use a microwave, be sure to heat in small increments of say about 30 seconds to avoid over overcooking. You can also place the shrimp back on the grill or on the stove top or in the oven.

Other great shrimp recipes to try

• Hawaiian garlic shrimp
• Air fryer coconut shrimp
• Honey walnut shrimp
• Shrimp curry
• Mochi crunch shrimp

How to make grilled shrimp kabobs?

1. Place wooden skewers in a shallow pan with water and allow to soak. This will prevent the skewers from catching on fire while grilling.
2. Add shrimp and Maika’i Papaya Seed Dressing to a large bowl. Toss to combine, cover the bowl, and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight.
3. Preheat half the grill. Allow half the grill to remain unlit or free from charcoal/wood. This will be the warm zone. 
4. Remove shrimp from marinade and place on the skewer along with the vegetables.
5. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until no opaque.
6. Remove and serve immediately. ENJOY!

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