Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pineapple
This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pineapple is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner! Juicy shrimp are tossed with garlic, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a little heat, then cooked in buttery goodness before being tossed with sweet, tangy pineapple. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy — and it’s on the table in no time.
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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
Fast & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes in a skillet — perfect for busy nights when you need something quick.
Big Flavor: A delicious mix of garlicky, buttery shrimp and sweet pineapple.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even over a bed of greens for a lighter meal.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pineapple
Shrimp: Use 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tail-on looks pretty for presentation but not necessary.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor — don’t skip it!
Paprika & Cayenne: Add smoky warmth and just a touch of heat (adjust cayenne to taste).
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning.
Pineapple: A can of diced pineapple keeps this recipe quick and easy. Use fresh pineapple if desired!
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty finish.
Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, perfect for garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pineapple
1. Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with minced garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Cook in Butter
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Once bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook about 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
3. Add Pineapple
Drain any excess liquid from the skillet, then add diced pineapple and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the pineapple is warmed through.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly — remove them as soon as they turn pink.
Use Fresh Pineapple: For extra brightness and flavor, swap canned for fresh diced pineapple.
Make it a Meal: Serve with rice, garlic bread, noodles, or roasted veggies.
Make it Spicier: Add more cayenne or a splash of sriracha.
Go Tropical: Add a squeeze of lime and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for olive oil, vegan butter, or ghee if tolerated.
Storage & Reheating
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Would avoid the microwave for reheating shrimp.
How to Serve
We love this 15 Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pineapple because of how versatile it is to serve! Pair the garlic butter shrimp with steamed rice, fried cauliflower rice, freshly cooked noodles, or bright and fresh veggies to make it a complete meal. We love to pair proteins with a starch and veggie for optimal fuel!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning so they sear instead of steam.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — just cook shrimp in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan.
15 Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste
- Generous pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz can diced pineapple, juices strained
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook about 2 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
- Drain out any liquid from the skillet, then add in the pineapple and lemon juice. Toss to combine and warm up the pineapple. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve hot with parsley to garnish and enjoy!
