To celebrate the last gasp of summer, this combination of exotic spices on seafood served with pineapple will transport you straight to the tropics. The bright layers of citrus and spice blend perfectly into the coconut oil and onto the shrimp. If you don’t have time to skewer, just add the shrimp and pineapple to your indoor grill pan and serve on a platter with toothpicks. You can also turn this into a main dish by serving with steamed or grilled vegetables and rice.
Besar Shrimp Skewers

To celebrate the last gasp of summer, this combination of exotic spices on seafood served with pineapple will transport you straight to the tropics. The bright layers of citrus and spice blend perfectly into the coconut oil and onto the shrimp. If you don’t have time to skewer, just add the shrimp and pineapple to your indoor grill pan and serve on a platter with toothpicks. You can also turn this into a main dish by serving with steamed or grilled vegetables and rice.

To celebrate the last gasp of summer, this combination of exotic spices on seafood served with pineapple will transport you straight to the tropics. The bright layers of citrus and spice blend perfectly into the coconut oil and onto the shrimp. If you don’t have time to skewer, just add the shrimp and pineapple to your indoor grill pan and serve on a platter with toothpicks. You can also turn this into a main dish by serving with steamed or grilled vegetables and rice.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup coconut or extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons BesarBesarThis regional blend from Emerati cuisine is a balanced combination of savory and aromatic spices with a hint of heat and sweet to round things out. The whole mixture is toasted, crea...
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Paprika - HungarianPaprika - HungarianThis classic spice is sourced only from Hungary, and is the finest quality paprika available on the market. The rich mild base flavor is strong and pure- and we guarantee you'll find...
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal - Kosher SaltDiamond Crystal - Kosher SaltDiamond Crystal is our go-to all purpose kosher salt. Developed in 1886 using a special process which creates a unique, hollow, multi-faceted crystals, this all-purpose salt is free ...
For the Shrimp:
- 24 extra-large or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
- 12 (6-inch) bamboo skewers
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 2 teaspoons ThymeThymeThyme is one of the most widely distributed herbs, being used throughout Europe and the Middle East, even all the way to Cajun country. One of the oldest herbal cultivars, thyme has ...
Flavor Notes:
Preparation
For the Marinade:
Melt the coconut oil in a small pan and allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, Besar, lemon zest, paprika, and salt, and whisk well. Slowly add the oil whisking to combine.
Add the shrimp and gently toss to coat. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
For the Shrimp:
Meanwhile, soak the skewers in water, placing a small plate directly on top of them to keep them completely submerged. Soak for about 20 minutes.
Melt the coconut oil in a small pan and allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, Besar, lemon zest, paprika, and salt, and whisk well. Slowly add the oil whisking to combine.
Add the shrimp and gently toss to coat. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
For the Shrimp:
Meanwhile, soak the skewers in water, placing a small plate directly on top of them to keep them completely submerged. Soak for about 20 minutes.
Cut the top and bottom off the pineapple and remove the rind. Halve the pineapple; cut one half into small wedges or 3- to 4-inch cubes. Cut the other half into larger wedges or half rings for serving.
Remove the skewers from the water. Thread a shrimp onto a skewer through the tail, then through the top. Push the shrimp down toward the bottom, leaving enough room to grasp the skewer. Add a pineapple cube and then another shrimp. Place the skewer on a baking sheet.
Repeat with the rest of the shrimp and pineapple. Add any extra pineapple to the skewers. Brush the pineapple cubes with a little olive oil.
Repeat with the rest of the shrimp and pineapple. Add any extra pineapple to the skewers. Brush the pineapple cubes with a little olive oil.
Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Brush them with any extra marinade. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with thyme, and serve with the pineapple wedges.
Notes:
Excerpted from World Spice at Home: New Flavors for 75 Favorite Dishes by Amanda Bevill and Julie Kramis Hearne.
Excerpted from World Spice at Home: New Flavors for 75 Favorite Dishes by Amanda Bevill and Julie Kramis Hearne.
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Besar Shrimp Skewers
| Bbq, Entrees
To celebrate the last gasp of summer, this combination of exotic spices on seafood served with pineapple will transport you straight to the tropics. The bright layers of citrus and spice blend perfectly into the coconut oil and onto the shrimp. If you don’t have time to skewer, just add the shrimp and pineapple to your indoor grill pan and serve on a platter with toothpicks. You can also turn this into a main dish by serving with steamed or grilled vegetables and rice.
Amanda Bevill
Amanda Bevill