Pineapple Shrimp

Do a search for "pineapple shrimp" on Google, and you'll find a bunch of recipes drowned in a thick brown sauce. These preparations obscure the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh shrimp and golden pineapple. I wanted to create a quick and easy stir-fry that showcases the beautiful hues and delightful flavors of briny shrimp and sweet, tangy, sun-ripened pineapple.

This dish's strength is its simplicity. By marinating the shrimp in fish sauce, salt, and freshly ground white pepper, we can add seasoning and umami that complements the shrimp's flavor without overpowering it. A small amount of starch in the marinade helps keep the shrimp juicy while thickening the juices released from the pineapple into a luscious sweet and sour glaze. The combination of savory, umami-packed shrimp with the fresh sweetness of pineapple and the pungent aroma of caramelized garlic is an irresistible blend that will transport you to an island vacation. 

For the best texture, I recommend brining the shrimp in baking soda before marinating. You can follow my detailed guide on how to clean, devein, and brine shrimp.

One more tip: white pepper contains compounds that degrade quickly once ground, giving it a barnyard smell. This is why it's important to freshly grind white pepper when you use it. If you don't have white pepper or prefer not to use it, black pepper is a suitable substitute.

This Pineapple Shrimp stir-fry is a delightful, vibrant dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal, but it's impressive enough to serve as a special weekend treat. And if you're a fan of easy shrimp dishes, be sure to check out my Shrimp Rice Bowl, which takes under 20 minutes to prepare.