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Sugarcane Prawns

These vibrant sugarcane prawns are a sophisticated take on a tropical classic, offering a perfect balance of zesty lime, savoury soy, and a subtle warmth from Jamaican rum. By using sugarcane skewers, the natural sweetness infuses into the seafood as it grills, perfectly complementing the charred pineapple chunks. It is a light, fragrant dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen while remaining impressively simple to prepare.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and fresh fruit rather than refined sugars. The combination of prawns and pineapple provides a nutritious, low-fat meal that is naturally satisfying. Serve these skewers as a fresh summer starter or pair them with a crisp green salad and brown rice for a wholesome, heart-healthy main course.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Sugarcane Prawns

  • 12 large fresh prawns, peeled and deveined

  • 80ml freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 80ml low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon dark Jamaican-style rum, such as Appleton

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon Demerara sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic

  • Salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Minced habanero chilli (substitute jalapeño for a milder taste)

  • 24 two-inch chunks fresh pineapple

  • 12 eight-inch sugarcane skewers

How to make Sugarcane Prawns

Wash the prawns and place them in a large bowl. Combine the lime juice, soy sauce, rum, oil, sugar, and garlic in a second bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and habanero. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the prawns to marinate while preheating the grill. When ready, thread 1 pineapple chunk, 1 prawns, then a second pineapple chunk on each skewer. Place the skewers on a grill pan and cook until lightly browned, turning once, 3 to 5 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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