Grilled Florida Datil Pepper Shrimp Skewers: A St. Augustine Classic

Introduction

If you have ever walked the historic streets of St. Augustine, Florida, you know that the Datil pepper is more than just an ingredient; it is a cultural icon. Small but mighty, these yellow-gold peppers pack a punch similar to a habanero but bring a unique, fruity sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with seafood. This recipe for Grilled Florida Datil Pepper Shrimp Skewers captures that coastal magic, bringing a sweet-heat profile that is destined to become a summer staple. Cooking these on an Arteflame grill elevates the experience entirely. The high-heat sear of the plancha cooktop locks in the juices of the shrimp instantly, creating a caramelized crust that traditional grates often miss. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or looking to spice up a weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver a taste of the Sunshine State in every bite.

Ingredients

The Shrimp & Skewers

• 1 lb Large or Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
• Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

The Datil Pepper Marinade

• 2 to 3 Fresh Datil Peppers (finely minced; substitute with Scotch Bonnet if unavailable)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice
• 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 tbsp Honey or Agave Nectar
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/4 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, orange juice, and lime juice until the mixture is emulsified.
2. Stir in the minced Datil peppers, minced garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Taste the marinade carefully; Datil peppers vary in heat, so adjust the sweetness with more honey if the spice level is too intense for your preference.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

1. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour. Because there is citrus acid in the marinade, leaving it too long can begin to "cook" the shrimp (like ceviche) and alter the texture.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Allow the fire to burn down slightly so the cooktop reaches optimal searing temperature.
2. The flat steel cooktop offers different heat zones; you will want to utilize the medium-high heat zones for the shrimp to get a quick sear without burning the honey in the marinade.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to ensure a non-stick surface.

Step 4: Assemble and Grill

1. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread them onto the skewers. If using wooden skewers, ensure the ends are not exposed to direct flame.
2. Place the skewers directly onto the flat steel cooktop.
3. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are looking for the shrimp to turn an opaque pink color and develop a golden-brown char on the edges.
4. Once cooked through, move the skewers to the cooler outer edges of the cooktop to keep warm if you are finishing other sides, or remove them immediately to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the skewers to a serving platter.
2. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
3. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the hot shrimp to brighten the flavors before serving.

Tips

Working with Datil peppers requires a bit of caution due to their significant heat level, which ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 Scoville units. When mincing the peppers, it is highly recommended to wear kitchen gloves to prevent the oils from transferring to your skin or eyes. If you want the fruity flavor of the Datil without the intense burn, remove the seeds and white membrane inside the pepper before mincing, as this is where most of the capsaicin resides. Additionally, when grilling on the Arteflame, keep a close eye on the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, and because this marinade contains honey and natural sugars from the orange juice, it can caramelize rapidly. Turn the skewers as soon as you see a nice sear developing to ensure a perfect, juicy bite rather than a burnt one.

Variations

If you cannot find authentic Florida Datil peppers, there are several ways to adapt this recipe while maintaining a similar flavor profile. The Datil is unique, but other peppers can stand in to provide that necessary kick. Furthermore, this marinade is incredibly versatile and works well with other proteins or vegetables that benefit from a sweet and spicy glaze. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Habanero Substitute: Use Habanero peppers if Datils are unavailable; they have a similar heat profile, though slightly less fruitiness.
• Surf and Turf: Add cubes of steak to the skewers for a spicy surf and turf combination.
• Vegetarian Option: Use the same marinade on skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion.
• Scallops: Swap the shrimp for large sea scallops, searing them hard on the Arteflame surface.
• Tropical Twist: Thread chunks of fresh pineapple onto the skewers between the shrimp for added sweetness.

Best pairings

To balance the fiery heat of the Datil peppers, you should pair these shrimp skewers with sides that offer cooling or starchy elements. A classic pairing is a bed of fluffy coconut rice or a cilantro-lime rice pilaf, which soaks up the extra juices and mitigates the spice. Grilled vegetables are also a natural companion; try throwing corn on the cob directly onto the Arteflame alongside the shrimp. The sweetness of the corn complements the spicy glaze perfectly. For a drink pairing, nothing beats the Florida heat like a cold, crisp lager or a citrus-forward IPA. Alternatively, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a classic Margarita will cut through the richness and heat, cleansing the palate between bites.

Conclusion

Grilled Florida Datil Pepper Shrimp Skewers are a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a dish that is exploding with flavor. The combination of the Datil pepper's slow burn with the sweet citrus marinade creates a culinary experience that is distinctly Floridian. Using the Arteflame grill ensures that you get that restaurant-quality sear while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. It is a recipe that invites conversation, challenges the palate, and celebrates the joy of outdoor cooking. Whether you are a heat-seeker or just looking for something new, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the secret ingredient.