These Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers are a burst of flavor! Marinated in a delicious blend of spices, these shrimp are grilled to perfection on skewers. They are juicy, smoky, and just a bit spicy!
Trust me, your taste buds will dance with joy! Pair them with some fresh veggies or a light salad, and you’ve got a fun, tasty meal. Plus, they are super easy to make—perfect for a quick dinner or a summer barbecue!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, fresh or frozen shrimp. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work great too—just thaw them out before use. You can also substitute shrimp with scallops or even chicken for a different twist.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and a fun texture. Canned pineapple can be a substitute, but it might be a bit softer. You could also use mango or bell peppers for a different fruity or fresh crunch.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: This pepper provides the authentic jerk spice. For milder heat, use jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper, but keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit. Use less if you’re sensitive to heat.
Spices: The blend of allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, rich flavor. If you’re missing some, don’t sweat it! Just use a bit more of the others or try a store-bought jerk seasoning mix.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp on Skewers?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is all about timing. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures a good sear on the shrimp.
- Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto the skewers, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. Shrimp turn pink and opaque when they’re done, which is your key indicator.
Let them rest for a minute on the plate after cooking to lock in the juices. Enjoy your skewers with lime wedges for an extra zing!
How to Make Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper or habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the shrimp. After marinating, you’ll spend another 10 minutes grilling. In total, plan for about 1 hour, but most of it is just letting those flavors mingle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped onion, green onions, chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, ground allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar. Mix all the ingredients well until you have a cohesive jerk marinade.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss them well to ensure each shrimp gets nicely coated in the spicy, flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the shrimp.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While waiting for the shrimp to marinate, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This helps achieve that lovely char on the shrimp and pineapple.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
After marinating, take out the shrimp and pineapple chunks. Thread them onto the skewers, alternating between the shrimp and the pineapple pieces. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the pineapple chunks are slightly caramelized. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers! Perfect for a summer barbecue or a tasty dinner any time of the year.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or for a quicker solution, place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Leftover shrimp skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, consider using the oven to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery—just bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, simply add shrimp and let them marinate as directed.
What Can I Pair With These Skewers?
These skewers are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a light salad. You can also serve them with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal!
