These Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers are packed with bold flavors! Marinated in a tasty mix of spices, they bring a little island sunshine to your plate. Plus, they cook up fast!
I love how easy they are to whip up for a fun outdoor meal. Just thread the shrimp on sticks, grill them, and enjoy! Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weekday treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp works best for skewers as they hold up well on the grill. If you have dietary restrictions, you could try this marinade on scallops or firm fish like salmon.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings sweetness and a juicy texture. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks will work, but drain them well first.
Bell Pepper and Onion: Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness, while red onion brings a nice bite. Feel free to use green bell peppers or other colored bell peppers if you prefer!
Jerk Marinade Spices: The key flavors come from allspice, thyme, and cayenne. If you don’t have one of the spices, you can substitute with a pinch of nutmeg for allspice or Italian seasoning for thyme. Adjust cayenne based on your heat preference.
How Do I Grill Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Grilling shrimp is simple, but you must keep an eye on the cooking time! Here are some tips:
- Don’t crowd the skewers; give each shrimp space for even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink.
- Remove them from heat just before they look fully cooked, as they’ll continue to cook even after being taken off the grill.
Using these tips will help you get perfectly grilled shrimp every time!
Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For The Jerk Marinade:
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger, grated (about 1 tsp)
- 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 30 minutes for marinating the shrimp, plus about 10 minutes for grilling. So, set aside around 1 hour total for a mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Jerk Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine all the jerk marinade ingredients: ground allspice, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, grated ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help the shrimp soak up all the delicious flavors!
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. This way, your skewers will stay intact while grilling!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with fresh pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks for a colorful and tasty presentation.
5. Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, making grilling easier.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn opaque and be cooked through, while the vegetables and pineapple get a lovely char. Make sure not to overcook them!
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Drizzle a little olive oil over them, and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your skewers with freshly chopped cilantro and serve them right away. They make for a delicious and eye-catching appetizer or a wonderful main dish!
Enjoy your flavorful Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers and get ready for a taste of the tropics!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and the Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper. Alternatively, you can add more spice after cooking by serving with a hot sauce or a spicy dipping sauce.
Can I Prepare These Skewers in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Assembling the skewers right before grilling is recommended for the freshest taste!
What Should I Serve with Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with rice and peas, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with a side of coconut rice for a delicious tropical twist!
