These Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers are packed with flavor! The shrimp are marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning and grilled to perfection. They’re juicy and oh-so-tasty!
Perfect for a summer BBQ, these skewers will make your taste buds dance. I love serving them with a side of cool coleslaw to balance the spice. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for skewering. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp can be a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and juiciness. If you can’t find fresh pineapple, canned pineapple chunks can work too. Just drain them well to avoid additional moisture on the skewers.
Jerk Seasoning: The spice mix is crucial for that authentic jerk flavor. If you don’t have allspice, you could use a combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Homemade jerk seasoning can be made if you have the time!
Bell Peppers: I love the crunch and sweetness of red bell peppers, but feel free to swap them for green ones or even zucchini for a different flavor. Just make sure each piece is cut to a similar size to help them cook evenly.
How Do You Ensure the Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is important to avoid them becoming rubbery. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated well. Medium-high heat is best for cooking shrimp quickly.
- Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for their color to change from grey to a firm pink—this is a sure sign they’re done!
- Remove them from the heat as soon as they change color. No need to cook longer, or they’ll lose that tender texture.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have delicious, juicy shrimp every time, making your Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers a hit!
Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. If you have extra time, letting the shrimp marinate for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavors even more. Total time with grilling will be around 50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended and forms a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing to ensure each one is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor kick!
3. Preheat Your Grill:
While the shrimp are marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a hot surface to get those nice grill marks!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the shrimp are marinated, take them out of the fridge. Thread the marinated shrimp, pineapple chunks, and red bell pepper pieces alternately onto the skewers. This adds color and flavor in every bite!
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 are fully cooked. The pineapple and peppers should also have some nice grill marks and be slightly charred.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Feel free to offer a dipping sauce or a cool coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the spicy jerk flavors.
Enjoy your flavorful Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers! They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Pre-cooked Shrimp for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use raw shrimp for marinades and grilling, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just reduce the grilling time to 1-2 minutes to heat them through without overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple?
If you don’t have fresh pineapple, you can use mango or peaches for a similar sweet flavor. Even zucchini can be a delicious alternative if you prefer a veggie option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, just be careful not to overcook the shrimp again!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the jerk marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the shrimp when you’re ready to grill for easy prep!