These Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp are marinated in a spicy jerk sauce and grilled to perfection for a tasty treat that’s hard to resist.
Trust me, the spices will make your taste buds dance! I love serving them with a side of rice or fresh salad. Perfect for BBQs or a quick dinner – your friends will be impressed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. I prefer large shrimp for a satisfying bite. If shrimp isn’t available, you can use chicken or firm tofu as alternatives.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and juiciness. If fresh isn’t an option, canned pineapple chunks in juice can be used instead. Just make sure to drain well.
Bell Pepper and Onion: Red bell pepper and onion bring a nice crunch and sweetness to the skewers. Feel free to switch to yellow or green peppers, or even zucchini if preferred.
Scotch Bonnet Peppers: If you like heat, these are great! But if they’re too spicy, use jalapeños or even red pepper flakes for a milder kick. Be cautious as you adjust the spice level!
How Do I Make the Jerk Marinade Flavorful?
The marinade is crucial in bringing out the Caribbean flair! Start by blending all the marinade ingredients until smooth. This not only combines flavors but also helps release the aromatics from the spices. Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes is important—it truly helps the flavors soak in.
- Mix well to ensure all shrimp are coated for an even flavor.
- Consider marinating for longer, up to 2 hours, for a more robust flavor.
When grilling, remember to keep a close eye on the skewers. Shrimp cook quickly, so flipping them halfway through helps to avoid overcooking and keeps them juicy. Enjoy making these skewers! They’re sure to impress!
Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Jerk Marinade:
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero chilies, seeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours), and about 10-15 minutes for grilling. Overall, you’ll spend around 1 to 2 hours making these vibrant skewers, perfect for any gathering or a delightful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Jerk Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, combine all the jerk marinade ingredients: ground allspice, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chopped scallions, and Scotch bonnet peppers if you want extra heat. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, add the peeled shrimp and about 3/4 of the jerk marinade along with the olive oil. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
While the shrimp are marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. This also helps them last longer during cooking.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so the shrimp cook quickly and get those lovely grill marks!
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Take your soaked skewers and start threading the shrimp, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion pieces alternately. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque and have beautiful grill marks. Keep brushing with the remaining jerk marinade while grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a touch of brightness and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your vibrant Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers over cooked white rice or with your favorite sides. Enjoy the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors bursting in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to fully thaw them first! Thaw shrimp by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before marinating to ensure better flavor absorption.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the shrimp with firm tofu or marinated seitan. You can also add a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant to maintain that delicious Caribbean flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of lime juice for freshness!
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the jerk marinade up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure the flavors are well mixed!
