Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers

Name: Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 onion, cut into wedges; Wooden or metal skewers

Highlighted under: Global Taste Journey

I absolutely love making Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers, especially during summer barbecues. The bold and spicy flavors of the jerk seasoning combined with juicy shrimp create a dish that is both vibrant and delicious. My family goes crazy for these skewers, and they disappear quickly! I enjoy serving them with a side of coconut rice and a fresh mango salsa for a complete tropical experience. This recipe is an easy way to impress guests and make the most of fresh shrimp, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:41:00.570Z

When I first tried Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers, I was amazed by the explosion of flavors that danced on my palate. I experimented with different spices to create my own version of jerk seasoning, and I found that adding a hint of lime juice gave the shrimp a refreshing zing. Trust me, marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes really makes a difference in enhancing the flavors.

Cooking the skewers on a hot grill adds a lovely char that complements the spicy marinade perfectly. I like to soak my wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill. It’s these little details that elevate this dish and make every bite a tropical delight!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Spicy and flavorful marinade that packs a punch
Juicy shrimp cooked to perfection
Perfectly paired with refreshing sides for a tropical feast

      

The Importance of Marinade Timing

Marinating the shrimp not only infuses them with flavor but also helps to achieve the perfect texture. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, as this allows the robust spices and seasonings to penetrate the shrimp thoroughly. However, don’t exceed 2 hours, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to cook the shrimp, leading to a mushy texture. If you're short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak can add a noticeable burst of flavor.

When you mix the marinade, think about the balance of flavors. The sweetness from the brown sugar is essential as it caramelizes on the grill, creating that lovely char and depth of flavor. If you're looking for a slightly different taste, feel free to substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar. Both will enhance the richness without overpowering the bold jerk spices.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Shrimp

Grilling shrimp can be tricky due to their small size and tendency to cook quickly. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches about 400-450°F (200-230°C) before placing the skewers on it. This will help to sear the shrimp quickly, retaining their juiciness while achieving a beautiful golden color. Keep an eye on them; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they turn opaque and lightly charred, they're done.

If you're using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill and ensures the skewers last through the cooking time. On the other hand, metal skewers can be a great alternative—they heat up quickly and help cook the shrimp evenly. Whichever you choose, just ensure that the skewers are tightly packed, but not overcrowded; this promotes even cooking and char.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair them with coconut rice, which balances the spicy heat with its creamy sweetness, or try a refreshing mango salsa that adds a zesty, fruity contrast. You can also serve them on a bed of greens for a lighter option or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.

If you're looking to mix things up, consider adding other vegetables to your skewers, like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks, which caramelize beautifully on the grill. For an extra kick, you can also marinate the vegetables with the same jerk mixture, amplifying the flavor profile and creating a cohesive dish that delights.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers:

For the Marinade

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Skewers

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 onion, cut into wedges
Wooden or metal skewers

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best flavors!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, allspice, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined.

Marinate the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the marinade and mix until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Skewer the Ingredients

Thread the marinated shrimp, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers alternately.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious Caribbean feast!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding pineapple pieces to your skewers. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spicy shrimp.

Storing and Reheating

Any leftovers from the Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the shrimp from drying out, it's best to layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper. When you're ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them on the grill for a couple of minutes or in a skillet over medium heat, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them again, as they can become rubbery.

If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, the shrimp can be marinated and skewered, then frozen for up to a month. Make sure to freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to grill, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and cook as instructed. This method allows for quick weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings anytime.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

If you find yourself short on specific ingredients, there are several substitutions that work well in this recipe. For example, if you don't have soy sauce, coconut aminos or tamari make great gluten-free alternatives. Similarly, you can replace the fresh lime juice with lemon juice or even vinegar for a different sour note. Play with spices too—add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to switch up the flavor profile of the marinade.

For a pescatarian twist, you can replace shrimp with firm fish like swordfish or salmon that can hold up on the grill. Cut the fish into large chunks to skewer, and adjust the marinating time since fish typically requires less time to absorb flavors and cook through. This allows you to create endless variations of this delightful recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.

→ How long can I marinate the shrimp?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours, but avoid exceeding that time to prevent them from becoming too salty.

→ What can I serve with the skewers?

These skewers pair well with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh mango salsa.

→ Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes on a baking sheet.