These Caribbean jerk shrimp skewers are a burst of flavor on a stick! Marinated in spicy jerk seasoning, they’re smoky, zesty, and perfect for grilling. Yum!
When I fire up the grill, I can’t resist these tasty skewers. They cook up quickly, so get your friends ready to flock around—they won’t be able to get enough! 🌴🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for this recipe, as they hold up well on skewers. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work fine too—just make sure to thaw them properly!
Bell Peppers: I love the combination of red and yellow for sweetness and color. You can also use green or orange peppers, or even zucchini for a different twist.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds depth to the marinade. If you prefer, feel free to use coconut oil for a tropical touch—it’s very fitting for jerk dishes!
Brown Sugar: This ingredient balances the seasoning nicely but can be swapped with honey or maple syrup if you want a different sweetness.
Spices: The seasoning mix is crucial! If you don’t have ground allspice, a combination of cloves and cinnamon can work. Adjust cayenne pepper based on how spicy you like your food.
How Do You Get Your Shrimp Perfectly Grilled Without Overcooking?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly! Keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure your grill is piping hot. This helps get those appealing grill marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between shrimp for even cooking.
- Watch the color change closely. Once shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done—this usually happens quickly, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Let the skewers rest briefly after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, making them more flavorful!
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 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before use)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting everything ready takes about 30 minutes for prep time, followed by at least 30 minutes to marinate. Then, grilling them takes around 6–8 minutes. All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dive into these delicious skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is where the magic begins—great flavor!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to toss and coat each shrimp well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer they sit, the more tasty they become!
3. Prepare the Veggies:
While the shrimp are marinating, chop the red and yellow bell peppers into chunks that are approximately the same size as the shrimp. This way, everything cooks evenly on the skewers.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Carefully thread the shrimp and bell pepper chunks onto the skewers, alternating between shrimp and peppers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for better grilling!
5. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. You want it sizzling hot to get those delicious char marks on your shrimp!
6. Grill the Skewers:
Once everything is hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch closely for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking by ensuring the shrimp are cooked just right—no one likes rubbery shrimp!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a minute or so. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Then, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top just before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your flavorful Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers warm, with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing if you please. Enjoy every smoky, spicy bite!
Happy grilling! 🌴🍤
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 thaw is to place them in the fridge overnight or put them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also balance the spice with a little more brown sugar in the marinade. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level!
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the shrimp when you’re ready to cook. This also allows the flavors to develop even more!
What Should I Serve with These Skewers?
These shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with coconut rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with warm tortillas for a fun taco night!
