Sizzling Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Spice up your dinner with these mouthwatering caribbean jerk shrimp skewers that burst with bold, zesty flavors.

The tangy marinade infuses each succulent shrimp with authentic island heat and complexity.

Fresh ingredients combine to create a tropical explosion on your plate.

These skewers bring the vibrant energy of Caribbean cuisine right to your kitchen.

Perfectly charred and seasoned, the shrimp offer a delightful blend of smoky and spicy notes.

The recipe promises a quick and impressive meal that will transport you to sun-soaked beaches with every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Jerk Shrimp Skewers

• Tropical Beach Party Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with extra lime wedges, creating a vibrant Caribbean-style presentation that brings vacation vibes to your dining table.
• Cooling Coconut Companion: Serve alongside a chilled coconut rice or coconut-based slaw to complement the spicy jerk seasoning and provide a refreshing contrast to the grilled shrimp.
• Salsa Verde Splash: Top skewers with a zesty green salsa made from tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños to add a bright, tangy layer that enhances the Caribbean flavor profile.
• Rum-Infused Dipping Sauce: Prepare a quick dipping sauce using rum, honey, and a touch of jerk seasoning for guests who want an extra punch of tropical flavor with their kabobs.

How to Store Jerk Shrimp Skewers

• Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Warm skewers in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
• Heat skewers on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, rotating halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a tablespoon of water to help maintain shrimp's juiciness.

FAQs

• What makes jerk seasoning authentic?

Traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning combines allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, green onions, and other spices that create a unique, spicy-sweet flavor profile originating from Caribbean cooking techniques.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they absorb the jerk seasoning and grill properly without excess moisture.

• How spicy are Caribbean jerk shrimp skewers?

The heat level depends on the jerk seasoning blend, but typically ranges from medium to hot, with scotch bonnet peppers contributing significant spiciness that can be adjusted by using less seasoning.

Why Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers Are a Tropical Treat

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold Caribbean jerk seasoning, these skewers deliver an explosion of flavor that transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty culinary adventure.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights, these kabobs require minimal prep and cook rapidly on the grill, making them an ideal solution for fast, delicious dinners.
• Colorful and Nutritious: Vibrant bell peppers and onions not only add visual appeal but also boost the nutritional value, creating a balanced and wholesome meal in one simple dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Skewers make portion control a breeze and create an interactive dining experience that works wonderfully for family meals, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings with friends.

What You’ll Need for Jerk Shrimp Skewers

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood with sweet and delicate flavor that absorbs jerk seasoning beautifully.

• Jerk Seasoning: Spicy Caribbean blend that provides intense, complex flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasoning and prevents ingredients from sticking to grill.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and charred texture to the skewers.

• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus that brightens the dish and provides a tangy contrast to the spicy jerk seasoning.

How to Make Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for these zesty Caribbean jerk shrimp skewers.

Step 2: Massage Shrimp With Flavor

• Olive oil
• Jerk seasoning

Ensure every single shrimp gets a delicious, even massage of spicy goodness.

Step 3: Build Colorful Skewers

• Seasoned shrimp
• Bell pepper chunks
• Onion pieces

Arrange them in a visually appealing pattern that promises maximum flavor.

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Slide your loaded skewers onto the hot grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side.

Watch for the shrimp to turn opaque and the vegetables to become beautifully tender and slightly charred.

Step 5: Serve With A Tropical Twist

Plate your sizzling skewers and add fresh lime wedges on the side.

The citrusy brightness will complement the spicy jerk seasoning and make this dish sing with Caribbean flair.

Tips for Perfect Jerk Shrimp Skewers

• Let shrimp sit in jerk seasoning for 15-30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Select large or jumbo shrimp with firm, translucent flesh for best grilling results and juicy texture.
• Lightly oil grill grates before cooking to ensure easy skewer removal and beautiful grill marks.
• Watch shrimp closely while grilling; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
• Experiment with different colorful bell peppers and onions to add visual appeal and extra nutrition.

Flavor Twists on Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers

• Vegetarian Jerk Skewers: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in jerk seasoning for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Caribbean Option: Use gluten-free jerk seasoning and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Protein Swap: Substitute bell peppers and onions with zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus for a lower-carbohydrate version.
• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Mix shrimp with scallops or chunks of white fish for a diverse and rich marine protein experience.

Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Caribbean jerk shrimp skewers bring fiery island spices to your dinner table, dancing with bold Jamaican flavors. Grilled to perfection, these zesty skewers promise a quick, flavorful escape that will transport you straight to tropical paradise.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 large red onion, cut into chunks

Seasonings and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh lime wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fire up the grill to a medium-high temperature around 400°F, creating an ideal searing environment for the seafood and vegetables.
2. Massage the shrimp thoroughly with olive oil and jerk seasoning, ensuring each piece is generously and uniformly coated with the vibrant Caribbean spice blend.
3. Construct colorful skewers by carefully alternating raw shrimp with chunky bell pepper and onion pieces, creating an appealing visual and flavor balance.
4. Position the assembled skewers onto the preheated grill grates, allowing direct heat to transform the ingredients.
5. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching for the shrimp to turn from translucent to opaque with a slight char and the vegetables to develop a tender, slightly caramelized exterior.
6. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest momentarily to lock in the juices and intense jerk seasoning flavors.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh lime wedges, which will add a bright, citrusy accent to the spicy Caribbean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Marinating the shrimp for 15-30 minutes before grilling will enhance the jerk seasoning’s flavor penetration and tenderize the seafood.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning and potential charring during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the jerk seasoning blend is certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if included in the marinade.
• Consider using a grill basket if smaller shrimp tend to slip through standard skewer grates, ensuring even cooking and preventing potential loss of ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg