These Caribbean jerk shrimp skewers are a fun and tasty treat! The shrimp gets a spicy kick from jerk seasoning, making it super flavorful and perfect for grilling.
What I love about these skewers is how quick they are to make! Just thread the shrimp onto sticks and grill them up for a party or a summer BBQ. You’ll have everyone asking for more! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp works too—just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating.
Bell Peppers: You can use any color bell pepper. I love the sweetness of red and yellow, but green also adds a nice crunch. If you have other veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, feel free to add them!
Jerk Seasoning: Store-bought is easy and convenient, but homemade is simple to whip up if you have the spices. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne pepper or try a mild jerk seasoning blend.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you’re out, lemon juice can substitute in a pinch, though the flavor is slightly different.
How Do You Grill Shrimp Without Overcooking It?
Cooking shrimp just right is important to keep them juicy and tender. Here’s how to grill them perfectly:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This creates a good sear.
- Watch your cooking time closely! Grill shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. They turn pink and opaque when done.
- Remove shrimp from the grill immediately to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
Grilled shrimp are best served hot off the grill. Enjoy your tasty skewers! 🍤
Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to grill. However, for best results, it’s a good idea to marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes—1 hour is even better! Overall, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, thyme, minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and a little salt and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss everything together until the shrimp is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (more if you can!).
3. Prepare Your Skewers:
While the shrimp is marinating, cut the red and yellow bell peppers and red onion into chunks. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. You can also use metal skewers if you have them.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the shrimp is marinated, it’s time to put everything on the skewers. Take a skewer and thread a shrimp on, followed by a piece of red bell pepper, another shrimp, a chunk of yellow bell pepper, and so on. Alternate the shrimp and vegetables until the skewer is filled, leaving a little space at the ends for handling.
5. Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the shrimp skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the vegetables are slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze!
Optional:
For a full Caribbean experience, enjoy these skewers with a delicious jerk dipping sauce or a side of rice and beans. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely before marinating. To thaw, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Jerk Seasoning?
If you don’t have jerk seasoning, you can make a quick substitute using a blend of spices like chili powder, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste, especially the heat level.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm them in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Grill the Shrimp in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the skewers in your oven. Preheat the broiler, place the skewers on a baking sheet, and broil for about 2-3 minutes on each side, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
