These Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers are full of flavor and spice! Grilled to perfection, the shrimp are marinated in a tasty jerk seasoning that brings tropical vibes to your meal.
When I make these skewers, I can’t help but dance a little. They’re great for summer BBQs or easy weeknight dinners. Pair them with rice or a fresh salad for a delicious dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for best results as they hold up well on skewers. If you’re allergic to shellfish, try using chicken or firm tofu instead, marinating them in the same jerk seasoning.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add color and sweetness. You can substitute them with other veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, depending on what you have on hand.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple contributes tropical sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks (drained) work well too. For a different twist, you could use mango or a mix of fruits!
Caribbean Jerk Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its flavor. For a milder version, use less or try a homemade blend with paprika and some mild herbs. There are also spice mixes available if you’re short on time.
How Do I Keep My Skewers from Burning While Grilling?
Grilling skewers can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it right! Start by soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the ingredients. This helps prevent them from burning.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan well to ensure quick cooking and nice grill marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between each piece for even cooking.
- Watch them closely! Shrimp cooks quickly, taking just 2-3 minutes per side.
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked skewers bursting with flavor every time!
Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for preparation and marinating time, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. So, in total, plan for about 45-60 minutes to enjoy these fantastic shrimp skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Caribbean jerk seasoning, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed—this will be your tasty marinade!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to your marinade and toss them around until they’re evenly coated. Make sure every shrimp gets its share of flavor! Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours for best results.
3. Prepare the Vegetables and Pineapple:
While your shrimp are soaking up those delicious flavors, cut your red and yellow bell peppers and fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and looks pretty on the skewers!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan heated to medium-high. This is important to sear the shrimp quickly and give them those lovely grill marks.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Now comes the fun part—threading the shrimp, red bell pepper pieces, pineapple chunks, and yellow bell pepper pieces alternately onto the skewers. Aim for a colorful balance on each skewer to make them visually appealing.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning carefully. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp are opaque and the vegetables have some nice char marks. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with some freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve these delicious skewers immediately with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled veggies to complete your tropical feast!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 15-20 minutes.
How Long Can I Marinate the Shrimp?
You can marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes up to 2 hours. Marinating for too long can make the shrimp mushy, so it’s best not to exceed 2 hours.
What Can I Serve with Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them over rice, with a fresh garden salad, or alongside grilled vegetables. For a tropical touch, coconut rice or a mango salsa would also work great!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or on the grill, ensuring they are heated through without overcooking the shrimp further.