Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Tender shrimp marinated in bold jerk spices and grilled to smoky perfection, served on skewers for a vibrant Caribbean flavor experience. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred, turning carefully. Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best shrimp skewers I've ever made. The recipe is foolproof and so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
The jerk spice was perfectly balanced, and the shrimp were juicy every time!
- ★★★★★
Cooked these for my husband's birthday, and they were a huge hit. The aroma was amazing!
