Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Zesty jerk-spiced shrimp grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa bursting with tropical flavors. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes blends large shrimp peeled and deveined, jerk seasoning, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil, tossing until shrimp are evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Remove shrimp from skewers and plate. Spoon pineapple salsa generously over the grilled shrimp. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa?
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 with Pineapple Salsa 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 with Pineapple Salsa?
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.
