Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Shrimp with Mango Pineapple Salsa
Juicy shrimp marinated in a fiery jerk spice blend, pan-seared to perfection and served with a refreshing mango pineapple salsa that balances heat with tropical sweetness. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, jerk seasoning, divided 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 280 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup, diced fresh mango
- 1 cup, diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 small, finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 small, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh mango, 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 small finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 small finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and chill until serving.
- Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 4: Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque, pink, and slightly charred at the edges.
- Step 5: Remove shrimp from heat and serve immediately topped with the fresh mango pineapple salsa for a vibrant, spicy-sweet contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Shrimp with Mango Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 26 minutes (20 min prep + 6 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 Shrimp with Mango 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 Shrimp with Mango 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 Shrimp with Mango 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 Shrimp with Mango 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.
