Caribbean Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and spicy rum-glazed shrimp skewers paired with a fresh mango salsa for a vibrant and flavorful appetizer or light meal. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes blends large shrimp peeled and deveined, spiced rum, honey 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp spiced rum, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño (optional), and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix gently and let sit to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  5. Step 5: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the shrimp skewers hot with the fresh mango salsa spooned on the side or over the top for a burst of tropical sweetness.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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 Rum-Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Mango 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.

Related recipes