Grilled Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Shrimp Skewers
Juicy shrimp marinated in a spicy and aromatic Caribbean jerk seasoning, grilled quickly to juicy perfection on skewers. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 46 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 small finely chopped seeded scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and serve immediately with lime wedges and a fresh side salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Shrimp Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 46 minutes (40 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 Grilled Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Shrimp Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Caribbean Jerk-Spiced 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 Grilled Caribbean Jerk-Spiced 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 Grilled Caribbean Jerk-Spiced 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.
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