Sautéed Jamaican Shrimp in Coconut Jerk Sauce
Juicy shrimp cooked in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with vibrant jerk seasoning, scallions, and fresh herbs. This caribbean ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, mild jerk seasoning, coconut 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 peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
- 1 tbsp mild jerk seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1, thinly sliced scallion
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp and toss with 1 tbsp mild jerk seasoning evenly coating each piece.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through; remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced scallion, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and add 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, stirring and simmering gently for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp lime juice, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir for 1 minute to combine and warm through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Jamaican Shrimp in Coconut Jerk Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Jamaican Shrimp in Coconut Jerk Sauce?
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 Sautéed Jamaican Shrimp in Coconut Jerk Sauce?
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 Sautéed Jamaican Shrimp in Coconut Jerk Sauce 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 Sautéed Jamaican Shrimp in Coconut Jerk Sauce?
Caribbean caribbean 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 recipe I've tried. The jerk spice blend was spot on and the coconut added a nice touch.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The sauce was rich and flavorful, and it was so easy to make for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
This dish was amazing! My family loved the coconut jerk sauce and the shrimp cooked perfectly.