Jerk Shrimp

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Jerk Shrimp is a flavorful, spicy dish inspired by traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty mixture of spices, herbs, and citrus, then grilled or sautéed to perfection, creating a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. This dish is ideal for seafood lovers and anyone craving a burst of bold Caribbean flavors.

I remember the first time I made jerk shrimp for a backyard BBQ, and the smoky aroma that wafted through the air had everyone eagerly gathering around. The blend of allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and lime creates a marinade that’s full of depth and heat, and once it hits the grill, the shrimp turns wonderfully tender with a perfect char.

What’s great about this dish is how versatile it is. Whether you serve it as a stand-alone appetizer, pile it on top of a fresh salad, or pair it with rice and beans for a full Caribbean meal, jerk shrimp brings that vibrant, spicy kick that always gets rave reviews. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize to your spice level, and guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to the islands!

Perfect for:

  • Grilling season
  • Caribbean-themed parties
  • Weeknight dinners
  • Special occasions
  • Seafood enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Jerk Shrimp

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with Jerk Shrimp:

  • Bold, Spicy Flavor: The jerk seasoning gives the shrimp a unique and spicy kick, complemented by a balance of sweetness and heat.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great option for a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve the shrimp on its own, over rice, or with grilled vegetables for a complete meal. You can also use it in tacos or salads.
  • Healthy and Light: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, and this dish is full of flavor without being heavy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Jerk Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped scallions (green onions)
  • 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: The shrimp is the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base that soaks up the vibrant jerk marinade.
  • Jerk Seasoning: The jerk seasoning includes allspice, cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme, creating the signature flavor profile that is smoky, sweet, and spicy.
  • Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These peppers are a key ingredient in jerk seasoning, offering a potent heat that’s characteristic of Jamaican cuisine. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Fresh Lime and Cilantro: The lime adds a tangy zest, while cilantro, if used, brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Jerk Shrimp:

Prepare the Marinade:

  1. Make the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, allspice, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, scallions, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Blend until smooth.
  2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add more cayenne for heat, sugar for sweetness, or lime juice for extra acidity.

Marinate the Shrimp:

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil.
  2. Grill the Shrimp: If grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy flipping. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. If using a skillet, cook the shrimp in batches, searing each side for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Serve: Once the shrimp is cooked through, remove from the heat and transfer to a serving platter.

How to Serve Jerk Shrimp

Jerk Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

  • With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice—white rice, coconut rice, or even fried rice—for a complete meal.
  • With Grilled Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob for a delicious, balanced plate.
  • As Tacos: Use the jerk shrimp as a filling for tacos, and top with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
  • In a Salad: Add the shrimp to a salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette for a light and satisfying dish.
  • With Dipping Sauce: Serve the shrimp with a creamy dipping sauce, such as a yogurt-based dip or a tangy mango chutney, for extra flavor.

Additional Tips for Jerk Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Jerk Shrimp comes out perfectly every time:

  • Adjust the Heat: Scotch bonnet peppers are very hot, so use them with caution. You can remove the seeds to reduce the heat, or substitute with milder peppers like jalapeños.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices like grated ginger and fresh thyme will add more vibrant flavors to your jerk seasoning.
  • Add a Touch of Sweetness: Brown sugar or honey can be added to balance out the heat with a hint of sweetness, as traditionally done in jerk seasoning.
  • Grill or Sauté: You can cook the shrimp on the grill for that smoky charred flavor, or sauté them in a skillet for a quicker and easier option.

Recipe Variations for Jerk Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Jerk Shrimp:

  • Mango Jerk Shrimp: Add diced mango to the marinade for a sweet and fruity contrast to the heat.
  • Garlic Butter Jerk Shrimp: After cooking, toss the shrimp in a garlic butter sauce for an extra indulgent flavor.
  • Jerk Shrimp Skewers: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill them for a fun, finger-food style presentation.
  • Jerk Shrimp with Pineapple: Add grilled pineapple slices to your serving plate to complement the sweet-spicy jerk flavor.
  • Jerk Shrimp and Coconut Rice: Serve the shrimp with coconut-infused rice for a richer Caribbean flavor.
  • Jerk Shrimp Salad with Avocado: Add the shrimp to a fresh salad with creamy avocado and a citrus vinaigrette.
  • Spicy Jerk Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with cilantro, shredded cabbage, and a tangy lime crema.
  • Lemon-Lime Jerk Shrimp: Add extra lime zest and juice for a more tangy and citrus-forward flavor.
  • Jerk Shrimp with Sweet Potatoes: Pair the shrimp with roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.
  • Vegetarian Jerk Skewers: Use the jerk marinade to flavor other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a vegetarian option.

Freezing and Storage for Jerk Shrimp

  • Freezing the Shrimp: You can freeze the marinated shrimp before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
  • Storage: Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Jerk Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items that can help when preparing Jerk Shrimp:

  • Blender or Food Processor: To easily blend the jerk marinade into a smooth paste.
  • Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan adds a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks to the shrimp.
  • Skewers: For grilling the shrimp more easily and evenly. Wood or metal skewers work well.
  • Tongs: Use tongs to handle the shrimp when grilling or flipping in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions for Jerk Shrimp

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
  2. What can I substitute for Scotch bonnet peppers?
    If you can’t find Scotch bonnet peppers, you can substitute with habanero peppers or jalapeños for a milder heat.
  3. Can I cook the shrimp in the oven?
    Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
  4. Can I make this recipe with chicken?
    Yes, you can use the jerk marinade for chicken. Just marinate the chicken for longer (at least 2-3 hours) and cook it until fully done.
  5. Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the jerk marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Jerk Shrimp is a flavor-packed dish that transports your taste buds straight to the Caribbean. The shrimp are marinated in a bold blend of spices, including allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers, offering a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and aromatic flavors. Grilled or sautéed, the shrimp become tender, juicy, and infused with the rich marinade, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.

Whether you enjoy it over a bed of fluffy rice, tucked into warm tortillas for tacos, or paired with a side of grilled veggies, Jerk Shrimp is a versatile dish that can suit any occasion. Its bold and vibrant flavors make it an instant favorite for seafood enthusiasts and anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.

With its easy preparation and endless possibilities, Jerk Shrimp is the perfect dish to share with friends and family or to treat yourself to something extra special. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your flavorful feast! Happy cooking!