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Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Skewers Flavorful and Simple Dish

by on November 22, 2025

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Are you ready to spice up your dinner with a burst of flavor? Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Skewers are not only tasty, but they are also easy to make. You’ll learn how to marinate shrimp in a bold jerk seasoning, grill it to perfection, and serve it with fresh garnishes. Let’s dive into this simple dish that will impress your friends and family!

To create these flavorful skewers, you'll need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 lime, juiced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into chunks - 1 red onion, cut into chunks These ingredients come together to give the shrimp a bold, spicy kick. The jerk seasoning adds warmth and depth, while honey balances the heat with sweetness. The lime juice gives a bright, fresh flavor. For a lovely finish, gather these items: - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Cilantro adds a fresh touch, making the dish look vibrant. Lime wedges allow you to add a splash of zest right before you eat. You can switch things up with these ideas: - Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein. - Try different vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. - If you want more spice, add some chopped jalapeños to the skewer mix. These alternatives let you play with flavors and textures while keeping the dish simple and fun. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the juice from 1 lime. Mix these ingredients well until combined. This marinade gives the shrimp a bold and tasty flavor. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until every piece is coated. This step is key for flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours in the fridge. While the shrimp soaks up the flavor, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This prevents them from burning. Next, assemble the skewers. Alternate shrimp with chunks of bell pepper and red onion. Aim for 5-6 shrimp per skewer. This mix of shrimp and veggies adds great taste and color. Once the skewers are ready, place them on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque. After grilling, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. This adds a fresh touch that elevates your dish. Enjoy your Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers! To make great jerk shrimp, marinating is key. Mix olive oil, jerk seasoning, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. This creates a tasty marinade. Add the shrimp and toss them well. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the shrimp soak up all the spicy goodness. Grilling shrimp is simple if you follow a few steps. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This prevents burning. When grilling, place the skewers on the grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are cooked perfectly. Presentation makes your dish stand out. Serve the skewers on a wooden platter. Arrange them in a colorful way. Add lime wedges for a pop of color. Fresh cilantro on top adds a nice touch. You can also serve these skewers with rice or a salad. This makes a complete meal that your guests will love. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 2 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the shrimp thoroughly. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice sear on the shrimp while keeping them juicy. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. They should turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. They add color and flavor to your skewers. {{image_2}} You can mix it up by adding vegetables. Try using zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. These will add flavor and color to your skewers. Cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly on the grill. You can also use green bell peppers for a slightly different taste. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices to match your taste. If you like your shrimp spicy, add more heat. You can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. Another option is to add diced jalapeños or scotch bonnet peppers. These will give your dish a real kick! Adjust the amount based on how much spice you can handle. Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavor, not overpower it. You can also cook these skewers in the oven or under a broiler. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. If you want a nice char, switch to the broiler for the last few minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This method works well if you don't have a grill. To store leftover Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. If you have extra marinade, you can add a little to keep them moist. Store your container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. I suggest using a grill or a skillet. Heat it on medium. Cook the skewers for about three minutes on each side. This way, they will regain their great flavor and texture. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep them crispy. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a good option. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped skewers in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Jamaican jerk seasoning is a blend of spices. It includes allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. This mix gives food a sweet and spicy kick. You can buy it ready-made or make your own. The flavor is bold and aromatic. It works great on meats, seafood, and veggies. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for a quick thaw. This helps keep shrimp juicy and tender. Avoid using shrimp that are still icy, as they won’t cook evenly. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are fully cooked. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them. Serve these skewers with rice or a fresh salad. You can also offer lime wedges for extra flavor. Grilled veggies or a tropical salsa make tasty sides too. These pair well with cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea. Absolutely! These skewers are great for meal prep. You can marinate and assemble them ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to two days. Just grill before serving for a quick meal. They taste fresh and delicious even after storage. Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers are full of bold flavors and easy to make. We explored the main ingredients and how to prepare the marinade. You learned to marinate shrimp, assemble, and grill for the best results. Don’t forget the tips for perfect grilling and tasty serving ideas. Feel free to experiment with variations and storage methods. Enjoy these skewers at your next meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a fun barbecue. This recipe will surely impress everyone and make your cooking stand out.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bold Flavors: The combination of Jamaican jerk seasoning and honey creates a unique sweet and spicy profile that elevates the shrimp to a new level.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  3. Grill Perfection: Cooking these skewers on the grill adds a delicious smoky flavor that complements the vibrant ingredients beautifully.
  4. Colorful Presentation: The bright colors from the shrimp, bell pepper, and red onion make for an eye-catching dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Skewers

To create these flavorful skewers, you’ll need:

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 lime, juiced

– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into chunks

– 1 red onion, cut into chunks

These ingredients come together to give the shrimp a bold, spicy kick. The jerk seasoning adds warmth and depth, while honey balances the heat with sweetness. The lime juice gives a bright, fresh flavor.

Additional Ingredients for Garnish and Serving

For a lovely finish, gather these items:

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

– Lime wedges for serving

Cilantro adds a fresh touch, making the dish look vibrant. Lime wedges allow you to add a splash of zest right before you eat.

Suggested Alternatives or Substitutions

You can switch things up with these ideas:

– Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein.

– Try different vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

– If you want more spice, add some chopped jalapeños to the skewer mix.

These alternatives let you play with flavors and textures while keeping the dish simple and fun. Feel free to get creative!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

To make the marinade, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the juice from 1 lime. Mix these ingredients well until combined. This marinade gives the shrimp a bold and tasty flavor.

Marinating the Shrimp

Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until every piece is coated. This step is key for flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

While the shrimp soaks up the flavor, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This prevents them from burning.

Next, assemble the skewers. Alternate shrimp with chunks of bell pepper and red onion. Aim for 5-6 shrimp per skewer. This mix of shrimp and veggies adds great taste and color.

Once the skewers are ready, place them on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

After grilling, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. This adds a fresh touch that elevates your dish. Enjoy your Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Marinating Shrimp

To make great jerk shrimp, marinating is key. Mix olive oil, jerk seasoning, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. This creates a tasty marinade. Add the shrimp and toss them well. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the shrimp soak up all the spicy goodness.

How to Achieve Perfectly Grilled Shrimp

Grilling shrimp is simple if you follow a few steps. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This prevents burning. When grilling, place the skewers on the grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are cooked perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for Jamaican Jerk Skewers

Presentation makes your dish stand out. Serve the skewers on a wooden platter. Arrange them in a colorful way. Add lime wedges for a pop of color. Fresh cilantro on top adds a nice touch. You can also serve these skewers with rice or a salad. This makes a complete meal that your guests will love.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 2 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the shrimp thoroughly.
  2. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice sear on the shrimp while keeping them juicy.
  3. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. They should turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough.
  4. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. They add color and flavor to your skewers.

Variations

Adding Different Vegetables

You can mix it up by adding vegetables. Try using zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. These will add flavor and color to your skewers. Cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly on the grill. You can also use green bell peppers for a slightly different taste. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices to match your taste.

Making it Spicy: Extra Heat Options

If you like your shrimp spicy, add more heat. You can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. Another option is to add diced jalapeños or scotch bonnet peppers. These will give your dish a real kick! Adjust the amount based on how much spice you can handle. Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavor, not overpower it.

Alternative Cooking Methods (Oven/Broiler)

You can also cook these skewers in the oven or under a broiler. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. If you want a nice char, switch to the broiler for the last few minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This method works well if you don’t have a grill.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Skewers

To store leftover Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. If you have extra marinade, you can add a little to keep them moist. Store your container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

Reheating Tips for Maximum Flavor

When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. I suggest using a grill or a skillet. Heat it on medium. Cook the skewers for about three minutes on each side. This way, they will regain their great flavor and texture. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep them crispy.

Freezing Suggestions for Future Use

If you want to save them for later, freezing is a good option. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped skewers in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is Jamaican jerk seasoning?

Jamaican jerk seasoning is a blend of spices. It includes allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. This mix gives food a sweet and spicy kick. You can buy it ready-made or make your own. The flavor is bold and aromatic. It works great on meats, seafood, and veggies.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for a quick thaw. This helps keep shrimp juicy and tender. Avoid using shrimp that are still icy, as they won’t cook evenly.

How long should I grill the skewers?

Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are fully cooked. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

What to serve with Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers?

Serve these skewers with rice or a fresh salad. You can also offer lime wedges for extra flavor. Grilled veggies or a tropical salsa make tasty sides too. These pair well with cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea.

Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These skewers are great for meal prep. You can marinate and assemble them ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to two days. Just grill before serving for a quick meal. They taste fresh and delicious even after storage.

Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers are full of bold flavors and easy to make. We explored the main ingredients and how to prepare the marinade. You learned to marinate shrimp, assemble, and grill for the best results. Don’t forget the tips for perfect grilling and tasty serving ideas. Feel free to experiment with variations and storage methods. Enjoy these skewers at your next meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a fun barbecue. This recipe will surely impress everyone and make your cooking stand ou

To create these flavorful skewers, you'll need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 lime, juiced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into chunks - 1 red onion, cut into chunks These ingredients come together to give the shrimp a bold, spicy kick. The jerk seasoning adds warmth and depth, while honey balances the heat with sweetness. The lime juice gives a bright, fresh flavor. For a lovely finish, gather these items: - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Cilantro adds a fresh touch, making the dish look vibrant. Lime wedges allow you to add a splash of zest right before you eat. You can switch things up with these ideas: - Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein. - Try different vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. - If you want more spice, add some chopped jalapeños to the skewer mix. These alternatives let you play with flavors and textures while keeping the dish simple and fun. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the juice from 1 lime. Mix these ingredients well until combined. This marinade gives the shrimp a bold and tasty flavor. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until every piece is coated. This step is key for flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours in the fridge. While the shrimp soaks up the flavor, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This prevents them from burning. Next, assemble the skewers. Alternate shrimp with chunks of bell pepper and red onion. Aim for 5-6 shrimp per skewer. This mix of shrimp and veggies adds great taste and color. Once the skewers are ready, place them on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque. After grilling, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. This adds a fresh touch that elevates your dish. Enjoy your Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers! To make great jerk shrimp, marinating is key. Mix olive oil, jerk seasoning, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. This creates a tasty marinade. Add the shrimp and toss them well. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the shrimp soak up all the spicy goodness. Grilling shrimp is simple if you follow a few steps. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This prevents burning. When grilling, place the skewers on the grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are cooked perfectly. Presentation makes your dish stand out. Serve the skewers on a wooden platter. Arrange them in a colorful way. Add lime wedges for a pop of color. Fresh cilantro on top adds a nice touch. You can also serve these skewers with rice or a salad. This makes a complete meal that your guests will love. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 2 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate the shrimp thoroughly. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice sear on the shrimp while keeping them juicy. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. They should turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. They add color and flavor to your skewers. {{image_2}} You can mix it up by adding vegetables. Try using zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. These will add flavor and color to your skewers. Cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly on the grill. You can also use green bell peppers for a slightly different taste. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices to match your taste. If you like your shrimp spicy, add more heat. You can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. Another option is to add diced jalapeños or scotch bonnet peppers. These will give your dish a real kick! Adjust the amount based on how much spice you can handle. Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavor, not overpower it. You can also cook these skewers in the oven or under a broiler. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. If you want a nice char, switch to the broiler for the last few minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This method works well if you don't have a grill. To store leftover Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. If you have extra marinade, you can add a little to keep them moist. Store your container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. I suggest using a grill or a skillet. Heat it on medium. Cook the skewers for about three minutes on each side. This way, they will regain their great flavor and texture. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep them crispy. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a good option. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped skewers in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Jamaican jerk seasoning is a blend of spices. It includes allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers. This mix gives food a sweet and spicy kick. You can buy it ready-made or make your own. The flavor is bold and aromatic. It works great on meats, seafood, and veggies. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for a quick thaw. This helps keep shrimp juicy and tender. Avoid using shrimp that are still icy, as they won’t cook evenly. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are fully cooked. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them. Serve these skewers with rice or a fresh salad. You can also offer lime wedges for extra flavor. Grilled veggies or a tropical salsa make tasty sides too. These pair well with cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea. Absolutely! These skewers are great for meal prep. You can marinate and assemble them ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to two days. Just grill before serving for a quick meal. They taste fresh and delicious even after storage. Jamaican jerk shrimp skewers are full of bold flavors and easy to make. We explored the main ingredients and how to prepare the marinade. You learned to marinate shrimp, assemble, and grill for the best results. Don’t forget the tips for perfect grilling and tasty serving ideas. Feel free to experiment with variations and storage methods. Enjoy these skewers at your next meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a fun barbecue. This recipe will surely impress everyone and make your cooking stand out.

Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Skewers

Deliciously marinated shrimp skewers with a spicy jerk flavor, perfect for grilling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 bell pepper cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion cut into chunks
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish
  • to serve lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Jamaican jerk seasoning, honey, and lime juice to create a marinade.
  • Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until well coated. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • While the grill is heating, prepare the skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Assemble the skewers by alternating shrimp, bell pepper, and red onion. Aim for 5-6 shrimp per skewer, along with veggies for added flavor.
  • Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
  • Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the skewers.

Notes

Serve the skewers on a wooden board or platter, arranged in a colorful diagonal with lime wedges scattered for an eye-catching display.
Keyword grilling, jerk seasoning, shrimp, skewers

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