Name: Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons allspice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving big, bold flavors and a taste of the islands for dinner? This Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp will absolutely make waves at your table! With plump, juicy shrimp marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness, every bite pops with fiery heat and rich, earthy depth. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet so packed with character you’ll be making it on repeat for impressing friends, too. Get ready to bring the flavor of the Caribbean straight to your own kitchen!

Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp is refreshingly simple, but every ingredient brings something special to the party—whether it’s a punch of heat, a touch of sweetness, or that magnetic Caribbean aroma. Don’t skip a thing; each adds a vital layer to this unforgettable dish!

Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish; they soak up all the jerk flavors beautifully and cook in minutes.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade cling to the shrimp and adds richness.
Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds tangy brightness, balancing the spice and sweetness.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Lets the marinade caramelize a little and brings essential sweetness.
Soy sauce (2 teaspoons): Deepens the umami and adds a great salty backbone.
Allspice (2 teaspoons): THE essential jerk flavor—earthy and a little mysterious!
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an herbal note that’s unmistakably Caribbean.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Smolders with subtle smokiness, making every shrimp sing.
Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): An aromatic background note that rounds out the warmth.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Lends gentle heat and brightness.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Layers on savory depth.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Provides baseline flavor and sweetness.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, to taste): Brings steady, customizable heat—dial it up or down!
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Pulls all the flavors together and enhances the shrimp.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a gentle kick and classic seasoning.
Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions: The ultimate fresh garnish to tie everything together in a pop of color and vibrancy.

How to Make Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a large bowl—the more room for tossing, the better! Pour in the olive oil, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and every glorious spice. Whisk these together until the sugar dissolves and you have a rich, fragrant marinade that smells like a Caribbean vacation in a bowl. This is where the magic of Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp really begins.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add your peeled, deveined shrimp right into the marinade. Toss them gently until every piece is thoroughly coated—don’t rush! The longer the shrimp bathe in that spicy, sweet, tangy blend, the more they soak up the jerk flavors. Aim for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 if you’ve got time to spare), but don’t leave them too long or the acid will start to “cook” the shrimp.

Step 3: Cook It Up

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the shrimp in a single layer—if you crowd the pan, you won’t get those gorgeous charred edges. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and begin to caramelize at the edges. Keep an eye on them—shrimp cook fast and you want them juicy, not rubbery!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the shrimp are cooked through, get them off the heat right away. Tumble them onto a plate and shower with fresh cilantro or green onions. That pop of fresh green brings brightness and makes your Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp look restaurant-worthy.

How to Serve Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish! Sprinkle your Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp with loads of chopped cilantro or green onions, and even a few squeezes of lime juice right before serving. For extra heat and a burst of color, try paper-thin slices of fresh chili or a hint of tropical fruit like mango or pineapple on top.

Side Dishes

The warm, vibrant flavors of this shrimp pair beautifully with fluffy white rice, grilled plantains, or coconut rice. You can also wrap them in warm corn tortillas for island-inspired tacos, or pile them onto a crisp green salad with avocado and fresh tomatoes. If you want to go all-out Caribbean, serve alongside a bowl of sweet-and-spicy mango salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp on skewers makes for a fun appetizer at parties, while layering them over a bed of greens transforms them into a wholesome bowl. For a fun family-style spread, set up a taco or rice bowl bar with lots of fixings and let everyone build their own island masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp cool, then pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors intensify a bit as they rest, so you might find them even more crave-worthy the next day! Just be sure not to leave shrimp out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away, freezing cooked shrimp works well! Arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to briefly freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, they’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready for a tropical treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp in a skillet over low-medium heat, just until warmed through. Microwaving is possible, but do it in short bursts to avoid rubbery shrimp. For a fun twist, try serving cold leftovers over a salad or in a wrap—those spicy flavors are brilliant chilled, too!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating so the jerk flavors really stick. Frozen shrimp are a great option, and they make Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp easy to whip up any time.

How spicy is this shrimp?

The heat is moderate as written, but completely customizable. Feel free to dial up the cayenne or toss in a bit of minced Scotch bonnet if you crave extra fire, or cut the heat back for a milder version everyone can enjoy.

Can I make this recipe on the grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, grilling brings an irresistible smoky edge! Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. It’s a great way to capture that authentic jerk char.

Is there a substitute for allspice if I can’t find it?

While allspice is key to classic jerk flavor, you can try a blend of ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pinch. It won’t be spot-on, but your dish will still be delicious and deliver the spirit of Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Yes! You can marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead and keep them chilled, then cook them just before serving. Leftovers also taste great cold or at room temperature, making this shrimp perfect for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect punch of sweet, spicy, and smoky all in one dish, you can’t go wrong with Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp. It’s fast, flavorful, and just so much fun to eat and share. Give it a try and get ready to hear rave reviews—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Irresistible Caribbean Jerk Shrimp recipe brings a burst of flavor with a perfect balance of spices and a touch of sweetness. Juicy shrimp marinated in a blend of Caribbean-inspired seasonings, grilled to perfection, and garnished with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Jerk Marinade:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Jerk Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and all the spices to create the jerk marinade. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes.
Cooking the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Do not overcook. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.
Serve immediately.