Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy night.
- Packed with Flavor – A delicious balance of heat, smokiness, and a touch of sweetness.
- Versatile – Serve it over rice, in tacos, or alongside roasted veggies.
- Healthy and Light – High in protein and low in carbs.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Honey (for a slight touch of sweetness)
- Fresh thyme
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Directions
- Marinate the shrimp – In a bowl, toss shrimp with jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, honey, and fresh thyme. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve with extra lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Mild Version – Use less jerk seasoning or a mild version of the spice mix.
- Grilled Option – Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy – Add a bit more honey or mango puree for a touch of sweetness.
- Creamy Sauce – Serve with a side of cooling yogurt or a coconut-lime dipping sauce.
- Taco-Style – Serve in tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of lime crema.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How spicy is jerk shrimp?
It depends on the jerk seasoning. You can adjust the heat level by using less or more.
What should I serve with jerk shrimp?
It pairs well with rice, plantains, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Try this recipe with chicken, tofu, or even fish fillets.
How do I make homemade jerk seasoning?
Mix paprika, allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a classic jerk spice blend.
Can I bake the shrimp instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best way to grill jerk shrimp?
Skewer the shrimp, grill over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes per side, and baste with extra lime juice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp for up to 24 hours in the fridge for extra flavor.
How do I prevent shrimp from getting rubbery?
Avoid overcooking—shrimp should be just pink and opaque.
What’s a good dipping sauce for jerk shrimp?
A creamy lime yogurt sauce, mango salsa, or a tangy tamarind dip pairs well.
Conclusion
Jerk Shrimp is a quick, spicy, and flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or served in tacos, it’s a delicious way to bring the bold flavors of the Caribbean to your table. Try it today and enjoy a fiery, flavorful meal in just minutes!
PrintJerk Shrimp
This Jerk Shrimp recipe brings bold Jamaican flavors to your table in just 15 minutes! Succulent shrimp are coated in smoky, spicy jerk seasoning, then quickly cooked to perfection. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with grilled veggies for an easy and flavorful meal that’s packed with heat and zest.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 5min
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Sear
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey (for a slight touch of sweetness)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp – In a bowl, toss the shrimp with jerk seasoning, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, honey, and fresh thyme. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
3️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve with extra lime wedges. Enjoy hot!