Jamaican Jerk Shrimp

The Caribbean is known for a number of delicious dishes, jerk chicken being one of the most famous. Today we are taking Jerk seasoning to another level, and creating a one skillet Jerk Shrimp recipe.

Jerk Marinade

Homemade Jerk is a marinade of soy sauce, honey, ketchup, lime juice, scotch bonnet pepper, green onions, thyme, salt, pepper, all purpose seasoning, and jerk seasoning. Jerk Seasoning is made up of Caribbean-inspired spices and dried herbs.

This easy Jerk Shrimp recipe is cooked a few ways. In the oven, on the grill, or on the stove top. Serve jerk shrimp by itself as an appetizer, use it in a salad, or pair it with rice and peas for a delicious dinner. Anyway, you decide to use it you will be asking for more, because this Jerk Shrimp is that good.

Why We Love Jamaican Jerk Shrimp

Delicious – Jerk seasoning is an unique flavor. Once you taste it you’re sure to fall in love. It’s tangy, spicy and a little sweet. It’s Awww Licious!

Versatile – You can serve Jerk Shrimp with just about anything. Pasta, salad, protein bowls, etc. – the options are endless.

Quick & Easy – This Jerk Shrimp recipe is super easy to put together. Just marinate the shrimp for about 30 minutes and cook for 3 minutes on each side – that’s it!  

Jerk Seasoning

Most grocery stores carry Jerk Seasoning, or you can make your own. Jerk seasoning is typically made with:

• paprika
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• cayenne pepper
• dried thyme
• allspice
• nutmeg
• cinnamon
• salt
• pepper

Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Ingredients

• olive oil:  use quality olive oil for the best flavor.  You may also use your favorite cooking oil.
• lime juice:  you may use fresh or bottled.    
• soy sauce:  use low sodium soy sauce so the shrimp isn’t too salty.
• honey:  you may substitute with brown sugar if that’ all you have on hand.
• ketchup:  good old’ pantry ketchup will do the trick.
• jerk seasoning

Buying Shrimp

When it comes to buying shrimp there are a few tips to keep in mind. Avoid shrimp that smell like ammonia (an easy way to tell that they’re bad). All shrimp is shipped to retailers frozen. the displayed “fresh” shrimp you see in grocery stores is ultimately just shrimp that has been thawed out. this is why buying frozen shrimp is preferred. Frozen shrimp will taste better, cook better, and feel better.

Frozen shrimp will always have a number of shrimp per pound on the package. The higher the number, the smaller the shrimp. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. The size of shrimp you purchase will depend on what you’re making. Smaller shrimp are great for fried rice, or stir fry dishes. Bigger shrimp will make a dish look better overall. If you’re making shrimp pasta, shrimp cocktail you want to go for the jumbo shrimp.

Buying shrimp with the shell on, or shell off is a personal preference. However, shell on shrimp tends to hold more flavor when cooking.

The best option, buying individually frozen (IQF), shell-on shrimp is perfect for most preparations.

How To Defrost Shrimp

Frozen raw shrimp is used for this recipe. Make sure the shrimp is thawed out before preparing the jerk shrimp.  There are two options for thawing your shrimp:

• Easy Thaw: The easiest way to thaw your shrimp is in the refrigerator overnight. Move frozen shrimp ( still in package ) from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.
• Quick Thaw: Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl and fill the bowl with cold tap water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Replace the water with new water every 15 mins until all shrimp is thawed.  

How To Cook Shrimp To Perfection

Cooking shrimp is easy and you want to cook with shell on. Tail shells contain so much flavor and this flavor will make a big difference in the finished product. After you cook your shrimp and it’s rested for a few minutes you can remove the tails. 

How To Cook Jamaican Jerk Shrimp

Now let’s get to the main event – how to make Jamaican Jerk Shrimp!

MARINATE SHRIMP

• Place shrimp in a bowl and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

COOKING SHRIMP ON THE STOVE

• Heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet.
• Add shrimp and cook about 3 minutes per side.

GARNISH

• Toss with fresh parsley and serve!

What To Serve Jerk Shrimp With?

This Jerk Shrimp recipe can be served alone as an appetizer or as a side to a number of foods. Pair with rice and peas for a stratifying dinner, or add to tacos for a healthy lunch. 

• Jamaican Jerk Shrimp An Avocado Salad.  This Jamaican Shrimp and Avocado Salad dish is delicious.   
• Jerk Shrimp Pasta. Toss some Jerk Shrimp with pasta and you have a complete Jerk Shrimp Pasta meal.

How Healthy Is Shrimp?

Shrimp contains a high amount of protein and healthy fats. Healthy fats may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. 

Shrimp is also a good source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which is once again great for the heart.  

How To Store?

Jerk Shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store in an airtight container.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

WANT TO TRY THIS JERK SHRIMP RECIPE?

PIN IT TO YOUR DINNER OR CHICKEN BOARD TO SAVE FOR LATER!

Serving Suggestions

• Jamaican Jerk Shrimp An Avocado Salad.  This Jamaican Shrimp and Avocado Salad dish is delicious.   
• Jerk Shrimp Pasta. Toss some Jerk Shrimp with pasta and you have a complete Jerk Shrimp Pasta meal.

And make sure to follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook for more Awww Licious recipes!