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Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp, 2 ways

As a tantalizing appetizer, gorgeous salad topper or main entrée star, this Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp is one memorable course to any meal.

a plate of Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp

Caribbean Grilled Jerk Shrimp Recipe

My love for shrimp just keeps increasing, whether it’s grilled shrimp kebabs or Mexican shrimp cocktail. And this jerk shrimp recipe is one of my new favorites.

Our family showed up for a casual dinner date at our friends’ home late this summer…and they treated us to an appetizer of Caribbean jerk shrimp. BIG shrimp. And they were super flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and happy tingle. I was in heaven.

Of course, I had to figure out how to do this at home, to get the same deliciousness as the pre-marinated shrimp that our friends had treated us to.

Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Grilling on a wooden plank

This plank of Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp was so fun to set on the table, a treat for my parents who were visiting for a few days. When grilled on the plank, the shrimp cook slower and turn out a bit saucier, with a hint of smoke. Simply fabulous.

But we weren’t done with this Caribbean jerk shrimp recipe just yet. Both Blake and I yearned for a bit more kick to the marinade. And I wanted to test the shrimp grilled right on the grates, for a drier feel and a little crispy char. So I swapped out the jalapeño used in the first round for a pretty little habañero, and altered some of the spice mixture. Blake grilled them just a few minutes per side, directly on the grates, to utter perfection. And we enjoyed one amazing plate of shrimp. No further recipe tweaking necessary.

shrimp on a plank grilling on a charcoal grill

How to Make Grilled Jerk Shrimp

You can make this jerk shrimp recipe in just a few easy steps.

      Jerk shrimp on grill grates

      Grilled Jerk Shrimp on a plate

      More Shrimp Recipes

      a plate of Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp

      Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp, 2 ways

      Yield: 4 servings
      prep time: 25 minutes
      cook time: 8 minutes
      Additional Time: 3 hours
      total time: 3 hours 33 minutes
      As a tantalizing appetizer, gorgeous salad topper or main entrée star, this Grilled Caribbean Jerk Shrimp is one memorable course to any meal.
      4.5 Stars (6 Reviews)
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      Ingredients

      • 1 lb. raw jumbo shrimp 16 to 20 per pound, peeled and deveined
      • ½ c. vegetable oil
      • ½ of a large habanero pepper seeded and minced (more or less, for your heat preference)
      • 3 large garlic cloves chopped
      • 1 T. minced fresh ginger
      • 1 T. brown sugar
      • 2 tsp. smoked paprika
      • 1 tsp. chili powder
      • 1 tsp. garlic powder
      • 1 tsp. onion powder
      • 1 tsp. Mexican oregano
      • 1 tsp. kosher salt
      • ½ tsp. black pepper
      • ¼ tsp. cinnamon
      • ¼ tsp. nutmeg
      • ¼ tsp. allspice
      • chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges optional garnish
      • beer for soaking wood plank if grilling shrimp on a plank

      Instructions

      • Place shrimp in a wide shallow bowl. Set aside.

        In a small bowl with high sides, combine all ingredients from the vegetable oil through the allspice. Use an immersion blender to completely process until there are no sizeable pieces. Or use a food processor or blender. Pour marinade over shrimp and gently stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

        To grill shrimp on wood grill plank (for saucier shrimp with a hint of smoke):
        Set a large grill plank in a pan with sides and completely cover plank with beer. If the plank wants to float, simply set a bowl or something similar on it to weigh it down. Let soak for 2 hours.
      • Heat a charcoal (using hard wood lump or regular charcoal) or gas grill to medium-high heat (about 475°). If using a charcoal grill, let charcoal get completely hot and white, and then level it out into an even layer. Set soaked plank on grate to get plank hot.
      • When plank starts to crackle, which should take about 3 minutes, set shrimp on plank. Grill 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until shrimp are no longer translucent. Set plank on a pan and serve shrimp straight from the plank. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a bit of flaky sea salt. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

        To grill shrimp on the grill grates (for a drier feel, with a little crisp to the shrimp):
        Heat a charcoal (using hard wood lump or regular charcoal) or gas grill to medium-high heat (about 475°). If using a charcoal grill, let charcoal get completely hot and white, and then level it out into an even layer. Oil grill grates well. Set shrimp on grates.
      • Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until shrimp are no longer translucent and have a bit of char. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a bit of flaky sea salt. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

      Notes

      from a farmgirl’s dabbles

      Nutrition Information:

      Serving: 1 Calories: 398kcal Carbohydrates: 7g Protein: 26g Fat: 29g Saturated Fat: 3g Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 239mg Sodium: 1096mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 3g
      Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.
      Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below. And share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #afarmgirlsdabbles or tag @farmgirlsdabble!