Enjoy this grilled Jerk Shrimp recipe as a fun appetizer, gorgeous salad topper, or stunning main entrée. It’s quick, easy, and so flavorful!
This recipe for Jerk Shrimp has my number. It gives me tender, juicy shrimp that are super flavorful, with just the right amount of spice and happy tingle, along with a crispy char and awesome smokiness. In other words: heavenly! This joins my rotation of favorite shrimp recipes, along with Grilled Shrimp Cocktail, Margarita Grilled Shrimp, and super simple Grilled Shrimp.
Why This Jerk Shrimp Recipe Is a Summer Must-Make
There’s something so summery and fun about this grilled jerk shrimp recipe. It feels like you should be eating it at a beachfront restaurant — even if you’re in landlocked Minnesota in the middle of winter (because, yes, we do grill in the snow)! Here’s why you should add this to your menu ASAP.
- Quick & easy. Shrimp cooks SO fast, making this dish the perfect option for an simple summer dinner. While the shrimp is marinating, you can prep the grill and your sides.
- Big, bold shrimp. This jerk flavor mix is magic — smoky, sweet & savory, spicy, aromatic, and warm. All those flavors are combined with a bright garlic lime marinade for KAPOW in every bite.
- Summer vibes. On a sweltering summer’s evening, shake up a refreshing Pickle Margarita or muddle together a lovely Hugo Spritz – then throw the shrimp on the barbie. Enjoy every last delicious sip and bite of summertime!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this jerk shrimp recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card to find the exact ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Jerk seasoning – Here’s my own signature Jerk Seasoning blend, which is made with pantry staples. Jerk cooking originated on the island of Jamaica, in the Caribbean, and jerk seasoning is a delicious way to enjoy its bold flavors.
- Olive oil – Oil in a marinade helps the flavors sink deeper into seafood and meat. I use olive oil, but avocado oil would also work.
- Lime – You’ll need lime juice for the marinade and lime wedges for serving.
- Garlic – Adds a rich, savory depth to the marinade.
- Shrimp – Use jumbo shrimp with the tails on, peeled and deveined.
How to Make Jerk Shrimp
Make this jerk shrimp recipe in just a few easy steps.
- Make the marinade. Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of the jerk seasoning in a wide, shallow bowl.
- Marinate the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare for grilling. Take the shrimp out of the fridge and gently stir. Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Grill the shrimp. Set the shrimp on the grates and grill for 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely charred and opaque.
Finish. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Tips & Variations
Here are some additional tips, plus a couple variations to customize this jerk shrimp recipe.
- Thaw the shrimp. Make sure you fully thaw the shrimp before combining with the marinade. Otherwise, thawing produces excess water, which will dilute the marinade.
- Don’t over-marinate the shrimp. If left to marinate too long, the acid in the lime juice will start to break down the proteins in the shrimp, giving it an unpleasant texture.
- Make them into skewers. Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling and flipping. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 1 hour beforehand to prevent burning.
- Don’t over-cook the shrimp. Raw shrimp is somewhat translucent. As it cooks, it turns opaque. The cooked shrimp should be tender, yet firm.
- Give it some extra heat. For authentic Jamaican flair and a spicier kick, add a finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Jerk shrimp pairs really, really well with Cilantro Lime Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, plus Grilled Pineapple or Pineapple Salsa!
If you like to dip anything and everything, try my delicious Shrimp Dipping Sauce!
Another tasty option is to serve the shrimp in soft tacos with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of lime crema, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Or make jerk shrimp bowls, much like my Tex-Mex Scallop Rice Bowls, layering cilantro lime rice and fresh chopped tomato.
Add a simple side of Grilled Vegetables, and you have full meal deal!
Make skewers that include the marinated shrimp, plus chunks of fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onion – then grill.
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, arrange the grilled shrimp on a platter or serve the shrimp on mini skewers.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftover jerk shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe; while there are no food safety reasons preventing you from freezing cooked shrimp, the texture is going to be a disappointment.
- To reheat: Gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can also reheat them in the microwave in 15-second intervals.
More Shrimp Recipes
Jerk Shrimp
Ingredients
Jerk Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Jerk Seasoning
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound) with tails on, peeled and deveined
- 4 lime wedges, for squeezing over shrimp right before eating
Instructions
- In a wide shallow bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of the jerk seasoning.
- Add shrimp to bowl and fold gently to evenly coat. Cover bowl and set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from fridge and fold gently to coat again.
- Heat grill to medium-high. Make sure grates are clean, and then oil them well.
- Set shrimp on grates and grill for 2 to 4 minutes per side, or just until shrimp are no longer translucent and have some nice char. Total grilling time will vary depending on size of shrimp and grill temperature. Take care to not overcook.
- Serve hot, with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top. This pairs well with cilantro lime rice and grilled pineapple or pineapple salsa!
I just made this and it was wonderful! I couldn’t get habaneros at my local grocery, so I settled for serranos. I also decided to leave the shell on to preserve some of the shrimp’s juiciness. Otherwise, I followed the recipe as written and I am very satisfied with the results. Thank you! :)
I’m so happy to hear this, Holly – thanks for coming back to let me know. I have been craving this shrimp lately…must make soon!!
I just made up this marinade for tonight’s Caribbean-themed supper. It’s so good, I was licking it off my fingers! Thanks for the great recipe!
Excellent! :)
These look amazing Brenda! Shared them on FB :) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151833659393070&set=a.174654903069.124188.163690253069&type=1
We just got a new grill last weekend and we have yet to use it! I think I know what we’re breaking it in withhhhh!!!! Yeah, I mean THESE!
I always grill shrimp on skewers, but I’m definitely trying a plank next time!
My boys were just begging for shrimp, this is just what they would love.
This is a must try! Thanks!
Hope you like it, Jen – nice to hear from you! :)
We love shrimp and jerk seasoning! A Jamaican chef was telling me they used allspice wood when they grill too. I haven’t been able to find it yet though, still looking!
That does not sound like a choice I’ve seen, would love to try it!
Looks awesome. Great photography.
You might like to try another plank species next time. Maybe alder: http://ow.ly/p7SDC. It my favorite w/ shrimp. Keep up the good work.
-@fireflavor
mmm those shrimp look wonderful!
I love grilled shrimp, the jerk marinade sounds so good!
Both of these look absolutely delicious and perfect for a party. I love the idea of beer soaking a plank–must try that!
Oh this is amazing…and the beer soaked plank? LOVE THAT TOO.
Mmm…I love plank grilling! The crispier version looks amazing too. :-)
So glad I can attest to the awesome flavor of these shrimp.
They are so-o-o yummy!
Thanks, Mom! Now we need to treat you to Version #2, grilled right on the grates! :) xo
This sounds amazing! Great grilling recipes!
Love the seasoning!
Oh my… these look amazing! Guess I know what I’ll be making this weekend! Pinned it!
Oh my goodness, I need to find a way to fit a BBQ grill into my apartment, just to make these! Love the 2 ways and how you kicked up the marinade.
Mmm! I love caribbean jerk anything!! These shrimp look so good!