Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Skewers
A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a tropical jerk marinade, perfect for grilling indoors or outdoors.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For marinating and brushing the grill.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice Freshly squeezed.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce Savory flavor enhancer.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Adds a hint of sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated For a zesty kick.
- 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper finely chopped (optional) Adjust heat to taste.
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice Aromatic spice.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Warm and comforting.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Enhances flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential seasoning.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Plump and succulent.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks Sweet and tangy.
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped For vibrant garnish.
Instructions
Preparation of Marinade
- In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients (olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt). Whisk until smooth.
Marinating the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preparing Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut the red bell pepper and red onion into chunky pieces.
Assembling Skewers
- Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, brushing the grates with olive oil.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque.
Serving
- Remove skewers from the grill and drizzle with olive oil and fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
For the perfect char, ensure your grill is well-preheated. Feel free to customize the vegetables. Marinate the shrimp the night before for richer flavor.