Looking for a dish that effortlessly transforms dinnertime into a tropical escape? Let me introduce you to these zesty, sweet-and-smoky Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers—the ultimate combo of juicy shrimp, caramelized pineapple, and bold island spices that’s perfect for warm-weather feasting or bringing sunshine to your table any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Caribbean Flavor: Each bite bursts with the unmistakably vibrant heat and aromatic spices of classic jerk seasoning, perfectly balanced with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Fast & Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have showstopper skewers on your plate in under an hour.
- Tropical Sweetness: Caramelized pineapple gets extra juicy and sweet on the grill, marrying beautifully with the savory, smoky shrimp.
- Versatile for All Occasions: These skewers are gorgeous enough for entertaining yet easy enough for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple ingredient list is proof that mouthwatering flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. Each component plays a starring role—shrimp brings the succulence, jerk marinade infuses spicy, herby magic, and pineapple adds that juicy, caramelized pop!
- Shrimp (1 pound, 16-20 or 20-25 count, peeled and deveined): Look for large shrimp for easy skewering and a satisfyingly meaty bite. Be sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Jerk Marinade (½ cup): The flavor powerhouse! Choose your favorite store-bought version or use a homemade jerk sauce for ultimate control over the spice level. The marinade infuses bold Caribbean warmth and complexity.
- Pineapple (2 thick slices, cut into ½-inch pieces): Fresh is best for those sweet, caramelized grill marks, but canned (in juice, not syrup) works in a pinch. Pineapple’s natural sugars play beautifully with the spicy shrimp.
Variations
If you love to make a recipe your own (and who doesn’t?), these Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are the ideal canvas. Swap, experiment, or adapt to what you have on hand or your favorite flavors—it’s so easy!
- Mix Up the Fruit: Try mango, peaches, or even watermelon chunks in place of pineapple for a delightful twist to the sweet-savory contrast.
- Go Veggie-Forward: Add bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between shrimp and fruit for extra crunch, color, and nutrition.
- Customize the Heat: Use a mild jerk marinade for sensitive palates or spice it up with extra Scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce for those who like fiery flavors.
- Protein Swap: Chicken, scallops, or even firm tofu work beautifully if you’re after something a little different but still crave those bold jerk spices.
How to Make Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the jerk marinade in a bowl or zip-top bag, making sure every morsel is well coated. Let them soak up those incredible flavors for at least 20 minutes (longer is even better—overnight means MAXIMUM flavor!).
Step 2: Prep the Pineapple and Skewers
While your shrimp are marinating, slice your pineapple into thick, juicy bite-sized pieces. If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill. This is a great time to preheat your grill to medium-high.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread shrimp and pineapple alternately onto your skewers. Don’t overcrowd them—leave a little space so each piece gets kissed by the flames, creating that irresistible char and caramelization.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, basting with a bit of the remaining jerk marinade (just not the portion that touched raw shrimp). The shrimp should be just opaque and slightly charred, and the pineapple golden and caramelized.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
- Shrimp Size Matters: Go for large shrimp (16-20 count) so they stay plump and juicy on the grill, and don’t overcook before the pineapple caramelizes.
- Bold Marinade, Brief Marinating: Shrimp are delicate and take on flavor quickly; more than a few hours in the marinade can change their texture, so don’t over-marinate.
- Rest Your Skewers: Once grilled, let the skewers rest for a minute off the heat. This lets flavors settle and makes them easy (and safer!) to eat.
- Direct Heat and Watchfulness: Grill over direct, medium-high heat—shrimp cook in a flash, so stay close and turn as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
How to Serve Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Garnishes
Give your skewers an extra dose of freshness with a scatter of chopped cilantro or fresh parsley, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a little chopped red chili if you want a punchy finish. These bright garnishes not only look beautiful but also balance the spice and sweetness in every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers with classic Caribbean-inspired sides like coconut rice, grilled corn, a cool mango salsa, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, pile them over fluffy rice or inside warm flatbreads with a drizzle of extra jerk sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your skewers on a platter layered with banana leaves or lettuce. Serve with toothpicks as finger food at parties, or remove the shrimp and pineapple from the skewers and toss into a fresh salad or taco for a fun twist. Individual bamboo boats or colorful napkins instantly jazz up casual gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Remove the shrimp and pineapple from the skewers for easier storage, and enjoy them cold over salads or gently reheated.
Freezing
For the best taste and texture, I recommend enjoying these skewers fresh, since pineapple can become watery when thawed and shrimp may turn rubbery. However, if you need to freeze, wrap components separately and thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp and pineapple briefly in a skillet over medium heat or on a hot grill just until warmed through. Take care not to overcook—the shrimp only needs a minute or two to become juicy again without toughening.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps them absorb the jerk marinade better and ensures great grilling results.
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Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level depends on your jerk marinade. Many store-bought versions are moderate, but you can always reduce the quantity or select a mild variety. Add fresh lime to dial down the spice even more.
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How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?
Simply soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 15–30 minutes before threading shrimp and pineapple. This helps prevent them from charring or catching fire on the grill.
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Can these be baked instead of grilled?
Yes! Arrange assembled skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for 3–4 minutes per side, or until shrimp are opaque and the pineapple edges are caramelized.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for sunshine on a stick, these Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers promise big flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you’ll give them a try and let their irresistible sweet, spicy, and smoky goodness transport you straight to the tropics—even if you’re just in your own backyard!
Print
Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The jerk marinade adds a delicious kick to the succulent shrimp and juicy pineapple, making them a great addition to any barbecue or gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (20-25 or 16-20) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup jerk marinade
- 2 slices pineapple, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In half of the jerk marinade, marinate the shrimp for at least 20 minutes or overnight.
- Skewer and grill: Skewer the marinated shrimp and pineapple. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 5.7g
- Sodium: 408mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 239mg
