Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers
These Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers have only 3 ingredients and are the best you’ll ever have! Make Jerk shrimp with no fuss, no mess, just great taste the way Jamaicans make it. This recipe will let you enjoy your food while also being able to enjoy your company and family, too!
Jerk Shrimp, Chicken, Anything – the Right Way!
Jamaican Jerk seasoning has become a sensation that people everywhere absolutely love. The combination of spices and citrus are the perfect marriage of flavors. Often people laugh, smile, and celebrate while eating things with jerk seasoning. And that’s not a coincidence. The natural combination of flavors actually create a chemical response that make people happy!
However, if you want to make jerk food the right way, you don’t need to mess with 15-20 spices. Your average Jamaican doesn’t do that. Here’s what they do.
I have a Jamaican friend that gave me a jar of the Jerk Seasoning he uses. He gave me Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. He said this is what everyone uses where he’s from in Jamaica. But he’s not the only one.
Another friend spends a lot time doing charitable work during natural disasters. He has spent a tremendous amount of time organizing food provisions in disaster areas, in particular, among Jamaican communities. So I asked him how they make their jerk seasoning. He said, “I’ll give you a bottle of what everyone uses.” You guessed it. It was the same Walkerwood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning my other friend gave me.
If you want Jamaican Jerk food, you don’t have to get all creative with a ton of spices. Here’s a link where you can get what Jamaicans use.
Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Here are a few tips to make these skewers the perfect Jamaican experience.
Use Wood. Traditional jerk food is cooked over wood, not the charcoal briquets we use here, and certainly not over gas. The wood that is used is Pimento wood. It has a sweet and fruity flavor. If you can’t find pimento in your area, you can use a 50/50 mix of cherry and hickory to get a similar flavor.
Lump Charcoal. Here is what I use for these Jerk Shrimp Skewers and other jerk foods. I use hardwood lump charcoal as my base. It’s similar to charcoal briquets, but in the raw form. I soak cherry and hickory chips for an hour and put them in a smoke box. I set that on top of the hot coals. once it begins to smoke, I start cooking.
What Ingredients Are in Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers?
- 24 ounces Jumbo Shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tail on
- 1/4 cup Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (Mild or Hot & Spicy)
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil, plus extra for the grill
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Fresh Lime Wedges
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped for garnish
How Are Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers Made?
- Heat the wood charcoal or other grill to medium heat, about 400°F. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Thread 6 shrimp on each skewer. Lightly season with salt. Mix the canola oil and jerk seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the mix on both sides of the shrimp.
- Place the skewered shrimp on the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque.
- If desired, squeeze some fresh lime juice on the shrimp and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
What Can I Do with the Leftovers?
The leftovers will keep nicely in fridge for us to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can reheat them on the stove for best results. Just add a little oil to a skillet and warm through. This is the best way to make sure you don’t overcook them and make them turn rubbery.
Can I Freeze Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the in an airtight container up to 6 months. You can thaw it on the counter or in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet or the microwave.
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Other Amazing Recipes That You’ll Love!
Coconut Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
Caribbean Grilled Chicken Breast
Caribbean Salmon with Pineapple Mango Salsa
Easy Jerk Shrimp Skewers
Ingredients
- 24 ounces Jumbo Shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tail on
- 1/4 cup Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (Mild or Hot & Spicy)
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil, plus extra for the grill
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Fresh Lime Wedges
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
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Heat the wood charcoal* or other grill to medium heat, about 400°F. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
-
Thread 6 shrimp on each skewer. Lightly season with salt. Mix the canola oil and jerk seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the mix on both sides of the shrimp.
-
Place the skewered shrimp on the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque.
-
If desired, squeeze some fresh lime juice on the shrimp and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Recipe Notes
* Use pimento wood if available. If not, you can use a 50/50 blend of cherry and hickory to achieve a similar taste.
