Jerk Shrimp Kabobs

These jerk shrimp kabobs are skewers of shrimp, pineapple and peppers, all coated in homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning, then grilled to perfection. A quick dinner option that’s full of flavor.

Looking for something a little different to serve at your next barbecue? These Caribbean shrimp kabobs are full of aromatic spices, sweet juicy pineapple and savory peppers. Best of all, they’re ready in just 15 minutes.

Summer weather always has me planning get togethers that involve grilling. I like to mix things up a bit and cook some unique offerings like these sweet and savory jerk shrimp kabobs. Bursting with flavor, these shrimp kabobs are covered in aromatic spices that pair well with the sweet, juicy pineapple.

HOW DO YOU MAKE JERK SHRIMP KABOBS?

The hardest part of this recipe is dicing up your pineapple and bell pepper for the skewers, which we all know isn’t a difficult task. Once you’ve threaded your fresh shrimp, peppers, and pineapple onto the skewers, brush them with olive oil and coat them with a homemade jerk seasoning. Be sure to coat both sides generously for the best Caribbean shrimp kabobs you’ve ever had.

How do you make jerk seasoning?

I prefer to make my own Jamaican jerk seasoning for these shrimp kabobs, but you can buy it pre-made if you prefer. Jerk seasoning is made with onion, garlic, hot peppers, thyme, paprika and some unexpected spices like cinnamon and allspice. Whether it’s for Jamaican shrimp, chicken, or any other popular meat, it adds the perfect flavor for a memorable dish. Simply mix all the ingredients for the seasoning together and keep in a sealed jar or container.

Wooden skewers can easily burn, which can sometimes cause them to break or catch on fire. To avoid this, simply soak the skewers in cold water for twenty minutes. These jerk shrimp kabobs can either be grilled, which is how we like to prepare them, or broiled, if a grill isn’t handy.

CAN SHRIMP KABOBS BE MADE IN THE OVEN?

Yes, shrimp kabobs of any kind can most definitely be made in the oven just as quickly as they’re made on the grill. Simply place them on a baking sheet, coated with cooking spray. Broil them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Voila, you’ve skipped the grill and still have a fast and delicious Jamaican shrimp dinner.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF SHRIMP IS FULLY COOKED?

This is a great question and one that is asked often. Shrimp cooks very quickly and can easily overcook. When shrimp is fully cooked, it will be pink on the outside and the flesh will be opaque with a little white mixed in. As you notice from my photos, the shrimp start out grey and end up pink. Some shrimp you might buy at the store will already appear pink which means it’s been precooked. You want to use uncooked shrimp for this recipe.

We love to eat these Caribbean shrimp kabobs with fresh pineapple. Canned pineapple will work just fine but tends to be softer and not stay on the skewer as well. Either way, I assure you that you’ll fall in love with these jerk shrimp kabobs just as much as we have.

MORE KABOB RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Greek Chicken Kabobs
• Mojo Fish Kabobs
• Pork Kabobs with Pineapple
• Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
• Chicken Souvlaki

4.67 from 12 votes

Jerk Shrimp Kabobs

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AuthorSara Welch

These jerk shrimp kabobs are skewers of shrimp, pineapple and peppers, all coated in homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning, then grilled to perfection. A quick dinner option that's full of flavor.

Time

Prep Time7 minutes minutes

Cook Time8 minutes minutes

Total Time15 minutes minutes

Course Main

Cuisine American

Serves 4

Ingredients 

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For the jerk seasoning

• ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ▢ 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• ▢ 2 teaspoons sugar
• ▢ 2 teaspoons salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper more or less to taste, this is spicy!

For the shrimp kabobs

• ▢ 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed if desired
• ▢ 2 cups pineapple chunks
• ▢ 1 red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions 

• For the jerk seasoning: combine all the spices. Store in a jar or resealable bag for later use.
• Heat a grill or a grill pan to medium high.
• Thread the shrimp, pineapple and red pepper onto skewers.
• Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of jerk seasoning over the skewers - be sure to season both sides.
• Place on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
• Broiler instructions: Place the skewers on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Notes

1. The jerk seasoning makes about 1/3 cup so you will have some left over. Store it in a cool dark place for up to 6 months and sprinkle over meats, vegetables and fish.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 1790IU | Vitamin C: 70.5mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 4.2mg

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