Description
A vibrant and flavorful Caribbean Jerk Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a bold blend of spices, lime, and soy sauce, then quickly cooked on the stovetop or grill for a spicy and aromatic main course perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all the shrimp evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a deeper infusion of flavors.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, ensuring a good sear for the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until the shrimp begin turning pink and slightly charred, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and lime wedges if desired. Pair with coconut rice, grilled pineapple, or a tropical salad for a complete Caribbean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Serve with coconut rice, grilled pineapple, or a tropical salad for a balanced meal.
- This recipe works excellently on skewers for grilling for an authentic charred flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
