By Christian Kennedy

Sweet And Spicy Jerk Shrimp Recipe - Sauces by Jrk!

You can't beat a delicious, spicy shrimp dish to spice up your dinner. This sweet and salty treat is great for any occasion! The perfect combination of flavors will have you coming back again and again—trust us on this one!

What Is Jerk Shrimp?

Jerk Shrimp is a popular Jamaican jerk shrimp and a Caribbean dish that is typically made with grilled or roasted shrimp that has been marinated in a spicy, sweet, and savory jerk sauce. Homemade jerk seasoning sauce is traditionally made with a variety of fresh herbs and spices, including allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and onions.

Ingredients Needed For Making Jerk Shrimp

In order to make a jerk shrimp recipe, you will need:

  • 1 pound of large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of jerk sauce
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Is it Spicy?

Yes, this Jerk Shrimp recipe is spicy. The jerk sauce used in this spicy jerk shrimp recipe contains allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and onions. These ingredients give the sauce a spicy kick. If you don't like spicy food, you may want to reduce the amount of jerk seasoning sauce or omit it altogether from the recipe. You can always add more later if you want to increase the heat level. So if you are sensitive to heat, you may want to go easy on the amount of jerk sauce or Jamaican jerk seasoning you use.

Is It Sweet?

Yes, this recipe is sweet. The jerk sauce used in this recipe contains sugar and molasses, which give it a sweet flavor. If you don't like sweet food, you may want to reduce the amount of jerk sauce or omit it altogether from the recipe. You can always add more later if you want to increase the sweetness level.

Type Of Shrimp To Use

There are some types of shrimp to use to eat. It can be either precooked, fresh, or frozen shrimp.

  • If you use frozen shrimp, make sure that they are thawed before marinating them in the jerk sauce.
  • If you are using fresh shrimp or raw shrimp, rinse shrimp under cold tap water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Buying prepared shrimp saves time, but it is best to use raw shrimp if you have the time.

How To Cook Jerk Shrimp?

The cooking of shrimp involves three basic steps

Marinate Shrimp

Peel and devein shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add the jerk sauce and lime juice to a large resealable bag. Add the seasoned shrimp to the bag and massage it until all of the deveined shrimp are coated in the sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.

Cook Shrimp

Cooking shrimp in the right way is important. Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler. remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Grill or broil the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.

Garnish Shrimp

Garnish the fully cooked shrimp with chopped scallions and serve with lime wedges if desired. Enjoy!

Jerk Shrimp Variations

This Jerk Shrimp recipe is delicious as written or it is easy to customize.  Here are a few ideas:

Spices

If you want to increase the heat, add more Scotch bonnet peppers to the jerk sauce or soy sauce. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the sauce. You can also use less of the sauce when marinating the shrimp. If you want a sweeter dish, add more brown sugar or molasses to the jerk sauce. You can also use less of the sauce when marinating the shrimp.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a popular dish that is made with shrimp that has been marinated in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. The jerk sauce used in this recipe contains allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, onions, lime juice, garlic, and jalapeños. These ingredients give the sauce a spicy kick.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of large shrimp either raw or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro lime sauce 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instruction

  • Preheat your grill, grill pan, or broiler.
  • Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  • Add the cilantro lime sauce to a large resealable bag.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp to the bag and massage it until all of the shrimp are coated

If you don't like spicy food, you may want to reduce the amount of jerk sauce or omit it altogether from the recipe. You can always add more later if you want to increase the heat level.

Add Veggies

This recipe is delicious as written, but you can also add veggies to the mix. Simply grill or broil veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms along with the shrimp. Salad - Serve the shrimp over a bed of greens for a complete meal.

Skewed

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of jerk sauce
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  • Medium high heat the grill. Thread shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before using). Grill shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush onto grilled shrimp skewers.
  • Grill for an additional minute or two, until skewers are slightly charred.
  • Serve shrimp skewers with Jamaican jerk sauce and fresh lime wedges. Enjoy!

Ways To Serve Jerk Shrimp

There are plenty of ways to serve jerk shrimp, some of the shrimp recipes are listed below

Jerk Shrimp Salad

A Jerk Shrimp Salad is a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of jerk shrimp without having to cook them. The salad is made by combining cooked or grilled shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup of jerk sauce 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of vinegar (I used white balsamic)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper 1 red onion, diced 2 cups of salad greens
  • 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halves

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine shrimp, jerk sauce, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Toss to coat. Add onion and greens.
  • Toss to combine. Add tomatoes and serve.
  • Dressed with a simple lime vinaigrette, and lime juice or you can use the jerk sauce that was used in the recipe above. This gives the salad a spicy, sweet, and savory flavor.
  • The salad is best served cold or at room temperature and it makes a great side dish or appetizer.

Jerk Shrimp Tacos or Lettuce Wraps

Another way to enjoy the jerk shrimp is by using them in lettuce wraps. Lettuce wraps are a light and healthy way to enjoy your favorite proteins and sauces.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup of jerk sauce 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce, washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of diced red onion powder
  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • In a large or medium bowl, add shrimp, jerk sauce, and olive oil. Toss to coat.
  • Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through.
  • Remove from grill and let cool for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
  • To assemble tacos or lettuce wraps, add a few pieces of shrimp to the lettuce leaves.
  • Add some shrimp, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, and cilantro to the lettuce and top with your favorite dressing or soy sauce.
  • Roll it up like you would a taco and enjoy!

Jerk Shrimp Quesadillas

Jerk shrimp quesadillas are a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of jerk shrimp without having to cook them. The quesadillas are made by combining cooked or grilled shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup of jerk sauce
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of vinegar (I used white balsamic)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 8-10 flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat grill.
  • In a large bowl, combine shrimp, jerk sauce, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Toss to coat. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  • Lay out tortillas on a work surface.
  • Divide the cheese evenly among each tortilla and spread it out over the surface of the tortilla. Top with shrimp and any extra jerk sauce.
  • Fold the tortillas in half and press down to form quesadillas.
  • Grill quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with salsa and sour cream if desired. Enjoy!

Jerk Shrimp Bowls

One of the easiest recipes is the jerk shrimp bowl. Jerk Shrimp Bowls are a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of jerk shrimp without having to cook them. The bowls are made by combining cooked or grilled shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup of jerk sauce
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of vinegar (I used white balsamic)
  • 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 cups of salad greens
  • 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine shrimp, jerk sauce, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Toss shrimp to coat.
  • Add onion and greens.
  • Toss to combine.
  • Add tomatoes.
  • Dressed with a simple lime vinaigrette or you can use the jerk sauce. This gives the bowls a spicy, sweet, and savory flavor.
  • The bowls are best served cold or at room temperature.

Jerk Shrimp Tostadas

Tostadas are a Mexican dish that is made by using a corn tortilla as the base. The tortilla is then fried until it is crispy and it is then filled with your choice of toppings. The jerk shrimp tostadas are made by using a crispy tortilla as the base. The tortillas are then topped with cooked or grilled shrimp, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Ingredients

  • tostada shells
  • jerk shrimp
  • diced tomatoes
  • red onions
  • cilantro
  • lime vinaigrette or jerk sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the tostada shells on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until crisp.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked or grilled shrimp, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.
  • Dress with a simple lime vinaigrette or use the jerk sauce from the recipe above.
  • Spoon mixture onto the tostada shells and serve immediately.

Jerk Shrimp Nachos

Nachos are a Mexican dish that is made by using a corn tortilla as the base. The tortilla is then fried until it is crispy and it is then filled with your choice of toppings. The jerk shrimp nachos are made by using a crispy tortilla as the base. The tortillas are then topped with cooked or grilled shrimp, diced tomatoes, red or green onions, and cilantro.

Ingredients

  • tortilla chips
  • jerk shrimp
  • diced tomatoes
  • red onions
  • cilantro
  • lime vinaigrette or jerk sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Cover a baking sheet with tortilla chips.
  • Sprinkle jerk shrimp, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro over chips.
  • Drizzle lime vinaigrette or jerk sauce over nachos.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until chips are crisp and shrimp are cooked through.
  • Serve immediately.

Jerk Shrimp Pasta

Jerk shrimp pasta is a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of jerk shrimp without having to cook them. The pasta is made by combining cooked or grilled shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • jerk shrimp
  • diced tomatoes
  • red onions
  • cilantro
  • lime vinaigrette or jerk sauce

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package recipe instructions.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked or grilled shrimp, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.
  • Dress with a simple lime vinaigrette or use the jerk sauce from the recipe above.
  • Pour shrimp mixture over pasta and serve immediately.

Jerk Shrimp Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. The jerk shrimp mac and cheese is a great way to add some spice to your favorite comfort food. The mac and cheese are made by combining cooked or grilled shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Jerk Shrimp Mac And Cheese Ingredients

  • macaroni and cheese
  • jerk shrimp
  • diced tomatoes
  • red onions
  • cilantro
  • lime vinaigrette or jerk sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Cook macaroni and cheese according to package instructions.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked or grilled shrimp, diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.
  • Dress with a simple lime vinaigrette or use the jerk sauce from the recipe above.
  • Pour shrimp mixture over macaroni and cheese and serve immediately.

Try Our Recipe

The jerk shrimp recipe is perfect for a party or get-together. If you are looking to make a jerk shrimp dish spicy, then try our Jerk Sauce! Shop now to get access to a host of new recipes, including this jerk shrimp one, with our amazing jerk sauce.

                                                                 KYLE PRICE 

Kyle Price, the creative force behind Sauces by Jrk!, brings a unique blend of Jamaican culinary heritage and modern flair to the world of gourmet sauces. Starting his journey in a bustling Miami kitchen, Kyle's passion for authentic Jamaican flavors and commitment to natural, health-focused ingredients quickly set his sauces apart. His mantra, "Health is Wealth, Mon," reflects in every bottle, offering a delicious journey into Jamaican tradition with a contemporary twist.

For more about Kyle and his approach, visit Sauces by Jrk!.
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