Jerk Seasoning Shrimp Skewers

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This dish features large shrimp marinated in a vibrant blend of jerk spices, olive oil, and lime juice to create a bold, spicy flavor. After marinating, the shrimp are grilled until perfectly charred and tender. Accompanying the shrimp is fluffy coconut rice simmered with coconut milk and lime for a fragrant, creamy side that complements the vibrant seafood. Fresh lime wedges and optional cilantro add brightness and freshness. Ideal for a quick, gluten-free, and dairy-free Caribbean-inspired meal enjoyed by four.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 04:13:11 GMT
Grilled jerk seasoning shrimp skewers with vibrant spices, served over fragrant coconut rice and garnished with fresh lime wedges. Pin it
Grilled jerk seasoning shrimp skewers with vibrant spices, served over fragrant coconut rice and garnished with fresh lime wedges. | smartyskitchen.com

Bring the vibrant and fiery spirit of the Caribbean to your kitchen with these Jerk Seasoning Shrimp Skewers. Succulent, large shrimp are marinated in a bold blend of jerk spices, garlic, and lime, then grilled to perfection to achieve a light char. Served over a bed of creamy, fragrant coconut rice, this dish is a tropical escape on a plate, offering a perfect balance of spicy heat and cooling sweetness.

Grilled jerk seasoning shrimp skewers with vibrant spices, served over fragrant coconut rice and garnished with fresh lime wedges. Pin it
Grilled jerk seasoning shrimp skewers with vibrant spices, served over fragrant coconut rice and garnished with fresh lime wedges. | smartyskitchen.com

What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

The key to this recipe lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The snap of the grilled shrimp meets the fluffiness of the rice, while the richness of the coconut milk mellows out the bold jerk spices. It is a harmonious dish that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

  • Shrimp & Marinade:
  • 1½ lbs (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Coconut Rice:
  • 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk (unsweetened, full-fat)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • For Serving:
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra chopped cilantro (optional)
Product image
Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1
In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, jerk seasoning, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the rice.
Step 2
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and cilantro if using.
Step 3
Meanwhile, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand).
Step 4
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill shrimp skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
Step 5
Serve shrimp skewers over coconut rice with lime wedges and extra cilantro.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, ensure they are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. When grilling the shrimp, maintain a medium-high heat to get that iconic light char without overcooking the delicate seafood.

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken breast pieces or firm tofu cubes. For those who crave more intense heat, finely chop a Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper and add it directly to the marinade.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish immediately while the shrimp are hot and the rice is fluffy. Garnish generously with fresh lime wedges for squeezing and extra cilantro. For a complete experience, pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light, tropical-style beer.

Pin it
| smartyskitchen.com

These Jerk Seasoning Shrimp Skewers are a fantastic way to bring bold, international flavors to your home. Simple enough for a Tuesday but vibrant enough for a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Enjoy the taste of the tropics!

Product image
Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.
Check price on Amazon

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are recommended to absorb the marinade well and cook quickly on the grill.

How long should the shrimp marinate?

Marinate the shrimp for about 15 minutes to allow the bold jerk spices and lime juice to infuse flavor without overpowering the texture.

Can I cook the shrimp skewers indoors?

Yes, grilling pans or broilers can be used to replicate the char and cook the skewers evenly if an outdoor grill is unavailable.

What makes the coconut rice flavorful?

The rice is cooked with unsweetened coconut milk, which imparts a creamy texture and tropical aroma, enhanced by fresh lime juice and optional cilantro.

How can the heat level be adjusted?

Adding finely chopped Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers to the marinade increases spiciness to suit personal taste.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Jerk Seasoning Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp marinated in spicy jerk seasoning, grilled and served with coconut rice and fresh lime for a tropical touch.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots Caribbean

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Shrimp & Marinade

01 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
04 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon brown sugar
07 0.5 teaspoon salt
08 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Coconut Rice

01 1 cup long-grain white rice
02 1 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
03 1 cup water
04 0.5 teaspoon salt
05 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
06 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

For Serving

01 Lime wedges
02 Fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Shrimp Marinade: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, jerk seasoning, lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all shrimp evenly. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the rice.

Step 02

Cook Coconut Rice: Rinse rice under cold running water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Step 03

Prepare Skewers: Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers in an alternating pattern. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to threading to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 04

Grill Shrimp: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and develop light char marks.

Step 05

Plate and Serve: Portion coconut rice onto serving plates. Arrange grilled shrimp skewers on top of rice. Garnish with lime wedges and additional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

You Just Made Something Great 👏

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes — free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Metal or wooden skewers
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp) and tree nut allergen (coconut)
  • Verify jerk seasoning blend is certified gluten-free to maintain dietary compliance
  • Check store-bought coconut milk labels for undeclared additives or cross-contamination warnings

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 410
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 28 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.