Sweet and Spicy Jerk Shrimp

Name: Sweet and Spicy Jerk Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds large shrimp in shells; 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices packed in 100% juice, drained, and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips; 1 large red onion, sliced; 1 jalapeno pepper - halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning; 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 cups hot cooked brown rice; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Jamaican Jerk Shrimp with Pineapple and Rice

Ingredients

1 pounds large shrimp in shells
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices packed in 100% juice, drained, and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
1 large red onion, sliced
1 jalapeo pepper, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups hot cooked brown rice
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line two 10x15-inch baking pans with foil.
Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact if desired. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry.
In a large bowl, gently toss the shrimp with the pineapple, bell peppers, red onion, jalapeo, olive oil, and jerk seasoning.
Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared baking pans.
Roast in the preheated oven until the shrimp turn opaque, about 15 minutes.
Once cooked, sprinkle the shrimp mixture with chopped cilantro.
Serve the shrimp and vegetable mixture with hot brown rice and lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tip

Be sure to thaw frozen shrimp before using in this recipe for the best results.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 455
Total Fat: 9g (12% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 259mg (86% Daily Value)
Sodium: 648mg (28% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 61g (22% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 30g
Protein: 31g (63% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 104mg (116% Daily Value)
Calcium: 92mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron: 6mg (33% Daily Value)
Potassium: 554mg (12% Daily Value)

Jerk shrimp, a popular dish from the Caribbean, packs a punch with its bold and flavorful seasoning. Known for its sweet and spicy flavor profile, this dish is a favorite for those looking for an exciting, tropical-inspired meal. In this recipe, shrimp is coated in a combination of Jamaican jerk seasoning, pineapple, roasted vegetables, and a dash of heat from jalapeos. Heres a closer look at the origins and the culinary nuances of this mouthwatering dish.

Origin and History

Jerk seasoning is the cornerstone of Jamaican cuisine, originating from the islands indigenous Tano people. The word "jerk" comes from the Spanish term "charqui," meaning dried meat. Traditionally, jerk was used to prepare meats like pork and chicken by marinating them with a mixture of spices and then slow-cooking them over a wood fire. The iconic seasoning blend includes allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and garlic, among other ingredients. Today, jerk seasoning has spread beyond the Caribbean and is enjoyed worldwide, with variations adapted to different tastes and local ingredients.

Regional Variations

While jerk cooking originated in Jamaica, the technique has been adopted across the Caribbean, each region putting its own spin on it. For example, in the Bahamas, jerk seasoning is sometimes paired with seafood like shrimp or fish. In other Caribbean islands, the spices might vary slightly, but the essential flavor remains intact. The dish in this recipe, featuring shrimp, is a nod to the widespread love for jerk seasoning, offering a quick and easy twist that doesn't require the long smoking process typical of traditional jerk cooking.

How This Dish Differs from Similar Recipes

Sweet and Spicy Jerk Shrimp stands out from other shrimp dishes due to the distinct blend of Jamaican jerk seasoning and the addition of pineapple. Many shrimp recipes tend to favor more neutral or mildly seasoned marinades, but jerk shrimp is bold, spicy, and aromatic, thanks to the signature blend of spices like allspice and cinnamon. The inclusion of pineapple also brings a sweet contrast to the heat, adding a tropical sweetness that balances out the strong flavors of the seasoning.

Where to Serve Sweet and Spicy Jerk Shrimp

This dish is commonly served in casual Caribbean-themed restaurants, beachside resorts, and local street food stalls. Its an excellent choice for a summer BBQ or a dinner gathering, where guests can enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. Often, jerk shrimp is paired with ricewhite rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice. Some also enjoy it in tacos or wraps, adding a refreshing side like coleslaw or grilled veggies for added texture and flavor.

Fun Facts About Jerk Cuisine

Jerk seasoning was originally used to preserve meat, particularly pork, during the colonial period. The slow-cooking method helped to dry out the meat and prolong its shelf life.
The scotch bonnet pepper, a key ingredient in jerk seasoning, is one of the hottest peppers in the world, making the heat level of jerk dishes high and thrilling for spice lovers.
In Jamaica, jerk cooking has become a cultural tradition, with special festivals dedicated to the dish, such as the Jamaica Jerk Festival, where chefs and food enthusiasts come together to celebrate this iconic flavor.
The first recorded use of jerk cooking dates back to the 17th century, when African slaves on the island adapted their traditional methods to the ingredients available in the Caribbean.

Sweet and Spicy Jerk Shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that delivers the essence of Caribbean cuisine right to your dinner table. Whether youre looking to enjoy the heat of the jerk seasoning or savor the sweet notes of pineapple, this recipe is sure to be a hit for all spice lovers and adventurous eaters!

FAQ about Sweet and Spicy Jerk Shrimp

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. This will help the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.

Yes, if you don't have pineapple or prefer a different fruit, you could substitute with mango or even papaya for a tropical twist. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit help balance the spicy jerk seasoning.

You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option, or you could use quinoa, couscous, or even a side of roasted vegetables to keep it light and healthy.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the shrimp might lose some of their texture.

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the jalapeño pepper. You can also adjust the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning according to your taste. For extra heat, add more seasoning or a bit of cayenne pepper.

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Assemble everything (shrimp, veggies, pineapple, seasoning) in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply roast it as instructed.

If you don't have Jamaican jerk seasoning, you can make a substitute using a mix of ground allspice, cinnamon, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Yes, you can use any size of shrimp you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp may need a bit more time in the oven, while smaller shrimp may cook quicker.

This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, including 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of roasting.

Yes, you can customize the vegetables. Bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeños are the main veggies, but you can add others like zucchini, asparagus, or even sweet potatoes for more variety and flavor.

Comments

Dorothy Thomas

02/19/2024 11:16:04 AM

I absolutely loved this recipe! Although it's fantastic as written, I decided to take it to the next level with a few tweaks. I swapped out the olive oil for coconut oil, increased the amount of Jamaican Jerk seasoning for a bolder flavor, and instead of using plain water to cook the rice, I used pineapple juice from a can along with some mango juice. The result was incredibly delicious – you've got to give it a try, I'm sure you'll love it!

Dorothy Turner

11/19/2024 02:37:02 PM

Review: Ya Mon! We absolutely adored this dish! We increased the amount of Jerk Seasoning to 1.5 tablespoons and it was definitely the right call. It brought out even more flavor and spiciness. Instead of cutting fresh pineapple, we opted for a 15-ounce can of drained pineapple tidbits. Everything else we kept the same. We served it over brown rice, but next time I'd consider a different rice preparation as the rice somewhat muted the flavors. Overall, this sheet pan meal was superb! It's a recipe worth keeping, and we will definitely be making it again! Thank you!

Emma Lopez

06/05/2025 06:14:57 AM

I tried this recipe with chicken using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. It turned out delicious!

Eric Green

05/27/2025 09:30:42 AM

The overall experience was excellent. If I were to make a suggestion, I would recommend cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time. The high heat at 425 degrees ended up overcooking the vegetables.

Angela Flores

05/08/2024 01:35:45 PM

Super simple and the result was even better than we thought. We decided to use some of the pineapple juice for the rice because we didn't have any limes. To give it a nice color, we broiled it for the last few minutes.

Nicholas Clark

02/01/2025 11:37:46 PM

I used Excel-sized shrimp, 21 to 25 per pound, and baked them for a little longer. I doubled the Jamaican jerk seasoning, and the result was absolutely delicious. I served it with Jasmine rice.

Edward Moore

05/19/2025 01:58:04 AM

I made a few tweaks to this recipe - added lime zest, swapped onion for shallot, and roasted asparagus alongside the shrimp. The result was fantastic!

Brian Hall

06/05/2023 08:01:49 PM

This recipe was fantastic! I included halved grape tomatoes and served it on whole wheat tortillas. I also whipped up a delicious sour cream lime drizzle to drizzle on top. I will definitely be making this dish again.

Jonathan Carter

06/01/2023 05:08:45 PM

Exquisite taste! While some have suggested adding more jerk seasoning (we enjoy a kick of spiciness), the overall flavor profile was outstanding. I only made a few substitutions, swapping red pepper for zucchini (what I had available and enjoy), red onion for yellow, and dried jalapeño for fresh. Served alongside seasoned yellow rice, this recipe is definitely a keeper!

Jessica Evans

07/03/2024 05:14:29 PM

This dish was absolutely scrumptious and incredibly simple to prepare and clean up. I omitted the jalapenos as we're not fans of them. The Jamaican Jerk seasoning provided the perfect level of heat for our palates. It pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Jessica Thompson

04/23/2024 01:56:00 AM

I will definitely be making this dish again. My whole family absolutely loved it. I added a tablespoon of browning liquid (Grace brand), but followed the recipe exactly otherwise. Fantastic!

Kelly Lee

11/30/2023 06:31:29 PM

Place these ingredients inside a grilled flour tortilla, which has been brushed with a bit of butter.

Larry Thompson

09/09/2022 01:08:19 PM

My family absolutely adored this!

Ashley Hall

02/25/2025 04:01:16 AM

This is my second time making this dish. I made some adjustments based on the ingredients I had on hand. Since I didn't have any jalapenos, I added crushed red pepper to the shrimp mixture instead. I also had some leftover cilantro lime rice that I reheated with a bit of pineapple juice. The dish turned out great and it's definitely a recipe I will be keeping.

Maria Hall

01/15/2025 12:29:26 PM

The combination of flavors was absolutely fantastic!

Ashley Allen

02/16/2025 09:38:03 AM

Not impressed. The strong pineapple flavor overpowers the delicate taste of the shrimp. I would recommend not pairing this dish with fresh wild-caught shrimp, as it doesn't do justice to their natural flavor.

Victoria Mitchell

12/03/2023 02:04:56 AM

Super simple...could use some extra pizzazz, but perfect for a refreshing summer meal

Gary Flores

01/31/2023 08:24:40 PM

The dish was completely overshadowed by the pineapple, making it impossible to savor the shrimp. Next time, I'll definitely skip the pineapple to let the shrimp shine. If shrimp is the star ingredient, it should be the main focus of the dish.

Emma Carter

04/30/2025 08:16:57 PM

This dish was a huge hit with my entire family! We added extra shrimp because we love it. I was worried that the jalapeño might make it too spicy for some, but it was just perfect. This recipe is definitely a keeper.

Frank Moore

01/30/2023 07:11:46 AM

Absolutely no need for any changes. It's perfect just the way it is.