Flavorful & Easy Caribbean Jerk Shrimp Recipe: Low Carb, Quick Dinner Idea

These Caribbean-style jerk shrimp are an explosion of flavor, incredibly delicious, and naturally low-carb. They make for a perfect appetizer, a light yet satisfying lunch, or a hearty dinner entrée. Serve them alongside warm tortillas, fluffy steamed brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option, and you’ll have a complete, unforgettable meal.

After sharing our popular Instant Pot Rasta Pasta, many of you reached out requesting a healthier jerk recipe option. Well, your wish is granted! This Jerk Shrimp and Veggies recipe is not only bursting with authentic Caribbean flavors but also comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. While it’s inherently low-carb and perfectly balanced, if you crave a touch of sweetness, a hint of brown sugar or honey can easily be incorporated to satisfy your palate.

What is Jerk Seasoning? The Heart of Caribbean Flavor

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes “jerk” so special. Jerk seasoning is a dry rub or wet marinade that originated in Jamaica, historically used for preserving and flavoring meats. Its signature flavor comes from a vibrant blend of spices, most notably allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers (though we’re using cayenne for a more accessible heat here). The traditional method involves “jerking” the meat, which means slow-cooking it over pimento wood coals, allowing the smoke to infuse the flavors deeply. While we’re simplifying the cooking process for a quick home meal, the spice blend remains true to its roots, delivering that distinctive smoky, spicy, and aromatic Caribbean taste. This recipe brings that authentic zest to quick-cooking shrimp, ensuring every bite is a journey to the islands.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Jerk Shrimp Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: Packed with aromatic spices that transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean.
• Super Quick: Ready in under 15 minutes on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Low Carb & Healthy: A fantastic option for those seeking a nutritious and light meal without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone dish, with your favorite sides, or as a vibrant appetizer.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level to your preference and easily add or swap vegetables.
• Family-Friendly: A great way to introduce unique flavors to your dinner rotation.

Essential Ingredients and Exciting Recipe Variations

The beauty of this jerk shrimp recipe lies in its simplicity and the power of its fresh ingredients combined with bold spices. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can get creative:

• Raw Shrimp: For the best results, I highly recommend using raw, peeled, and deveined jumbo shrimp. Jumbo shrimp cook quickly and remain succulent, but any large or extra-large shrimp will work well. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess water from steaming them instead of searing.
• Bell Peppers: A colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers not only adds visual appeal but also provides a variety of textures and sweet, mild flavors that complement the spicy jerk seasoning. Feel free to use just one color or any combination you prefer.
• Scallions (Green Onions): Primarily used for a fresh, oniony garnish that adds a pleasant crunch and brightens the dish. If fresh cilantro is more to your liking, it also makes a wonderful alternative garnish, offering an herbaceous counterpoint.
• Onions: I prefer to dice my onions for a more uniform distribution of flavor throughout the dish, but slicing them thinly works just as well and can add a different texture. Yellow or red onions are both excellent choices, with red onions offering a slightly sharper, more vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: This is a non-negotiable! Freshly minced garlic makes an enormous difference in depth of flavor compared to jarred garlic. It infuses the entire dish with an aromatic foundation that is key to Caribbean cuisine.
• Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors, adds a zesty tang, and cuts through the richness of the spices, bringing a refreshing finish to the dish.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices are often unexpected in savory dishes but are foundational to authentic jerk seasoning. They add a subtle sweetness and depth, contributing to the complex aroma and flavor profile that defines jerk.
• Dried Thyme: Whether fresh or dried, thyme is another essential herb in Caribbean cooking. Dried thyme is convenient and potent, imparting an earthy, peppery note. If using fresh thyme, you might need slightly more to achieve the same intensity.
• Cayenne Pepper: This is where the heat comes from! Use as much or as little as you like, depending on your preferred spice level. A quarter teaspoon is a good starting point for a moderate kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit it entirely, or use a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without the heat.
• All-Spice: The true star of jerk seasoning! Allspice (also known as pimento) offers a unique flavor that hints at cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all in one berry. It’s what gives jerk its distinctive, warm, and slightly peppery taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.
• Oil: A neutral cooking oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil is needed for sautéing the vegetables and shrimp.

Customize Your Jerk Shrimp!

Feel free to experiment with this recipe. For an extra pop of flavor and to introduce different textures, consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or even some diced pineapple for a sweet-spicy contrast. For those not adhering to a low-carb diet, a teaspoon of brown sugar or a half tablespoon of honey can be added to the spice mixture to enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful glaze.

How to Make Quick and Easy Jerk Shrimp (Stovetop Method)

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for a busy weeknight. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the stovetop method:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Heat a couple of tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil (like olive or avocado oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients, which helps achieve a good sear.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced or sliced onions and bell peppers to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become slightly tender-crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper during this stage.
3. Add Shrimp and Spices: Introduce the raw shrimp, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, dried thyme, and fresh lime juice to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are well coated with the vibrant spice mixture.
4. Cook Until Pink: Continue to cook for only 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Shrimp cook very quickly, and you’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat immediately. Garnish generously with fresh scallions or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Can I Bake This Jerk Shrimp Instead? Absolutely!

If you prefer a hands-off approach or are cooking for a larger crowd, baking is an excellent alternative. It’s just as delicious and equally simple:

1. Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine all the jerk spices (cayenne pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, dried thyme), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined to create a flavorful paste.
2. Coat Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the raw shrimp, sliced bell peppers, and diced onions. Pour the spice mixture over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
3. Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the shrimp mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. The shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and pink, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Avoid overbaking to maintain the shrimp’s tender texture.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh scallions or cilantro and serve immediately.

Whether you choose the quick stovetop method or the convenient baked option, this jerk shrimp recipe is a fantastic, convenient, and flavorful weeknight meal. It’s easily scalable – double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want to have delicious leftovers for meal prep throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions for Your Caribbean Jerk Shrimp

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or preferences:

• Classic Caribbean Pairing: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for a delicious taco-style meal, or with a side of fluffy steamed brown rice or white rice to soak up all the amazing flavors.
• Low-Carb Options: For a keto-friendly or low-carb meal, consider serving it with cauliflower rice, a fresh green salad, or sautéed zucchini noodles. The shrimp are so flavorful that they stand alone beautifully.
• Hearty Sides: A side of quinoa, black beans, or a simple avocado salad would also complement the vibrant flavors perfectly.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the jerk shrimp skewers or in small bowls with a squeeze of extra lime for a delightful party appetizer.

Tips for the Best Jerk Shrimp

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most crucial tip! Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 1-2 minutes per side on the stovetop, or 8-10 minutes in the oven. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning, always pat your raw shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a better sear, preventing them from steaming.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Especially for garlic and lime juice, fresh makes a significant difference in the final flavor profile.
• Adjust Spice to Taste: The amount of cayenne pepper can be easily modified. Start with a quarter teaspoon and add more if you like extra heat. For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne.
• Marinating (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe is designed to be quick, if you have an extra 15-30 minutes, marinating the shrimp and vegetables in the spice mixture before cooking can deepen the flavors even further.
• Use a Large Skillet: When cooking on the stovetop, ensure you use a large enough skillet so the shrimp and vegetables can cook in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing, affecting the texture.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover jerk shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until just heated through, or microwave briefly. Be careful not to overcook them again during reheating.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipe Ideas…

If you’re in the mood for some comforting and delicious pasta, definitely give this Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta a try. For a crispy, crowd-pleasing option, these Southern Fried Shrimp are always a hit at any gathering!

Did you enjoy making and tasting these incredibly flavorful Caribbean Jerk Shrimp? Let me know your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comment section down below! You can find even more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on Youtube and Facebook.