Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. Excess moisture will dilute your marinade and prevent those beautiful grill marks from forming. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight works best, but you can also place them in a colander under cool running water if you're in a hurry.

What if I don't have a grill?

No grill? No problem! These skewers turn out wonderfully under a broiler. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, about 4 inches from the heat source, and broil for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop – just heat it until it's screaming hot before adding your skewers.

Is jerk seasoning too spicy for kids?

Traditional jerk seasoning can pack quite a punch! For a family-friendly version, look for mild jerk marinade or make your own with reduced scotch bonnet/habanero peppers. You can also reserve some shrimp without marinade and just brush them with a mixture of honey, lime, and a tiny pinch of the spices for those with sensitive palates.

Can I make these skewers with canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple definitely gives the best results since it holds its shape better on the grill. However, if you're in a pinch, you can use canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup). Just drain them very well and pat them dry before skewering. They'll be a bit softer but still delicious!

Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Name: Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (20-25 or 16-20) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 slices pineapple, cut into 1/2 inch pieces; 1/2 cup jerk marinade

Imagine juicy shrimp coated in spicy-sweet jerk seasoning, paired with caramelized pineapple chunks, all kissed by flames on the grill. These Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers deliver a tropical flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a Caribbean getaway. Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep, this dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and impressive flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Simple: From start to finish in just 40 minutes, with only 10 minutes of active prep time. Perfect for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of spicy jerk seasoning and sweet pineapple creates an incredible contrast that makes these skewers absolutely irresistible.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or even party food that’s sure to impress guests.
Healthy Option: High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with tropical flavor without a lot of added fats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: Use large shrimp (20-25 or 16-20 count per pound) for the best results. They stay juicier on the grill and give you more surface area for that delicious jerk marinade to cling to. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined to save time.
Jerk Marinade: The star of the show! It provides that distinctive Caribbean flavor profile with its blend of allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and other spices. Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade takes these skewers to another level if you have the time.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill and balances the heat from the jerk seasoning. The natural sugars break down during grilling, creating a wonderful contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Heat Level Adjustments

Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot jerk marinade. You can also add a drizzle of honey to tame the heat or a splash of rum to the marinade for an extra Caribbean kick.

Protein Swaps

Not a fan of shrimp? This marinade works wonderfully with chicken chunks, firm white fish pieces, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Veggie Additions

Transform these into complete meal skewers by adding bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini between the shrimp and pineapple.

Serving Style

Instead of skewers, try making a jerk shrimp and pineapple stir-fry, toss with pasta, or serve over coconut rice for a complete meal.

How to Make Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with half of the jerk marinade in a bowl or ziplock bag. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated. Let them soak up all those wonderful flavors for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor impact.

Step 2: Prepare for Grilling

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the shrimp marinates. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut your pineapple into approximately ½-inch chunks that will hold up well on the skewers.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated shrimp and pineapple pieces alternately onto your skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly – you want the heat to circulate around each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place your skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks. The pineapple should develop beautiful caramelized grill marks.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from the grill and brush with the remaining jerk marinade for an extra flavor boost before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. They’re done when they’ve turned pink and opaque but still have a slight bounce to them. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Marinade Magic: While 20 minutes works in a pinch, allowing the shrimp to marinate for 2-4 hours (not longer!) really lets those jerk flavors penetrate.
Uniform Sizing: Cut the pineapple pieces roughly the same size as your curled-up shrimp to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Heat Management: Create a two-zone fire on your grill with hotter and cooler sides. Start on the hot zone for those beautiful grill marks, then move to the cooler side if anything starts to burn before it’s cooked through.
Reserved Marinade: Never reuse the marinade that had raw shrimp in it. That’s why we only use half for marinating and save the other half for brushing at the end.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These skewers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with:

Coconut rice to soak up all those delicious juices
A simple cabbage slaw with lime dressing
Grilled plantains for a true Caribbean feast
Black bean and corn salad for a complete meal

Presentation Ideas

Serve on a platter with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a small bowl of extra jerk sauce on the side. For an impressive appetizer, remove the shrimp and pineapple from the skewers and serve them with decorative toothpicks.

Drink Suggestions

Complete your tropical experience with:

Rum punch or a classic mojito
Ice-cold Red Stripe beer
Pineapple coconut water for a non-alcoholic option

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping Ahead

You can marinate the shrimp up to 4 hours in advance (not longer or the acidity will start cooking the shrimp). You can also cut the pineapple ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to create steam, or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven just until heated through. Microwaving is convenient but may make the shrimp a bit tough.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these skewers after cooking as the texture of both the shrimp and pineapple will suffer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. Excess moisture will dilute your marinade and prevent those beautiful grill marks from forming. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight works best, but you can also place them in a colander under cool running water if you’re in a hurry.
What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! These skewers turn out wonderfully under a broiler. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet, about 4 inches from the heat source, and broil for 2-3 minutes per side. You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop – just heat it until it’s screaming hot before adding your skewers.
Is jerk seasoning too spicy for kids?

Traditional jerk seasoning can pack quite a punch! For a family-friendly version, look for mild jerk marinade or make your own with reduced scotch bonnet/habanero peppers. You can also reserve some shrimp without marinade and just brush them with a mixture of honey, lime, and a tiny pinch of the spices for those with sensitive palates.
Can I make these skewers with canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple definitely gives the best results since it holds its shape better on the grill. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup). Just drain them very well and pat them dry before skewering. They’ll be a bit softer but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right to your backyard with minimal effort. I love how the spicy-sweet combination creates such a memorable meal from just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to impress weekend guests, these skewers deliver big flavor in little time. Give them a try the next time you fire up the grill – your taste buds will thank you for the tropical vacation!