Jerk Shrimp Skewers with Jerk Butter Glaze

These jerk shrimp skewers are a flavor explosion and one of my favorite ways to bring bold Caribbean vibes to the dinner table. Juicy shrimp roast on the grill or in the oven with pineapple, peppers, and onion, then get brushed with a glossy jerk butter glaze for the perfect sweet and spicy bite.

 

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I love the flavors of jerk, and I love seasoning shrimp with it. I’ve always been a fan of meals that bring heat and flavor, and jerk shrimp never disappoints. This shrimp skewer recipe is a quick and easy way to achieve that irresistible jerk flavor without requiring a lengthy list of ingredients or hours of preparation. It’s a go-to for summer cookouts or when I want to bring a little island flair to our dinner table.

I prepared this version in the oven, but it's also perfect for grilling. What I love most is how customizable these skewers are. You can add veggies or pineapple right on the stick with your shrimp. And there is that buttery jerk glaze. Feel free to skip it if you want to keep it light, but we love it. It’s so good you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

If you love skewer recipes, then check out my air fryer steak kebabs.

A Quick Look at the Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For the Shrimp and Marinade

• Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy eating. Large or jumbo size works best.
• Jamaican jerk marinade (wet): Your favorite store-bought or homemade jerk marinade.
• Olive oil: Helps distribute the marinade.
• Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a hint of sweetness.
• Lime juice: Brightens up the flavors.

Veggies and Fruit

• Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and color.
• Red onion: Brings a sweet-savory bite.
• Pineapple chunks: A tropical touch that pairs beautifully with jerk seasoning.

For the Jerk Butter Glaze

• Unsalted butter: The base of a rich, glossy glaze.
• Jerk marinade: Echoes the shrimp seasoning for a big flavor.
• Brown sugar or honey: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Lime juice: Keeps the glaze bright and balanced.

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill or grill pan (or oven with broiler)
• Small saucepan
• Basting brush

How to Make Jerk Shrimp Skewers

Gather your ingredients and get ready to cook!

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, whisk together the jerk marinade, olive oil, brown sugar, and lime juice. Add the shrimp to the mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for just a few minutes, up to 20 minutes, to allow the flavors to absorb.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, alternating with red bell pepper, onion, or pineapple chunks if using. Leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Kebabs

Preheat your broiler or grill to the appropriate temperature before cooking.

• Grill: Heat to medium-high and cook the skewers for just a few minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque pink with a bright red tail.
• Broiler Option: Place skewers on a broiler pan (or foil-lined baking sheet) and set the oven rack to the top position, about 6 inches from the broiler. Broil on high for 4–5 minutes, flipping once, until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred.

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Make the Jerk Butter Glaze and Brush Skewers

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in jerk marinade, brown sugar or honey, and lime juice. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it’s smooth and glossy.

Brush skewers with glaze during the last 1–2 minutes of grilling/broiling, and again just before serving

Jerk Butter Glaze

The jerk butter glaze is what takes these shrimp skewers to the next level. To make it, simply combine melted butter with jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and lime juice and brush over your shrimp during the last few minutes of grilling or broiling.

Whether you’re making oven-baked shrimp skewers or firing up the grill, the glaze melts into the shrimp, adding a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Marinate ahead: Prep the shrimp and marinade up to 12 hours in advance.
• Leftovers: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or under the broiler to retain the shrimp's juiciness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Jerk shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways. For a simple appetizer, arrange the shrimp on a platter with a side of cocktail sauce or a jerk BBQ sauce.

As a main course, serve the shrimp over cilantro lime rice, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro and a side of roasted peppers or a crisp salad.

Variations

• Try using the same jerk marinade and glaze on chicken, tofu, or even grilled veggies.
• Add chunks of mango or jalapeño to your skewers for a sweet or extra spicy twist.

Tanya’s Top Tips for These Skewers

• Use gloves when handling hot peppers in your jerk marinade to protect your hands from the heat.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• For extra flavor, brush the skewers with glaze during the last minute of cooking.

If You Like This, You May Also Like

• My jerk chicken recipe, that can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or the air fryer.
• My jerk fish recipe, where I use whole fish.

I hope you love this recipe as much as we do. If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps us grow. I appreciate your support!