Get ready to turn up the flavor on your next cookout with these irresistible Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers. Juicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and fiery jerk marinade create a smoky, tropical masterpiece that’s ready in under an hour—and bound to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Caribbean Flavor, Minimal Effort: The jerk marinade packs a punch and transforms simple seafood and fruit into a bold, unforgettable meal with barely any prep.
Fast and Fresh: From fridge to flame to feast in under 40 minutes, these skewers are as weeknight-friendly as they are party-perfect.
Naturally Healthy: Lean shrimp and vitamin-packed pineapple make these skewers as good for you as they are delicious—no heavy sides required.
Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable: This recipe scales beautifully and is easy to adapt for spice lovers, kids, or anyone who’s shrimp-shy.

Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of star ingredients for Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, but each one plays an essential role in balancing heat, sweetness, and char. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest foods create the most memorable flavors!

Shrimp (1 pound, 20-25 or 16-20 count): Choose large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, for juicy bites that stay plump and tender on the grill—bonus points for tail-on presentation.
Jerk Marinade (1/2 cup): Store-bought or homemade, this Caribbean classic brings the bold: allspice, scotch bonnet, thyme, and a little brown sugar for kick and warmth.
Fresh Pineapple (2 large slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces): Sweet, juicy pineapple caramelizes beautifully over high heat, providing perfect contrast to the savory shrimp.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to avoid burning, or use metal for no-fuss grilling and easy clean-up.

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

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers! The base is endlessly adaptable, so you can tweak the heat level, swap proteins, or pile on extra veggies depending on your taste and who’s at your table.

Milder Marinade: Use a mild jerk marinade or substitute a sweet chili sauce for a less spicy, more family-friendly option.
Add Colorful Veggies: Thread in bell peppers, red onion, or cherry tomatoes for pops of color and even more vibrant flavor.
Try Chicken or Tofu: Swap the shrimp for cubed chicken breast or firm tofu for a delicious spin that’s great for different diets.
Grill Indoors: No outdoor grill? A grill pan or broiler works wonders for achieving that signature char right in your kitchen.

How to Make Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour over half of your jerk marinade. Toss well to coat each shrimp. Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 20 minutes—overnight if you have the time. This lets all those spices really sink in, making every bite extra flavorful.

Step 2: Skewer Shrimp and Pineapple

While the shrimp is marinating, cut your pineapple into 1/2-inch chunks. Thread shrimp and pineapple pieces alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. This not only looks enticing, but also ensures even caramelization for both the shrimp and fruit.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Arrange the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing on a little of the remaining jerk marinade as they cook. Watch closely—you want the shrimp just opaque and lightly charred, not overdone!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Maximize Marinade Magic: For the boldest flavor, marinate your shrimp overnight—and pat them dry before skewering for that irresistible char.
Uniform Chunks, Even Grilling: Cut your pineapple into evenly-sized pieces to help everything cook at the same pace and look beautiful on the platter.
Watch the Grill Time: Shrimp cooks fast! Pull the skewers as soon as they turn opaque to keep them juicy and tender.
Layer the Skewers: Alternate shrimp and pineapple so the sweet juices baste the shrimp as they grill, creating even more luscious flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers quite like a scattering of fresh herbs—think chopped cilantro, parsley, or even a bit of mint for extra freshness. Try a light squeeze of lime over the platter for a pop of brightness that balances the heat.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine alongside coconut rice, grilled corn, or a crisp cabbage slaw. For a backyard feast, serve with roasted sweet potatoes or a platter of mango salsa to keep those island vibes going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your skewers family-style stacked high on a vibrant platter, or make them the star of a colorful bowl layered with rice, beans, and avocado slices. For party appetizers, slide bite-sized pieces onto mini skewers—so fun and only a single bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, transfer the cooled shrimp and pineapple off the skewers and into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, ready for a quick lunch or salad topper.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the texture is best right after grilling. If you must freeze, place shrimp and pineapple in a freezer bag, squeeze out the extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying cold or gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm shrimp and pineapple gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through. Avoid the microwave, which can make shrimp rubbery—quick stovetop heat keeps them juicy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and proceed with the marinade. Make sure there’s no excess moisture so the marinade sticks and you get those gorgeous grill marks.
How spicy are these skewers?

That depends on your jerk marinade—some are fiery, some milder. Taste your marinade beforehand and adjust how much you use, or look for a “mild” version if you’d like less heat. The pineapple helps cool things off beautifully!
Can I assemble the skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the skewers (with marinated shrimp and pineapple) up to 8 hours ahead of grilling. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fire up the grill.
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is preheated and well-oiled before adding the skewers. You can also brush the shrimp lightly with oil just before grilling—a hot, clean grate is key to gorgeous, unstuck shrimp!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with joy, color, and sunshine, you’ll fall in love with Grilled Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers. Try them for your next cookout or weeknight dinner—one bite of that sweet, smoky heat and you’ll see why this is a recipe everyone asks for!