Honey Jerk Shrimp

Ready in 20 minutes or less, this Honey Jerk Shrimp recipe promises to deliver a quick and easy meal with big island flavour that can be served over just about anything! Well seasoned jumbo shrimp are first sautéd until the edges are golden then tossed in a delicious honey jerk homemade sauce for the perfect weeknight or anytime dinner!

Interested in making more shrimp recipes? Try this reader favourite, Pineapple Jerk Chicken and Shrimp Skewers or this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp (Low Carb/Keto Friendly) and definitely don’t miss out on this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi!

Honey Jerk Shrimp

The very name of this recipe encapsulates everything that this simple, quick and easy seafood dish entails. It’s a tasty shrimp recipe that combines the popular and iconic Jerk flavour from the island of Jamaica with honey to create this incredible honey jerk sauce.

It has a sweet spicy kick, and is sure to be a hit with family, friends and everyone in-between. One of the best parts is, you can adjust the heat level to your preference so it’s enjoyable all around!

You’ll Love this Recipe and Here’s Why:

• Flavourful – this is a super quick, yet flavorful dinner recipe that makes weeknight dinner a breeze!
• Simple – regardless of your skill level, this is a very easy dinner recipe that you simply can’t mess up.
• Quick – you’ll have this unbelievably delicious meal on your table in about 20 minutes or less.
• Perfect Pairing – this dish pairs well with so many sides such as rice, potatoes, pasta, salads and vegetables.

What is Jamaican Jerk?

This is a hot and spicy dry-rubbed or wet marinated blend of herbs and spices used on all types of meats and seafood that’s traditionally cooked over a small open coal or wood fire. It has a spicy, woodsy, smoky flavour and is made from a mix of onion, garlic, ginger, pimento, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, scotch bonnet pepper and brown sugar. 

Jamaican Jerk History

It’s been said that the Maroons (descendants of Africans who formed settlements away from slavery in the Western world) jerked wild pigs in Portland, Jamaica while on the run from the British. It’s been apart of Jamaican culinary traditions for centuries, and now evolved in various unique dishes. Such as these Jerk Chicken Sandwiches, Jerk Burgers with Pineapple Mango Salsa, Jerk Chicken Poutine, or this Jamaican Rasta Pasta!

What is Honey Jerk Shrimp?

Honey Jerk Shrimp a simple sweet and spicy shrimp recipe that combines the flavours of Jamaican jerk with honey to create a delicious honey jerk sauce in which seasoned sautéed shrimp is then tossed in. The level of heat can be adjusted to your preferences to ensure full enjoyment!

Is Jerk Shrimp Spicy?

Jerk marinade is spicy, making jerk shrimp fall on the spicer side of the spectrum. However, the honey beautifully balances of the heat of the jerk marinade. Also, the spice level can be adjusted by choosing the mild option of the jerk marinade or simply using less.

What Jerk Marinade to Use

You can make your own Jerk Marinade however, if you want to save some time, Grace Jerk Seasoning (Mild) as well as Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning (Hot) are two brands I stand by. They come in both mild and hot heat levels, so if spice isn’t your thing, you can opt for the mild selection.

See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions!

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

Jerk Shrimp

• Raw Shrimp – you can use fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined. Fresh of course, provides the most flavour.
• Jerk Marinade – my recommendation is to use Walkerswoods or Grace brand in either the mild or hot heat options.
• Garlic – this adds a beautiful aroma and great flavour to this dish. Use fresh garlic, minced or grated for a more pungent taste.
• Thyme Leaves – this adds a fresh, warm, aromatic and piney flavour.
• Pimento Seeds – this is one of the main ingredients in jerk seasoning and adds a woody, cinnamon like flavour, also known as allspice berries.
• Salt and Pepper – season to taste.
• Olive Oil – use to sauté shrimp.

Honey Jerk Sauce

• Chicken Stock – you can also use vegetable or seafood stock.
• Honey – the sweetness helps to balance out the jerk spice, and the stickiness helps adhere the sauce to the shrimp.
• Soy Sauce – you can also use tamari, and this
• Jerk Marinade – my recommendation is to use Walkerswoods or Grace brand in either the mild or hot heat options.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Season Shrimp – in a bowl, season shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Then add garlic, thyme, crushed pimento seeds and jerk marinade until well coated.

2. Cook Shrimp – heat olive oil in non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until cooked, about 2-3 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. Remove and transfer to a plate; set aside.

3. Make Sauce – add stock to bowl used to season shrimp and scrape down any remaining seasonings/marinade; pour stock into skillet. Then add honey, soy sauce, and jerk marinade, bring to a simmer and stir until sauce combined and thickened to your liking.

4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce – add shrimp back to the skillet and toss until thoroughly coated. Garnish with fresh thyme, serve hot and enjoy!

What Type of Shrimp to Buy

• Wild Caught Shrimp – look for medium or large wild caught shrimp as opposed to farm-raised for the best flavor and texture.
• Raw Deveined Shrimp – opt for raw (not precooked), peeled and deveined shrimp. This will save you loads of time, as the only prep you need is to defrost and season the shrimp.

Frozen Shrimp – frozen shrimp is frozen shortly after it’s caught which means it’s frozen at peak freshness! It’s often more economical and quite easy to find. Also, shrimp behind the counter is typically frozen and thawed in most cases.

How Do I Defrost Shrimp?

Here are two options for how you can defrost shrimp:

• Refrigerate Overnight Method (Easy): one of the simplest ways to defrost shrimp is in your refrigerator overnight. Simply remove the desired amount of frozen shrimp, place in a covered bowl and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
• Cold Water Method (Quick): the quickest way to defrost shrimp is to add the desired amount of shrimp to a large enough bowl, then fill the bowl with cold tap water and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, replace the water with new cold tap water and allow the shrimp to sit once again – repeat after 10 minutes if needed until fully thawed.

What’s the Easiest Way to Peel and Devein Shrimp?

It is highly recommended that you purchase shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. However, in the event that you purchase shrimp that is not, follow these simple steps to get the job done:

1. Pull Off Head and Legs – if applicable, pull off the head and the legs.
2. Remove Shell – . remove, starting on the head end, the outer shell leaving the tail attached if desired.
3. Remove and Discard Vein – locate the vein in the shrimp running along its back (also underneath – however this is optional) and make a shallow cut about 1/4 inch deep and use the tip of the knife to lift it out and discard.
4. Rinse & Rest – rinse the shrimp and lay on a paper towel to dry until ready to use.

TSS Good to Know – larger shrimp often have grittier veins, which can have an unappealing texture and look.

How to Know When Shrimp is Done Cooking?

Shrimp like most seafood cook fairly fast around 2-3 minutes per side, as opposed to other kinds of protein. There are two visual cues you can use to ensure you don’t overcook your shrimp – colour and shape.

Colour – when done, shrimp turn pink and opaque in colour with some pink and bright red accents as opposed to their translucent gray raw state. Remove the shrimp from the heat source once it is fully opaque without any gray left.

Shape – as shrimp cook, their muscle contract which cause them to curl this is the second indicator of doneness. Often it is said that perfectly cooked shrimp have “C” shape while over cooked shrimp have an “O” shape. However, most shrimp unless using jumbo shrimp can be perfectly cooked with a “C” shrimp as well. Once your shrimp begin to curl, they are usually done cooking.

Shrimp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

If You Love This Jerk Recipe, You’ll Want to Check Out These Other Tasty Jamaican Inspired Recipes Next!

• Jerk Chicken Sandwich
• Pineapple Jerk Chicken & Shrimp Skewers
• Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
• Jamaican Rasta Pasta
• Jerk Burgers with Pineapple Mango Salsa
• Quick & Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Jerk Chicken Poutine

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