If you love bold flavors and quick meals, this jerk shrimp tacos recipe is calling your name. Combining fiery Caribbean spice with the refreshing sweetness of mango salsa, these tacos come together in just 15 minutes—perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers. In this article, we’ll walk you through our kitchen-tested recipe, share a flavorful story behind it, and offer helpful tips to make every bite taste like a tropical escape. Whether you’re new to shrimp tacos or already a fan of Caribbean cuisine, you’ll find everything you need to master the perfect jerk shrimp tacos.
Table of Contents
Jerk Shrimp Tacos Recipe That Brings the Heat & Sweet
The Flavor of the Islands in Every Bite
Our love for jerk shrimp tacos started on a rainy Thursday when Sarah craved something bold while we were short on time. We opened the fridge, spotted some shrimp, and decided to wing it with a homemade jerk seasoning. That night, we tossed the shrimp in a smoky, sweet Caribbean spice mix and added fresh mango salsa on warm corn tortillas. We didn’t expect it to become one of our go-to recipes, but here we are—making jerk shrimp tacos nearly every other week.
That’s the magic of cooking: discovering unexpected favorites with just a few ingredients and a little heart—especially when you’re working with vibrant flavors like those found in Caribbean cuisine, known for its bold spices and cultural richness.
We love that this recipe comes together fast—just 15 minutes from skillet to plate. It’s spicy, but not overwhelming, and that sweet mango salsa balances the heat beautifully. The shrimp cook in minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something flavorful without the fuss.
Want to switch things up? Try serving these tacos alongside a tangy avocado crema or a fresh green slaw. They also pair wonderfully with this blackened shrimp tacos recipe or if you’re craving something zesty, check out our cilantro lime shrimp wraps.
Why You’ll Love These Jerk Shrimp Tacos
What makes jerk shrimp tacos special is the fusion of heat, sweet, and texture. The jerk seasoning delivers warm Caribbean spices—think allspice, cloves, ginger, and a hint of cayenne—while the mango salsa adds coolness and a juicy crunch. It’s a balanced bite every time.
You’ll only need a few spices, some fresh shrimp, and tortillas to get started. We keep things simple so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s no wonder this dish fits right in with other quick favorites like our Costco cilantro lime shrimp salad or jerk shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa.
Coming up in Part 2: we’ll walk you through exactly how to season and cook the shrimp for perfect results every time.
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Jerk Shrimp Tacos: Quick, Flavor-Packed Caribbean Dinner
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Jerk shrimp taco recipe with mango salsa. Spicy jerk shrimp paired with a refreshing mango salsa on corn tortillas! Perfect for any day of the week!
Ingredients
0.5 teaspoons allspice seasoning
0.5 tablespoons brown sugar
0.13 teaspoon cumin
0.06 teaspoon cloves
0.06 teaspoon garlic
0.06 teaspoon ground ginger
0.06 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.13 teaspoon black pepper
0.03 teaspoon cayenne pepper
0.25 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
0.25 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 warm corn tortillas
Lime wedges
Homemade Mango Salsa Recipe
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, add shrimp, jerk seasoning, and olive oil. Toss the shrimp to coat.
2. In a large skillet, cook shrimp at medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Divide shrimp evenly among the warm tortillas and top with mango salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve immediately after cooking. To prep ahead, make the mango salsa the night before and store in the fridge. For more heat, add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños. These tacos pair well with Caribbean rice or slaw.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches-Snacks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 373
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 1502mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 286mg
How to Make Jerk Shrimp Tacos Step by Step
Crafting the Perfect Jerk Seasoning
Jerk shrimp tacos start with a bold, aromatic jerk seasoning. Making it from scratch gives you full control over the spice level and flavor. Our blend includes warm spices like allspice, cloves, and cinnamon, balanced with brown sugar and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. It’s fragrant, spicy, and just slightly sweet—exactly what shrimp needs to shine.
To make your own jerk seasoning, combine allspice, cumin, cloves, garlic, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix well and store any leftovers in a jar for your next craving. Want even more kick? Add extra cayenne—but taste as you go!
This spice blend also works great on grilled chicken or tofu. Pair it with one of our favorites like blackened shrimp tacos or explore the milder side with cilantro lime shrimp wraps for contrast.
Quick-Cooking Shrimp for Busy Nights
Shrimp is a dream protein for weeknight meals. It cooks fast, absorbs flavor beautifully, and requires almost no prep if you buy it peeled and deveined. In this recipe, all you need is 2–3 minutes in a hot skillet. That’s it.
To get started, toss your shrimp in the jerk seasoning and a little olive oil until fully coated. Then heat your skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp until they’re pink and slightly crisped around the edges.
Don’t overcook them—shrimp go rubbery fast. Keep them juicy by watching closely and flipping once they curl.
Once they’re done, warm your tortillas, layer in the shrimp, and top generously with mango salsa. We like to serve ours with lime wedges and a side of crunchy slaw or Caribbean rice.
These tacos are also a fantastic sidekick to our tropical-themed recipes like jerk shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa or the ever-popular Costco cilantro lime shrimp copycat.
Mango Salsa & Topping Ideas for Jerk Shrimp Tacos
Sweet Mango Salsa That Balances the Spice
Jerk shrimp brings the heat—but mango salsa brings the cool. This combo is what makes jerk shrimp tacos taste unforgettable. The sweetness of ripe mango chunks paired with a bit of lime juice, red onion, and cilantro cuts through the spice and gives the tacos a fresh finish.
You can use a store-bought mango salsa, but we recommend making it fresh. It’s simple: dice a ripe mango, add finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Optional add-ins include jalapeño for heat or red bell pepper for extra crunch.
This salsa isn’t just for tacos. Spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or try it with our cilantro lime shrimp wrap for a zesty twist. It also complements Caribbean flavors beautifully—just like the topping on our jerk shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa.
More Delicious Topping Combos to Try
Toppings can make or break a taco. Jerk shrimp already brings bold flavor, so you don’t need much—but the right extras elevate the experience. Think creamy, crunchy, and bright.
Here are our favorite jerk shrimp taco toppings:
- Avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess
- Shredded red cabbage for crunch and color
- Pickled onions to cut through the richness
- Cilantro leaves for that fresh herb punch
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija (optional)
Want a smoky touch? Drizzle on chipotle mayo. Prefer something more mellow? A dollop of Greek yogurt with lime juice adds a cooling contrast.
You can also play around with tortillas—while we prefer warm corn tortillas for that toasty flavor, flour works just as well, especially if you’re doubling this recipe with other hits like blackened shrimp tacos.
Serving Tips, Storage & Reheating for Jerk Shrimp Tacos
How to Serve Jerk Shrimp Tacos Like a Pro
The beauty of jerk shrimp tacos is how flexible they are. You can serve them casually for weeknight dinners or dress them up for a summer party platter. They work beautifully as a main course or even a snackable option for game day.
Serve the tacos family-style: place warm tortillas in a basket, jerk shrimp in a skillet or bowl, mango salsa in a jar, and toppings in small ramekins. Let everyone build their own. Add a big pitcher of citrusy mocktails or a tropical fruit salad on the side.
Want to keep it part of your shrimp taco lineup? Offer variations like blackened shrimp tacos or cilantro lime shrimp wraps so guests can mix and match. You could even do a tasting board with mini tacos featuring different flavor profiles.
These tacos also shine next to light sides like coconut rice, charred corn, or a crisp cabbage slaw. And don’t forget extra lime wedges!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Store the shrimp separately from the tortillas and toppings to keep everything fresh. Place cooked shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, avoid the microwave—shrimp dries out fast. Instead, warm them in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through. You can also rewarm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Mango salsa should be eaten fresh but can last about a day in the fridge if covered tightly.
Planning ahead? You can prep the jerk seasoning and mango salsa the night before, then cook the shrimp and assemble tacos the next day. This makes it easy for busy evenings or casual entertaining.
FAQs About Jerk Shrimp Tacos
What kind of shrimp is best for jerk shrimp tacos?
Medium to large shrimp (around 21–25 count per pound) work best. They’re big enough to stay juicy but small enough to fit neatly in your tortillas. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Frozen shrimp are totally fine—just thaw before cooking.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Grilling adds a nice smoky char that pairs beautifully with the jerk seasoning. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Just like with the skillet, don’t overcook them.
What toppings go well with jerk shrimp tacos?
The best toppings complement the spice. Try mango salsa, avocado, pickled onions, shredded cabbage, or cilantro. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or chipotle mayo. You can even sprinkle on crumbled queso fresco for a finishing touch.
Are jerk shrimp tacos spicy?
They have a noticeable kick, thanks to cayenne and other warming spices. That said, the heat is balanced by sweet mango salsa. If you prefer milder tacos, reduce the cayenne or leave it out. Want more fire? Add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.
Conclusion: Bring the Islands to Your Table in Just 15 Minutes
Jerk shrimp tacos are one of those meals that feels like a mini vacation. With bold Caribbean flavors, a quick cook time, and endless topping options, they check all the boxes for flavor, speed, and satisfaction. Whether you’re planning a taco night or just need a quick dinner win, this recipe brings the heat and the harmony.
From our kitchen to yours, we hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites too. And if you love this one, don’t forget to try other reader favorites like jerk shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa and Costco cilantro lime shrimp wraps.
