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Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: Easy 15-Minute Flavor Bombs

by Sarah & Ben

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Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Taco night just got a bold new upgrade with these spicy-sweet Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa. This easy 15-minute recipe brings together smoky jerk shrimp, tangy tropical salsa, and your favorite toppings for a wrap that’s bursting with Caribbean flair. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or hosting a fun food night, this dish promises to deliver on flavor and speed. Let’s kick off your next taco night with some heat, crunch, and cool.

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Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: Easy 15-Minute Flavor Bombs


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  • Author: Sarah & Ben
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 tacos 1x

Description

Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are spicy, tropical, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or party-ready meals.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shrimp

1 tbs butter

4 tsp jerk seasoning

1 tsp lime juice

1 tbs olive oil

Sweet Chili Soy Sauce:

2 tbs sweet chili sauce

1 tbs soy sauce

Juice of ½ a lime

Jerk Seasoning:

1 tbs garlic powder

2 tsp red pepper

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried parsley

2 tsp sugar

2 tsp salt

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp cardamom

Pineapple Salsa:

Pineapple, diced

Red onion, diced

Cilantro, diced

Tomatoes, diced

Lime Juice

Toppings:

Chips and salsa

Tomato

Avocado

Cilantro

Sour cream

Crema


Instructions

1. Mix together all Jerk seasoning in an airtight container.

2. Mix together all pineapple salsa ingredients and chill.

3. Cook shrimp in a pan with butter for 5–10 minutes.

4. Drain excess liquid from the pan.

5. Add seasoning, oil, and lime juice to shrimp.

6. Toss and crisp shrimp in a pan with olive oil.

7. Remove from heat and assemble tacos.

8. Top with salsa and your favorite toppings.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying for a smokier flavor.

Pineapple salsa can be made 1 day ahead for deeper flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For bold, tropical flavor in under 20 minutes, Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a must-try.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg


The Flavor That Changed Our Taco Game

We first made these Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa after a beach vacation left us craving something that tasted like summer. You know the feeling—sunburned shoulders, sandy toes, and that irresistible mix of grilled shrimp and citrus from a seaside shack. That’s exactly what inspired these Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, packed with vacation flavors. The jerk shrimp packs a serious punch, and the pineapple salsa cools it down just right.

We’re always looking for fast meals that don’t taste rushed, and these tacos check every box. From the moment that jerk seasoning hits the butter-slicked shrimp in the pan, the smell alone lets you know something delicious is coming. These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa strike a perfect balance: spicy shrimp, sweet pineapple, and fresh lime, acid, and crunch in one simple scoop.

The best part? These tacos are ready in 15 minutes, and they’re totally customizable. We love to lay them out buffet-style, surrounded by crema, diced tomatoes, chips and salsa, and maybe even some cilantro lime shrimp wraps for variety. In fact, if you’re into taco variations, you might want to try our Blackened Shrimp Tacos or the fresh take in our Cilantro Lime Shrimp Wraps too.

Whether it’s a casual Tuesday or a crowd-pleasing Saturday spread, these jerk shrimp tacos are all about bold flavor and low effort. That’s what Easy Recipes To Go is all about—delicious food that fits real life.

Cooking Jerk Shrimp in a Pan
Sauté shrimp in butter with jerk seasoning.

Caribbean Kick: Building Flavor with Jerk Shrimp and Pineapple Salsa

What Makes Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Special

The heart of these Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa is the perfectly seasoned shrimp. Jerk seasoning isn’t just spicy—it’s a warm, aromatic blend of garlic, thyme, paprika, and sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The flavor base is inspired by traditional Jamaican jerk cooking, known for its use of allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers. That layering of flavors gives these tacos their unmistakable Caribbean kick.

To make it extra easy, we mix our own jerk seasoning in a jar and keep it sealed tight in the pantry. One tablespoon transforms any protein—but it truly shines on shrimp. When cooked in butter, the spices bloom beautifully, and the shrimp turn golden, juicy, and packed with smoky heat.

If you’ve ever tried grilled jerk shrimp and pineapple skewers at a summer BBQ, these tacos deliver a similar vibe but in taco form. You still get the same bold contrast in Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa—savory heat, sweet fruit, and creamy toppings., but here it’s all wrapped up in a soft tortilla instead of on a stick. Plus, you can skip the grill—these come together in one pan, on the stove, in minutes.

The homemade jerk blend also gives you control. Want it hotter? Add more crushed red pepper. Need it mellow? Ease up on the paprika or swap in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Every batch is yours to tweak.

As for the salsa, it’s not just a side—it’s part of the main act. Fresh pineapple adds sweetness, red onion brings crunch, and cilantro and lime make everything pop. This combo doesn’t just balance the jerk shrimp—it makes it shine.

And if you love those grilled flavors, don’t miss our Jerk Shrimp Tacos and Cilantro Lime Shrimp Costco recipes—they keep that same tropical flair alive with different textures and sauces.

Next up, we’ll build your taco base and toppings so every bite hits all the right notes.

Assembling the Perfect Jerk Shrimp Tacos


Tacos Built for Flavor and Texture

Once your shrimp is perfectly coated in jerk seasoning and crisped up in the pan, it’s taco time. The beauty of these Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa is how easy they are to assemble and how fun they are to customize.

Start with a warm tortilla—corn or flour both work. We usually go with small street taco–style shells that hold just the right amount of filling. Layer in a handful of jerk shrimp, then top with a generous spoonful of that chilled pineapple salsa. The contrast is instant: hot, spicy shrimp against cool, tangy fruit. Add a drizzle of the sweet chili soy sauce blend to bring in an extra hit of umami and citrus. It’s magic.

From there, the toppings are your playground. We love chopped avocado for creaminess, diced tomatoes for brightness, and a dollop of sour cream or crema to cool everything down. Sprinkle on more fresh cilantro if you love that herbal punch, and serve with chips and salsa on the side for crunch.

These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa also make a great addition to a shrimp taco board for build-your-own nights.—just like we feature in our Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe. Lay out your shrimp, salsas, tortillas, and toppings, and let everyone build their perfect taco. It’s crowd-pleasing and totally customizable.

And if you’re keeping things light, wrap everything in lettuce cups instead. You still get the full jerk shrimp taco flavor, minus the carbs.

The versatility of Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa makes them a weeknight go-to and a dinner party star. and a party showstopper. One recipe, endless flavor combos—and it all starts with that fiery-sweet shrimp and pineapple base.

Next, we’ll wrap it up with meal ideas, storage tips, and smart serving suggestions.


Serving, Storing, and Stretching the Meal


Make-Ahead, Meal Prep & Storage Tips

These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa might be fast to cook, but they’re also smart for prepping ahead. The jerk seasoning can be mixed in bulk and stored for weeks. The pineapple salsa? It actually gets better as it chills and the flavors meld. Make it the night before and stash it in the fridge for tomorrow’s taco night—it’ll be ready when you are.

Cooked jerk shrimp keeps well for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of lime juice or olive oil to bring it back to life. Just don’t microwave it too long—it’ll dry out. We’ve even enjoyed the leftovers cold over salad or stuffed in wraps for lunch the next day.

If you want to go bold, repurpose the shrimp into grilled jerk shrimp and pineapple skewers by threading leftovers onto sticks and giving them a quick pan sear or broil. It’s a simple way to refresh the dish with no extra effort. Need more ideas? Our Blackened Shrimp Tacos and Cilantro Lime Shrimp Wraps offer more inspiration for rotating flavors throughout the week.

For serving, keep it casual. A taco bar setup with warm tortillas, salsa bowls, avocado slices, crema, chips, and lime wedges makes dinner interactive and fun. Add a pitcher of limeade or mock margaritas and you’ve got a full tropical vibe going.

However you serve them, these tacos offer bold jerk flavor, sweet tang, and a ton of texture—all in under 20 minutes. That’s the kind of kitchen win we love sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa?

Jerk seasoning does pack heat, especially from red pepper and allspice. But the pineapple salsa and creamy toppings like sour cream or avocado mellow things out. You can also adjust the heat by using less crushed red pepper in your seasoning mix.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. For that grilled jerk shrimp and pineapple skewers vibe, toss the seasoned shrimp on a skewer and grill them over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side. It adds smoky flavor and makes a great party twist.

How long does pineapple salsa stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, pineapple salsa will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors even deepen after a few hours, making it perfect to prep ahead.

What tortillas work best for these tacos?

Both corn and flour tortillas work great, but we love small street taco–size shells for easy handheld bites. Warm them on a skillet for the best flavor and flexibility.

Conclusion: Spicy, Sweet, and Done in 15

Looking for an easy way to spice up dinner? These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa make the perfect quick fix. These Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are proof that bold flavors don’t need long cooking times. You get the warmth of jerk spices, the brightness of tropical salsa, and the fun of build-your-own tacos—all in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe keeps it fast, flavorful, and fully satisfying.

For more tropical taco inspiration, check out our Cilantro Lime Shrimp Wraps or go bold with Blackened Shrimp Tacos—perfect to round out your Shrimp Taco night!

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