Jerk Shrimp & Pineapple Basil Rice

When it comes to pretty and sunny summer days, seafood is always a good choice of food. That’s why my jerk shrimp with pineapple basil rice is a winner. It is colorful, and most importantly, delicious. It will decorate your dinner table quite well.

What is Jerk Shrimp & Pineapple Basil Rice

Jerk is a Carribean style of cooking, originated in Jamaica. Over the past couple of years, jerk flavored food have become very popular in the U. S. People will typically use jerk flavors for chicken, beef and pork. However, it is good on seafood as well. I wanted my husband and I to eat something fairly lite, so I decided to prepare jerk shrimp.

The shrimp was served with pineapple basil rice. I actually came up with the concept for the rice when I visited a Thai restaurant many years ago, that served pineapple rice. I had not previously had rice with pineapples, but it was the most delightful thing on my plate. While I was eating the rice, all I could think was, ” this will be delicious with a touch of basil.” Subsequently, it gave me the idea for my Pineapple Basil Rice.

How to prepare

Normally when I prepare jerk flavored dishes, I will always prepare my own jerk seasoning. However, I wanted this dish to be quick and easy, so for the first time, I bought Grace Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. It was a great choice because it gives this dish the same Caribbean authenticity as homemade jerk seasoning.

Simple steps for jerk shrimp include:

• Seasoning shrimp with jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, ground ginger, ground cinnamon and honey.
• Cooking shrimp on both sides until done.

Steps for rice include:

• Cooking the rice.
• Sauteing onions, crushed pineapple, bell pepper, turmeric, ginger, cajun seasoning, rice and basil in unsalted butter.

I know you’re probably wondering if this is it. Actually, yes it is. This dish is easy as 1, 2, 3 and can be prepared in a short period of time.

Switch it up

The shrimp can be grilled, as well a baked. If you decide to grill these shrimp, it is recommended to use skewers as this will make it a lot easier. If you decide to bake, it is important to use parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.

Jerk Shrimp & Pineapple Basil Rice

Danielle Dunn

Jerk Shrimp with sweet and savory pineapple basil rice

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

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Jerk Shrimp

• 1 tbsp jerk seasoning I use Grace Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil for skillet

Pineapple Basil Rice

• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 cups water
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 8 oz canned crushed pineapple, drained
• 5 oz fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning I use Old Bay
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Jerk Shrimp

• In a small bowl combine shrimp, cinnamon, smoked paprika, ginger, jerk seasoning and honey. Mix thoroughly.
• Heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side. Serve with Pineapple Basil Rice.

Pineapple Basil Rice

• Rinse rice three times to remove surface starch. Bring water to boil. Add rice, 2 tbsp. of butter and few pinches of salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer until water is absorbed, about 8 – 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
• Add ginger, turmeric, a few pinches of salt, pepper and cajun seasoning. Stir until all mixed together. Stir in pineapple and bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in cooked rice and basil Make a well in center of skillet and add 2 tbsp of butter. Saute contents of skillet for 5 minutes. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish will fresh basil if wanted. Serve warm with jerk shrimp.

Notes

Rinsing rice will remove surface starch. If you like sticky rice, then this step can be omitted. 

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