The Sizzle That Started It All
The first scent hooked me. Hot grill, sweet mango, spicy shrimp. It smelled like summer vacation. I was at a beachside cookout. A friend handed me a skewer. One bite and I was in love. The taste was pure joy. Ever wondered how to make summer magic on a stick? This recipe is your answer. It turns any day into a party. I make it for every backyard gathering now.
My First Skewer Fiasco
My first try was a mess. I did not pat the shrimp dry. The sauce slid right off them. The mango pieces were too big. They kept falling onto the coals. We ate slightly blackened fruit. It was still delicious, honestly. This matters because cooking is about trying. A small mistake cannot ruin good food. It just makes a good story.
Why The Flavors Pop
This dish is a flavor party. The spicy jerk sauce meets sweet mango. The smoky grill taste ties it together. You get a perfect bite every time. The textures are just as fun. You get juicy, tender, and crisp all at once. Which flavor combo surprises you most: sweet mango with spicy shrimp? Tell me in the comments below. I love hearing your thoughts.
A Quick Trip to the Islands
This dish whispers of the Caribbean. Jerk seasoning comes from Jamaica. It is a bold, spicy tradition there. Grilling over fire is a classic method. The mango adds a tropical sweetness. It is a fusion of island tastes. *Did you know the word “jerk” may come from an old Spanish term for dried meat?* This recipe brings that sunshine to your table. What is your favorite summer grilling memory? Share it with us.

Ingredient | Amount | Note |
---|---|---|
Shrimp | pat dry | |
Salt | 1 tsp | for shrimp |
Jerk sauce | to coat shrimp | |
Chutney | ||
Soy sauce | ||
BBQ sauce | ||
Mango | cut into pieces | |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | for mango |
Scallion | cut into pieces | |
Oil | 2 Tbsp | for drizzling |
Oil | As needed | for greasing grill |
Cilantro | As needed | for topping |
Easy Grilling for Tasty Skewers
Step 1
Pat your shrimp completely dry. This helps the jerk sauce stick better. Season them with salt for flavor. Then toss everything in a bowl to coat. (A hard-learned tip: Dry shrimp get a much better sear on the grill).
Step 2
Make your sweet and tangy basting sauce. Just mix chutney, soy, and BBQ sauce together. In another bowl, gently toss mango with a little salt. This makes the mango’s flavor really pop.
Step 3
Now for the fun part, building the skewers. Start and end each one with a shrimp. Alternate with mango and pieces of scallion in between. A light drizzle of oil keeps everything from sticking.
Step 4
Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot. Medium heat is perfect for cooking through. Always clean and grease the grates first. This prevents your beautiful skewers from tearing.
Step 5
Grill the skewers for a few minutes per side. Brush them with that yummy sauce halfway through. They are done when the shrimp is pink and firm. Don’t walk away, they cook fast!
Step 6
Move your skewers to a serving platter. Give them one last brush with the remaining sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a fresh finish. Then get ready for everyone to cheer. What is the key to preventing shrimp from sticking to the grill? Share below!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Appetizer
Try These Fun Twists Next Time
Pineapple Swap
Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of mango. It gives a different kind of tropical sweetness. The grill caramelizes the pineapple beautifully.
Spicy Kick
Add a diced jalapeño to the skewers. Or mix a pinch of cayenne into the marinade. It adds a nice warmth that everyone loves.
Veggie Power
Skip the shrimp and use big portobello mushroom chunks. They soak up the jerk sauce like a dream. A fantastic meat-free option for the grill. Which creative spin will you try first? Vote in the comments!
How to Serve Your Masterpiece
These skewers are a full meal on a stick. I love them over a bed of coconut rice. A simple side salad with lime dressing works too. Don’t forget extra sauce for dipping! For drinks, a cold beer is always a winner. A non-alcoholic ginger beer is just as good. Its spicy fizz complements the jerk flavors perfectly. Which pairing would you choose for your dinner tonight?
Storing and Reheating Your Skewers
Let these skewers cool completely first. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. They do not freeze well. The mango gets too mushy. Reheat gently in a warm oven or on a pan. This keeps the shrimp tender.
You can prep the parts ahead for easy cooking. Make the sauces and chop the mango early. Keep them in separate bowls in the fridge. Then just build and grill when you are ready. What is your favorite make-ahead meal trick?
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
Shrimp sticking to the grill? Make sure those grates are very clean. Also, give them a good coat of oil. This matters for perfect grill marks every time.
Is your sauce burning before the shrimp cooks? Brush it on later. Put it on halfway through grilling. Your skewers will be juicy, not blackened. *Fun fact: a bit of char adds great flavor!*
Are the shrimp cooking unevenly? Do not crowd the grill. Cook in small batches instead. This gives each skewer enough heat to cook right. Try this tip and see the difference.
Your Grilling Questions, Answered
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just check your sauces. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Find a gluten-free BBQ sauce you love.
How far ahead can I make them?
You can marinate the shrimp for up to an hour. Assemble the skewers just before grilling. This keeps everything fresh.
What if I do not have mango?
Try pineapple or peaches instead. They are also sweet and grill nicely. It is a great swap.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use more skewers. Do not forget to work in batches on the grill. Nobody likes a crowded grill.
What is a good side dish?
I love simple coconut rice or a green salad. They balance the spicy, sweet shrimp perfectly. What will you serve yours with?
Time to Fire Up the Grill!
I hope you love these tropical skewers. They always remind me of summer nights with friends. The mix of sweet and spicy is so good.
I would love to see your creation. Share your grilling wins with me!
Tag @AmeliaHartwell on Pinterest with your photos.
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.


Grilled Shrimp and Mango Skewers Recipe
Description
Experience the delightful contrast of sweet mango and savory grilled shrimp in this easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and transfer to a large bowl; season with 1 tsp. salt. Add jerk sauce and toss to combine. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine chutney, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce. In a medium bowl, season mango with 1/4 tsp. salt and toss to combine.
- To build a skewer, start with a shrimp, then skewer a piece of mango, then a piece (or two) of scallion, and repeat, then end with a shrimp. Drizzle skewers with 2 Tbsp. oil.
- Prepare a grill for medium heat; preheat 5 minutes, or heat a grill pan over medium heat. Clean and grease grates or pan with oil.
- Working in batches, grill skewers, brushing with chutney-BBQ sauce halfway through, until shrimp is pink and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer skewers to a platter. Brush with remaining sauce and top with cilantro.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill.
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