Jerk Shrimp Sliders with Pineapple Salsa

Must try Jerk Shrimp Sliders with Pineapple Salsa! Sweet Hawaiian rolls are piled high with jerk shrimp, fresh pineapple salsa with an herbed garlic-lemon aioli that is to-die-for. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or appetizer for hungry guests!

If you like jerk, you will love this Jerk Shrimp and Grits recipe!

WHAT IS JERK FLAVOR?

This Caribbean inspired flavor, specifically from the island of Jamaica consists of herbs and spices. To explain, all spice, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, thyme and other spices make this seasoning/sauce rich in flavor.

The taste is similar to BBQ style foods as jerk recipes are cooked on the open grill. Expect to enjoy flavors mixed with sweet, spice and smokey.

Jerk flavor can be made in variations such as a dry rub, sauce and/or marinade.

JERK SHRIMP SLIDERS

These sliders were created on a whim. With that said, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal if you are wanting something different from traditional meals. On another note, these jerk shrimp sliders are fancy enough that you can prepare these sliders as an appetizer at your next gathering.

Made with soft Hawaiin sweet slider buns that are layered with green lettuce, plum jerk shrimp, topped with fresh pineapple salsa with a garlic-lemon aioli, expect a satisfying burst of flavor!

PINEAPPLE SALSA

When preparing a dish that includes spicy and smoky flavors, pairing a sweet ingredient can aide in balancing flavors. With that said, the pineapple salsa is the perfect pairing for jerk shrimp.

With just a few simple ingredients, this versatile salsa works great on most proteins. Click here to try Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa or Blackened Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE JERK SHRIMP SLIDERS

This recipe may require an intentional trip to the grocery store if you do not have jerk seasoning lying around. With that said, I am certain adding this recipe to your grocery list will be worth the trip.

Here is what you will need:

JERK SHRIMP SLIDER INGREDIENTS

1. Shrimp. Fresh is best but frozen works as well. You will need small to medium sized shrimp that will fit the size of the buns. If frozen, be sure to thaw the shrimp before preparation.
2. Slider Buns. Any slider style buns will work great. While I used Hawaiian style slider buns, you can certainly use any brand/type that you prefer. It is important to note, a thicker style bun works best to withstand the ingredients in the slider.
3. Jerk Marinade. Here is the brand of jerk marinade that I absolutely love. If you would prefer to use a seasoning blend, click here for a homemade version I have paired with chicken that works great.

1. Butter. Unsalted works best, this will be used to butter the buns and the jerk marinade already contains salt.
2. Bibb Lettuce. Any leafy green will work. Use what you have on hand or can get access too.

PINEAPPLE SALSA INGREDIENTS

1. Pineapple. Fresh or canned works great. I tested this recipe using both and either works and will provide the appropriate amount of sweetness!
2. Cilantro. This will be used in the pineapple salsa and also pairs well with jerk flavor.
3. Red Bell Pepper. Can substitute a yellow or orange bell pepper.
4. Honey. The honey helps to bring the flavors together in the pineapple salsa and cuts the tartness from the pineapple.
5. Red Onion. This particular onion works best paired with the additional ingredients.
6. Jalapeno. Certainly, optional as the jerk marinade will hold spice. If you are a spic lover, keep the jalapeno for additional spice and crunch!
7. Lime Juice. Fresh is best but certainly use what you have on hand. This ingredients helps to balance the sweet and tart flavors of the recipe.

HERB GARLIC-LEMON AIOLI

1. Mayonnaise. Use the good stuff! Substitute sandwich spreads will not work great in my opinion. I prefer Duke's or Blue Plate.
2. Garlic. Any type of garlic will work. I used garlic paste but freshly minced garlic or jarred garlic will work for this aioli.

1. Thyme. Adding fresh herbs to this aioli amplifies the flavor. Dried works just a good but use fresh if you can.
2. Tarragon. Thyme and Tarragon pair well with jerk flavor and is often used in jerk seasonings or marinades.
3. Lemon Juice. Fresh lemon juice is always a good ingredient to use when "pulling" flavors together. The lemon juice is used as a binding agent to bring the flavor of the sauce together.

PINEAPPLE SALSA RECIPE

This pineapple salsa comes together in minutes. In this case, prepping the listed ingredients for this part of the recipe will ultimately save in time.

To be sure that all components of the recipe are prepared in proper order, prepare the salsa first. This will allow the salsa to marinate a little and the flavors will develop while the remaining ingredients are prepared.

1. Begin by roughly chopping and small dicing the pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro and jalapeno.
2. Next, measure the lime juice, honey, salt and pepper.
3. In a medium to large bowl, add the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro and jalapeno.
4. Now, pour in the lime juice, honey, salt and pepper.
5. Lastly, stir ingredients until thoroughly combined. Cover and set aside until later use.

HOW TO MAKE HERB GARLIC-LEMON AIOLI

This aioli spread pairs amazing with this recipe. When I first tested the recipe, the aioli was not added. To sum up, this is by far was the "missing" piece to this recipe.

With the added herbs, creamy mayo, garlic and lemon juice, this spread compliments the exisitng flavors in the sliders.

1. Begin by measuring and prepping the mayonnaise, garlic, thyme, tarragon and lemon juice.
2. Next, add the mayonnaise and additional ingredients to a small bowl.
3. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
4. Now, taste test the aioli and adjust flavor to your liking by adding salt, pepper or more lemon juice.
5. Last, cover and set aside until later use.

PREPARE JERK SHRIMP

This is the easiest jerk shrimp recipe you will need. With little prep, no marinating and just three simple ingredients, you can have delicious, fiery jerk shrimp ready in under five minutes!

1. Prep shrimp by peeling, deveining, thawing, rinsing and drying with a paper towel.
2. Next, measure our jerk marinade.
3. Now, place a small to medium sized skillet on medium/high heat.
4. Add butter to the pan and melt.
5. Pour in shrimp and begin sautéing in butter.
6. At the same time, add jerk marinade and stir.
7. Cook jerk shrimp in butter and jerk sauce being careful not to overcook.
8. Finally, remove cooked jerk shrimp from heat and set aside.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE JERK SHRIMP SLIDERS

Now that each component of the recipe is prepared, now it is time to assemble these delicious sliders. First, be sure to toast the sliders. This will ensure the sliders stay intact as the ingredients are added. After toasting the slider buns place on desired serving tray.

Now, add about one teaspoon of the herb garlic aioli to the bottom slider bun. Then, layer the lettuce over the bun and aioli. Next, add on the prepared jerk shrimp (about 3-4 shrimp depending on size). Then, top with about one tablespoon of pineapple salsa.

Finally, top the bottom half of the prepared slider with the top bun and serve!

HOW TO STORE JERK SHRIMP SLIDERS

This recipe can certainly be stored and eaten later or over the course of a few days. In this case, store each component of the recipe separately.

Store the cooked jerk shrimp in an airtight container. Next, add pineapple salsa also into an airtight container. Finally, store the herb-garlic aioli in a refrigerator safe container. These ingredients will remain fresh for 3-4 days.

If you like jerk flavored recipes, try:

Jerk Shrimp and Grits

Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

Blackened Chicken with Pineapple Salsa