Jerk Shrimp with Sweet Potato & Black Beans Recipe

Name: Jerk Shrimp with Sweet Potato & Black Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 450g large wild shrimp, peeled and deveined; 22g Jamaican jerk seasoning spice blend; 400g sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces; 400g low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained; 30ml extra virgin olive oil; 150g ripe avocado, sliced; 30ml fresh lime juice & ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Seafood shines brightest when treated with respect and simplicity, and this Jerk Shrimp with Sweet Potato & Black Beans lets the natural sweetness of wild shrimp, and deveined, jamaican jerk seasoning spice blend and sweet potatoes, and cubed into ½-inch pieces take center stage. With a focused cooking time of 25 min, gentle heat preserves delicate moisture while delivering a lightly caramelized, succulent finish.

Ingredients

4 servings

1 lb large wild shrimp, peeled and deveined
1.5 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning spice blend
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large ripe avocado, sliced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice & ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. **Roast for 15 to 18 minutes** until tender and golden.

In a bowl, toss peeled jumbo shrimp with Jamaican jerk seasoning and remaining olive oil until evenly coated.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. **Sear jerk shrimp for 2 minutes per side** until pink, opaque, and lightly charred along the edges.

Divide roasted sweet potatoes and warmed black beans into 4 bowls. **Top with seared jerk shrimp, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a lime juice squeeze**!

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Chef's Secret for Quick Sheet Pan Meal: Roast sweet potatoes first while prepping shrimp so everything finishes at the exact same time!
Adjust Jerk Heat Level: Mild jerk seasonings rely on allspice and thyme, while fiery jerk seasonings add Scotch Bonnet chili pepper; pick your preferred heat level!
Frozen Shrimp Shortcut: Thaw frozen peeled shrimp under cold running water for 5 minutes for effortless weeknight cooking.

1. Pat Surfaces Completely Dry: Always pat seafood dry with clean paper towels before it hits the skillet. Surface moisture creates steam; dry protein sears instantly into a golden, flavorful crust. 2. Zest Before You Squeeze: The citrus peel contains natural aromatic essential oils that provide brighter flavor than juice alone. Microplane the colorful zest first, then roll and juice the fruit at room temperature. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Chef's Secret for Quick Sheet Pan Meal: Roast sweet potatoes first while prepping shrimp so everything finishes at the exact same time!

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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Why Did My Jerk Shrimp with Sweet Potato & Black Beans Stick to the Skillet?: Seafood sticks when the pan is not hot enough or if attempted to flip too quickly. Allow the fillet to sear undisturbed over medium-high heat; as the crust caramelizes, it will naturally release cleanly from the metal.
How to Avoid Rubberiness?: Seafood cooks in mere minutes. Remove fish or shellfish from direct heat the moment flesh turns opaque—residual carryover heat on the warm platter finishes cooking without toughening.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store cooked seafood in a shallow airtight glass container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a lightly oiled covered skillet over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes. Avoid high-power microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I make this with frozen fish fillets? A: Yes, but ensure fillets are thawed completely in the refrigerator overnight and thoroughly dried with paper towels before cooking.

Q: What white wine pairs best with this dish? A: A crisp, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry Chardonnay pairs divinely with the seafood flavors.

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 4)

360 Calories

42g Carbs 15% DV

28g Protein 56% DV

10g Fat 13% DV

8g Fiber 29% DV

520mg Sodium 23% DV

Carbs 47% Protein 31% Fat 22%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Seafood
Dietary High Protein (28g) & Gluten-Free
Total Time 25 min
Yield 4 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate home cook & certified chef behind YumAroma. Every recipe is tested 3+ times for perfection.

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Jerk Shrimp with Sweet Potato & Black Beans

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast Sweet Potato Cubes

Toss Shrimp in Jerk Seasoning

Sear Jerk Shrimp in Skillet