Hey foodies! I’m super excited to share this amazing Jamaican Pepper Shrimp recipe with you today. After trying this dish for the first time last year, I’ve been obsessed with perfecting it. Trust me once you try this you’ll be hooked too! Let’s dive into making this incredibly flavorful Caribbean delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make – ready in just 15 minutes!
- Perfect blend of spicy and garlicky flavors
- Great as an appetizer or main dish
- Ideal for parties and gatherings
- Goes amazingly well with cold beer
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering pepper shrimp:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp (shell-on but deveined)
- 1 fresh lime
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- ½ scotch bonnet pepper
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 scallion (finely chopped)
Pro Tips Before Starting
Before we jump into the cooking process here are some important tips I’ve learned
- Don’t Remove the Shell: The shell helps keep the flavors locked in and adds that authentic roadside style
- Scotch Bonnet Heat Control: Remove the seeds to manage the heat level
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh thyme and garlic for the best flavor
- Lime is Key: Don’t skip the lime – it adds that perfect tangy kick
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp
- Take your pound of jumbo shrimp
- Squeeze half a lime over them
- Give them a quick rinse
- Pat dry with paper towels
2. Prepare Your Workspace
- Crush your garlic cloves
- Remove seeds from scotch bonnet pepper
- Finely chop your thyme
- Have all ingredients ready to go
3. The Cooking Process
1. Heat your pan: - Place canola oil in a large frying pan - Set heat to medium - Let it warm up properly2. Add the aromatics: - Put in thyme and pepper - Let them heat for 1 minute - Add crushed garlic 3. Cook the shrimp: - Add shrimp to the pan - Stir well to combine - Cook for 3 minutes - Flip shrimp once 4. Final touches: - Add butter and salt - Cook additional 2 minutes - Squeeze remaining lime half - Remove from heat - Garnish with chopped scallionPerfect Pairings
We love serving this dish with:
- Ice-cold beer (traditional pairing)
- Fresh lime wedges
- Crusty bread
- Caribbean coleslaw
- Rice and peas
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q Can I use regular peppers instead of scotch bonnet?A You can but scotch bonnets give that authentic Jamaican flavor. Habaneros are your next best option.
Q: Is it really necessary to keep the shell on?
A: Yes! The shell adds flavor and helps protect the shrimp from overcooking.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: With seeds removed from the scotch bonnet, it’s moderately spicy. You can adjust by using less pepper.
Storage Tips
- Best served fresh and hot
- Can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in pan with a splash of water
- Not recommended for freezing
My Personal Touch
When I make this at home, I sometimes add:
- A tiny splash of Caribbean hot sauce
- Extra garlic (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end
Health Benefits
This dish isn’t just tasty – it’s good for you too!
- High in protein from shrimp
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties from garlic
- Capsaicin from peppers boosts metabolism
- Vitamin C from lime
- Fresh herbs add antioxidants
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues:
- Shrimp too rubbery: You’ve overcooked them. Stick to the timing in recipe
- Not spicy enough: Add more scotch bonnet or keep some seeds
- Too salty: Balance with extra lime juice
- Too spicy: Serve with coconut rice to balance heat
Special Occasions
This pepper shrimp recipe is perfect for:
- Summer BBQs
- Game day snacks
- Beach parties
- Holiday appetizers
- Casual dinner parties
Cost-Saving Tips
To make this recipe more budget-friendly:
- Buy shrimp when on sale and freeze
- Grow your own thyme and scotch bonnets
- Use frozen shrimp instead of fresh
- Buy garlic in bulk
Final Thoughts
I gotta tell ya, this Jamaican Pepper Shrimp recipe is a real game-changer! It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something special. The combination of spicy, garlicky, and citrusy flavors is just unbeatable.
Happy cooking, everyone!
P.S. Don’t forget to have some cold drinks ready – you’re gonna need them!
Recipe Card Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Remember to tag us in your creations and share your spicy shrimp adventures! #PepperShrimpMagic #JamaicanCooking #SpicyGoodness
What is Jamaican Pepper Shrimp?
Jamaican pepper shrimp is a Caribbean seafood dish inspired by Chinese cuisine. Shelled shrimp is stewed in a scotch bonnet-based stew. Red food colouring is often added to enhance the overall presentation and give it a bright red hue.
In Jamaica, it’s common to see roadside vendors selling pepper shrimp in small, clear plastic bags.
- Mixing Bowl: This contains the shrimp as it marinates.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Use these to chop the fresh ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and tossing the shrimp and seasonings in the skillet.
- Large Skillet: Use this to sauté the shrimp and aromatic ingredients.
Recipe Substitutions and Tips
- Red Hue: Some recipes include red food colouring to get the signature hue. For this recipe it is omitted.
- Substitutes for Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Use scotch bonnet pepper sauce, hot pepper sauce or habanero peppers instead.
- Bell Peppers: try adding in finely chopped bell peppers for a nice freshness and flavour.
- Spicy Kick: if you prefer a really good spicy kick, add additional scotch bonnet peppers or use a variety of peppers to kick it up a notch.