Description
Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring succulent large shrimp cooked in a zesty blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. This quick and easy skillet recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and tanginess, ideal for a delicious Caribbean-inspired meal served with rice, bread, or salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon allspice (pimento)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried or fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup water or seafood broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add spices and peppers: Stir in the finely chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, black pepper, and brown sugar. Cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ aromas and meld the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the large shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to turn pink, indicating they are partially cooked.
- Simmer with liquids: Pour in the soy sauce, lime juice, and water or seafood broth. Stir to combine, then let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened. Adjust salt to taste during this step.
- Finish and serve: Once the shrimp is cooked through and the sauce coats the shrimp well, remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish and present: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside rice, bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers to control the spiciness based on your heat tolerance.
- For a deeper flavor, substitute water with seafood broth if available.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, garlic bread, or a cool cucumber salad.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
