If you crave bold, memorable seafood, Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp is the dish you’ve been waiting for. This Caribbean favorite brings together shell-on shrimp, fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, and a medley of warming spices, delivering pure island flavor with every bite. The quick cook time, the vibrant aroma, and the beautiful, saucy finish make it a must-have whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself to something special. Get ready for a shrimp recipe that turns any meal into a festive occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp lies in its perfect balance of simple ingredients and punchy flavors. Every component has a special job, from infusing heat to keeping the shrimp juicy and tender—don’t skip a single one for that authentic taste and irresistible aroma!
- Raw shrimp (shell-on, deveined), 1 pound: Choosing shell-on shrimp amps up flavor and keeps them juicy—plus, sucking the spicy sauce from the shells is part of the fun.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps the spices bloom and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Seafood seasoning or all-purpose seasoning, 2 teaspoons: Delivers savory backbone; look for a blend with herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice.
- Smoked or hot paprika, 2 teaspoons: Adds color and a smoky depth—hot paprika will give even more kick!
- Scotch bonnet peppers, 1–2 (finely chopped): The heart of Jamaican heat; handle with gloves and adjust quantity to taste.
- Garlic, 3 cloves (minced): Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
- Ground allspice, 1 teaspoon: Brings that signature Caribbean warmth and a slight hint of sweetness.
- Dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon: Lends a subtle earthiness to balance the heat.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Makes the flavors sing and draws out the juices of the shrimp.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a mild background warmth.
- Lime juice, from 1 lime: Provides brightness and tang to lift the spicy sauce.
- Water, 1/4 cup: Helps create the tasty sauce that soaks into every bite.
How to Make Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shell-on shrimp in a bowl with seafood seasoning, paprika, ground allspice, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is well coated—those shells are the secret weapon, trapping all the zesty flavors so each bite is a real celebration. This isn’t just about spicing the surface; it’s about infusing every layer with island taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped Scotch bonnet peppers and minced garlic—hear that sizzle? Stir for just 30 seconds until the aroma bursts from the pan, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. This step wakes up the heat and lets the oils carry the spice throughout the whole dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your seasoned shrimp straight into the skillet and give everything a good stir. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the shrimp turn a pretty pink and start to curl. This is where the magic happens—the spicy, garlicky oil coats the shrimp shells, promising an explosion of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Tangy Sauce
Pour in the bright lime juice and a splash of water, then stir well. Let everything simmer together for about a minute. The sauce thickens slightly, clinging to the shrimp, and the citrusy tang balances all that wonderful heat. You’re left with shrimp that look stunning and taste even better.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Remove the skillet from the heat and get those shrimp onto a platter right away. Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp is best enjoyed piping hot while the shells are saucy and glistening. Guests won’t be able to resist getting a little messy—trust me, it’s part of the experience!
How to Serve Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp
Garnishes
Finish the dish with wedges of fresh lime and maybe a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for color. A little zest grated on top gives a splash of aroma, hinting at the citrus zing inside. Whether you go minimalist or pile on the herbs, the look is irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp with classic festival bread for a true street food vibe, or spoon them over fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the sauce. For a lighter touch, a simple cucumber salad or roasted plantains make excellent sides that cool the heat and keep things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, pile the spicy shrimp high on a big platter with extra napkins (and cold drinks!) nearby. For an appetizer, serve them in small bowls with toothpicks for easy sharing. Or try skewering the shrimp for a fun, finger-friendly bite—no matter how you present Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp, expect empty plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, transfer the cooled Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp to an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. The flavors become deeper and richer overnight, making reheated shrimp almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp for up to a month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice to loosen the sauce. The shrimp are delicate, so warm just until heated through to keep them tender and juicy.
FAQs
How spicy is Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp?
With Scotch bonnet peppers at the heart of this recipe, the heat is definitely present but can be easily customized. Removing the seeds tames the fire, or you can swap in a milder chili if needed. Just remember, the spice is part of what makes this dish so unforgettable!
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Pre-cooked shrimp aren’t recommended, because they won’t absorb the spice mix or develop the saucy glaze like raw shrimp will. For truly authentic Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp, start with raw, shell-on shrimp for the best results.
Is it essential to keep the shells on?
While you can use peeled shrimp, shell-on shrimp absorb more flavor and stay succulent during quickly cooking. Plus, eating the saucy shells is part of the tradition—it’s a bit messy but oh-so worth it!
What’s a good substitute for Scotch bonnet peppers?
If you can’t find Scotch bonnets, habanero peppers are the most similar in heat and flavor profile. For a milder alternative, try jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne powder—but classic Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp simply isn’t the same without a little Caribbean fire.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can season the shrimp a few hours before and refrigerate. When your guests arrive, just follow the cooking steps and your kitchen will smell as inviting as the islands. The quick cook time means you’re never stuck at the stove for long!
Final Thoughts
Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp is more than just a meal—it’s a lively taste of the Caribbean that’s easy to bring to your own kitchen. Every bite is bold, briny, and just the right kind of spicy. Gather your friends, have napkins ready, and enjoy the unforgettable flavors of this island classic!
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Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Experience the fiery flavors of Jamaica with this mouthwatering Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp recipe. Bursting with Caribbean spices and heat, this dish is a delightful blend of savory and spicy that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning Mix:
- 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning or all-purpose seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked or hot paprika
- 1–2 Scotch bonnet peppers (finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with seafood seasoning, paprika, allspice, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté Scotch bonnet peppers and garlic until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cook until pink and curled.
- Finish the Dish: Add lime juice and water, simmer briefly to create a flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with lime wedges.
Notes
- For an authentic experience, try using whole shell-on shrimp and enjoy the extra heat by sucking the shell.
- Adjust the Scotch bonnet peppers to suit your spice tolerance.
- This dish pairs well with festival bread, rice, or as a daring appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
