Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, bold, and downright addictive dish, look no further than Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp. This dish is the perfect balance of spice, heat, and savory shrimp, all infused with that authentic Caribbean flair. It’s bursting with flavors from scotch bonnet peppers, fresh garlic, and a medley of spices that will have your taste buds dancing.

Whether you’re serving it up as an appetizer at your next gathering, tossing it into pasta, or simply enjoying it with a side of rice, this dish is guaranteed to bring some island vibes to your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp

Bold & Spicy: The combination of scotch bonnet peppers and Jamaican seasoning will light up your palate without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect mix of heat, flavor, and zest.

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy but impressive dish for guests.

Packed with Flavor: Fresh garlic, onion, thyme, and that distinct Jamaican spice blend make every bite unforgettable.

Customizable Heat: If you’re not a fan of too much spice, you can adjust the heat by using fewer scotch bonnets or swapping for a milder pepper.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or even tossed with pasta for a full meal.

Ingredients in Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:

Shrimp:

• Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Fresh scotch bonnet pepper (or other hot peppers if you prefer a milder heat)
• Garlic (lots of garlic for that rich, bold flavor)
• Fresh thyme (a key herb in Jamaican cooking)
• Onion (for that slightly sweet, savory flavor)

Seasonings:

• Allspice (also called pimento, gives a warm, aromatic flavor)
• Paprika (for color and a mild smokiness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lime or lemon juice (to balance the heat and add a bit of brightness)

Optional:

• Scotch bonnet hot sauce (for an extra kick)
• Butter (for extra richness)
• Bell peppers (to add some color and crunch)

Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Ready to spice things up? Follow these steps to make Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp:

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set them aside while you get your flavor base ready.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of oil (or butter for extra richness) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful with the scotch bonnet—it’s potent!

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan, and stir to coat them with the onions, garlic, and pepper mixture. Sprinkle in the allspice, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. Squeeze in the lime or lemon juice and let the shrimp cook for about 3–5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Add Fresh Thyme

Toss in the fresh thyme (if using), and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute or so, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately. You can drizzle a little extra lime juice or sprinkle some extra thyme on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~250–300 (depending on portion size and use of butter)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes

How to Serve Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp

Over Rice: Serve it with a side of white rice or coconut rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.

In Tacos: Stuff these shrimp into soft tortillas with a drizzle of sour cream and some fresh salsa for a Caribbean twist on tacos.

With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta for a spicy, seafood-packed meal.

On its Own: Serve it as an appetizer with some fresh lime wedges and a side of dipping sauce.

Additional Tips

Milder Heat Option: If you’re not a fan of spicy, remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet before using or substitute with a milder pepper.

Adjust the Spice Level: You can always add more scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce to kick up the heat to your liking.

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp will work in a pinch—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Add Veggies: You can add bell peppers, tomatoes, or even spinach to the pan for added texture and flavor.

Don’t Skip the Lime: The acidity from the lime is key to balancing out the spice, so make sure to add it!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully before cooking. Frozen shrimp can sometimes release excess water, so pat them dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pepper?
A2: If you don’t have scotch bonnet peppers, you can substitute with habanero peppers for similar heat, or use a milder pepper like jalapeño for less spice.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: While shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep everything ahead of time. Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.

Q4: How spicy is this dish?
A4: It’s definitely on the spicy side, thanks to the scotch bonnet pepper. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less pepper and adjust to taste.

Q5: What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
A5: You can use dried thyme in place of fresh thyme. Just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q6: Can I make this dish milder?
A6: Yes! You can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or leave it out entirely for a milder, more flavorful shrimp dish.

Q7: Can I make this without oil?
A7: If you prefer, you can make this dish with a non-stick skillet and skip the oil for a lighter version.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve the shrimp’s texture.

Q9: Can I use this recipe for a party?
A9: Absolutely! These shrimp are perfect for serving at parties. You can skewer them for easy serving or keep them in a large bowl for dipping.

Q10: How can I balance the heat with the sweetness of the shrimp?
A10: Adding a bit of honey or brown sugar can balance out the heat and enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Conclusion

This Jamaican Spicy ‘Pepper’ Shrimp is a knockout—bold, fiery, and full of vibrant island flavors. Whether you’re craving something spicy for dinner or need a killer appetizer, this dish will not disappoint. Serve it with rice, pasta, or on its own for a memorable, mouthwatering meal. Get ready to embrace the heat, the flavor, and all those incredible Jamaican spices in one delicious bite!

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