Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
Succulent shrimp marinated and cooked in a flavorful, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, often featuring Scotch bonnet peppers and a medley of aromatic spices. This dish is a popular street food and appetizer.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Large shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 1 medium Scotch bonnet pepper(finely minced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Allspice berries(crushed)
- 1 teaspoon Thyme(fresh leaves)
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 stalks Scallions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the shrimp with minced Scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, ginger, crushed allspice berries, thyme leaves, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Add the marinated shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Toss the shrimp with the pan sauce. Ensure the sauce coats the shrimp evenly.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately while hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white rum during the cooking process.
- ✓Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp to get a good sear.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for a more substantial dish.