The Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe brings a delightful and spicy seafood dish to your kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe features tender, juicy shrimp coated in a vibrant blend of peppers and traditional Jamaican spices that create a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Easy to prepare and beginner-friendly, this recipe uses common pantry staples that come together quickly on the stove or oven. Pair it with my Creamy Tuscan Mushroom Pasta Skillet for a complete comforting meal your family will love.
Why You'll Love Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor
Discover the Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe packed with fiery, savory flavor. Ready in 40 mins, perfect for quick family-friendly dinners!
- Simple ingredients with maximum flavor impact
- Ready in just 40 minutes — great for weeknight dinners
- Bold, spicy Jamaican flavors that are family-friendly adjustable
- Uses pantry staples and quick cooking methods for busy cooks
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen large shrimp. Fresh is best, but frozen works if thawed properly.Scotch bonnet pepper: This is traditional for authentic Jamaican heat. Substitute with habanero or jalapeño for a milder version.
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen large shrimp. Fresh is best, but frozen works if thawed properly.
- Scotch bonnet pepper: This is traditional for authentic Jamaican heat. Substitute with habanero or jalapeño for a milder version.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry shrimp. Set aside in a bowl with lime juice, black pepper, and salt to marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, red bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Cook the shrimp: Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle in allspice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Stir frequently and cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 4-5 minutes.
Expert Tips for Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor
- Wear gloves when handling Scotch bonnet peppers to avoid irritation.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they should be pink and firm, not rubbery.
- For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor
Discover the Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe packed with fiery, savory flavor. Ready in 40 mins, perfect for quick family-friendly dinners!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, deseeded and minced (use less for mild heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances heat and acidity)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro or extra parsley for garnish
- Lime wedges
Instructions
How to Make Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse and pat dry shrimp. Set aside in a bowl with lime juice, black pepper, and salt to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, red bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the shrimp: Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle in allspice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Stir frequently and cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 4-5 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with lime wedges and garnish.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor FAQs
Yes, you can marinate the shrimp ahead but it's best to cook and serve fresh for tender texture. Leftovers should be kept refrigerated and eaten within 2 days.
Habanero pepper is the closest substitute with similar heat. Jalapeño can be used for milder spice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing cooked shrimp to maintain texture.
Overcooking is the main cause. Shrimp cook quickly; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and firm.
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Before You Go
If you try this Easy Homemade Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavor, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.