Are you ready to spice up your seafood game with a burst of authentic Jamaican flavors? We’ve got just the recipe for you! Introducing our Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp, a Caribbean delicacy that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica. With its zesty and flavorful taste, this dish is a must-try for lovers of traditional Jamaican cuisine.
Our Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp is seasoned with a tantalizing blend of spices, including the famous Jamaican jerk seasoning. The combination of flavors creates a tropical explosion in every bite, making this dish a standout in the world of shrimp recipes. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply seeking a new and exciting seafood dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Key Takeaways:
- Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp is a flavorful seafood recipe that showcases the authentic flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
- This Caribbean shrimp dish is seasoned with Jamaican jerk seasoning, giving it a zesty and spicy kick.
- Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main course, this tropical shrimp dish is a tasty and satisfying choice.
- Experience the traditional flavors of Jamaican cooking and transport your taste buds to the tropics with this zesty shrimp recipe.
- Stay tuned for the following sections, where we’ll take you through the story behind Jamaican Pepper Shrimp and provide detailed cooking instructions.
The Story Behind Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
Jamaican Pepper Shrimp holds a special place in our hearts, as it brings back cherished childhood memories of summer visits to our family in Jamaica. This traditional Jamaican delicacy was a favorite dish, thanks to our love for spicy food and the vibrant flavors it offered. Considered a staple in Jamaican cuisine, Pepper Shrimp holds a special status among other authentic Jamaican recipes. Recreating this dish allows us to pay homage to our childhood and share the exquisite flavors of Jamaica with others.
Ingredients for Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
To make Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp, we will need the following ingredients:
- Jumbo shrimp
- Smoked paprika
- Butter
- Lawry’s seasoning salt
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Scotch bonnet pepper sauce
- Scotch bonnet peppers
These ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of flavors for this dish. The jumbo shrimp adds a meaty and succulent texture, while the smoked paprika lends a smoky and aromatic quality. The butter adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. For a burst of flavor, Lawry’s seasoning salt brings a savory and umami element. Thyme and garlic infuse the shrimp with an earthy and fragrant essence. Finally, the scotch bonnet pepper sauce and scotch bonnet peppers provide the signature heat and spice that make this dish distinctly Jamaican.
Substitution Note:
If scotch bonnet peppers are not available, you can substitute them with habanero peppers for a similar level of heat and flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo shrimp | 1 pound |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Lawry’s seasoning salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1 tablespoon, fresh (or 1 teaspoon, dried) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Scotch bonnet pepper sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Scotch bonnet peppers | 2, finely chopped |
Cooking Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
To cook Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature.
- Grease a baking dish to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
- In a bowl, mix the shrimp with the seasonings, including the pepper seasoning and scotch bonnet base, ensuring that the shrimp is well coated.
- Let the shrimp marinate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Transfer the shrimp to the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Add a generous amount of melted butter over the shrimp.
- Place fresh thyme sprigs on top of the shrimp to enhance the aroma.
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven until they turn bright red in color and become tender. Make sure to stir the shrimp halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Now, you are ready to enjoy the tantalizing flavors of Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp!
Don’t forget to check out the visually appealing image of the baked shrimp in the baking dish:
Homemade Pepper Sauce for Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
For those who prefer to make their own pepper sauce for Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp, we have a simple recipe that will take your dish to the next level. This homemade pepper sauce adds an extra kick of flavor and spice to the already delicious jamaican pepper shrimp.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 2 scallions
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers
To make the pepper sauce, we need to blend together the following ingredients:
- Chop the onion and scallions into smaller pieces.
- In a blender, combine the chopped onion, scallions, sea salt, white vinegar, raw honey, organic cane sugar, and scotch bonnet peppers.
- Blend until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. Add more salt or sugar if needed.
The homemade pepper sauce is now ready to be used as a condiment for your Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp. Its fiery flavor and rich blend of ingredients, including the scotch bonnet peppers, will elevate the dish and satisfy your taste buds.
Pair your Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp with this homemade pepper sauce and enjoy the explosion of flavor that comes with every bite. The combination of the shrimp’s spiciness and the pepper sauce’s tangy sweetness creates a perfect harmony for your taste buds. Explore the tantalizing flavors of Jamaican cuisine with this vibrant and versatile dish.
Serving and Storing Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a main course. To enhance the flavors of this zesty seafood delight, consider serving it with a range of delicious sides:
- Rice: Whether it’s classic white rice or wholesome brown rice, the fluffy grains make for a perfect pairing with the spicy shrimp.
- Salad: Fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast to the heat of the dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the flavorful shrimp.
- Boiled Corn: Sweet and tender corn on the cob adds a burst of natural sweetness that complements the spiciness of the shrimp.
- Noodles: Choose from options like rice noodles or soba noodles, tossing them with a light sauce to create a satisfying Asian-inspired twist.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw with its crunch and tanginess adds a refreshing element to balance the heat of the shrimp.
No matter what sides you choose, the combination of flavors will surely delight your taste buds.
As with any delicious meal, there may be leftovers of this flavorful dish. To ensure freshness, store any remaining Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste. When ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp gently in a pan or microwave until heated through.
Enjoy the perfect balance of spice, flavor, and variety with Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp and its mouthwatering serving suggestions!
Rice and Cauliflower Rice as Side Options
Rice is a popular side dish to serve with Jamaican Pepper Shrimp. While white rice is commonly used, it is worth noting that brown rice is a healthier alternative. Brown rice is a whole grain that is rich in vitamins and fiber. When cooking brown rice, it is important to rinse it thoroughly and adjust the cook time accordingly. For those looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice can be used as a substitute. The process of making cauliflower rice involves breaking up cauliflower florets and pulsing them in a food processor until they resemble rice-like consistency.
Cooking Instructions for Brown Rice:
- Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rinsed brown rice to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Cooking Instructions for Cauliflower Rice:
- Break a medium-sized cauliflower head into florets.
- In batches, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-like consistency.
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Conclusion
Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp is an irresistible and flavorful seafood recipe that truly captures the essence of traditional Jamaican cuisine. This mouthwatering dish is a spicy shrimp lover’s dream, combining the heat of scotch bonnet peppers with the vibrant tropical flavors of the Caribbean.
With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of bold and zesty flavors that transport you to the sunny shores of Jamaica. The combination of the jamaican jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, and other aromatic spices create a tantalizing blend that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp.
Whether you choose to serve this spicy shrimp dish with fragrant rice, a fresh salad, or enjoy it on its own, it is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, add a taste of the Caribbean to your menu and savor the deliciousness of Spicy Jamaican Pepper Shrimp!