Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe - Authentic Seafood Dish

Authentic Jamaican Seafood recipe — Jamaican Pepper Shrimp. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe - Authentic Seafood Dish

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon allspice (ground)
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers (sliced)
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

8 steps

  1. Prepare the Shrimp

    Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry.

    Make sure to remove the shells and devein the shrimp.
  2. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

    Ensure the oil is hot before adding the shrimp.
  3. Sauté the Shrimp

    Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.

    Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Add Spices

    Stir in the allspice, black pepper, and salt, mixing well.

    Adjust spices according to taste preference.
  5. Incorporate Garlic and Herbs

    Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute.

    Do not let the garlic burn to avoid bitterness.
  6. Add Peppers and Lime Juice

    Stir in the sliced scotch bonnet peppers and lime juice.

    Be careful with the scotch bonnet as it is very spicy.
  7. Simmer with Water

    Pour in the water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

    This will help to develop the flavors.
  8. Serve

    Remove from heat and serve hot with rice or bread.

    Garnish with extra lime if desired.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Adjust the number of scotch bonnet peppers based on your spice tolerance. Serve with a side of rice or fried plantains for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe - Authentic Seafood Dish is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories250kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates5gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein25gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategorySeafood