Authentic Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe | Spicy Seafood Delight

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

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe | Spicy Seafood Delight

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 lb shrimp, deveined and shelled (Preferably large shrimp)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (Use gloves while handling)
  • 1 tbsp thyme, fresh (Or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 tbsp allspice (Pimento powder)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp salt (To taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (To taste)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Marinate the Shrimp

    In a bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, allspice, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

    For best flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat Oil

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.

    Make sure the oil is hot to achieve a good sear on the shrimp.
  3. Cook the Shrimp

    Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

    Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Add Remaining Marinade

    Once the shrimp is cooked, pour in the remaining marinade and stir well to combine. Let it cook for an additional minute.

    This will enhance the flavor and create a sauce.
  5. Serve

    Remove from heat and serve the Jamaican pepper shrimp hot, garnished with lime wedges.

    Pair it with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper based on your heat preference. Serve with cold beverages to balance the spice.

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

Authentic Jamaican Pepper Shrimp Recipe | Spicy Seafood Delight 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, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories250kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates4gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein30gg

* 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