Jamaican · Starter · Easy
Jamaican Pepper Shrimp
- Total
- 30 min
- Prep
- 20 min
- Serves
- 4
- Calories
- 110
Shell-on shrimp simmer in a fiery Scotch bonnet broth with thyme, allspice and a sharp vinegar finish. Annatto gives the shells their deep orange glow.
The shells carry the seasoning in Jamaican Pepper Shrimp, so peeling them at the table is part of the pleasure. A small amount of stock concentrates around the seafood rather than turning it into a soup.
Choose large shrimp with their shells intact and devein them through a slit along the back. Annatto colors the sauce, so judge doneness by the opaque flesh beneath the shell rather than the red surface alone.
Method
Toss the shrimp with the Scotch bonnet pepper, annatto, allspice and salt. Refrigerate for while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Bring the shrimp stock to a simmer in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and simmer for until softened.
Add the shrimp and thyme. Cover and simmer for , turning once, until the flesh under the shells is opaque and reaches 145°F.
Stir in the white vinegar and remove from the heat. Discard the thyme stems and serve the shrimp with a little of the cooking liquid.
Forkue tips
- For gentler heat, remove the pepper seeds and pale inner ribs before mincing.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate in the cooking liquid for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or warm very gently in the broth; prolonged boiling makes the shrimp rubbery.
Kitchen gear
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Jamaican Pepper Shrimp: FAQ
Can I use peeled shrimp?
Yes, though they pick up heat more directly and cook faster. Start checking early and remove them as soon as the centers are opaque.
What can replace annatto?
Sweet paprika adds a different flavor but gives a warm red color. The shrimp will still work without annatto; the shade will simply be less vivid.
How do I store and reheat Jamaican Pepper Shrimp?
Refrigerate in the cooking liquid for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or warm very gently in the broth; prolonged boiling makes the shrimp rubbery.
How long does Jamaican Pepper Shrimp take?
About 30 min in total: 20 min prep and 10 min cooking.
What do I need to make Jamaican Pepper Shrimp?
The key ingredients are shrimp, scotch bonnet pepper, ground annatto, ground allspice, shrimp stock and onion, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Jamaican Pepper Shrimp?
For gentler heat, remove the pepper seeds and pale inner ribs before mincing.
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