Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Jamaican Spicy Pepper Shrimp. Bursting with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers and smoky paprika, this dish brings a perfect balance of heat and rich buttery goodness that will excite your taste buds.
Whether served as a zesty appetizer or a quick seafood snack, these tender jumbo shrimp bathed in a spicy pepper sauce promise a bold, unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for spice lovers seeking a touch of island flair.
- Bright, spicy heat from Scotch bonnet peppers delivers authentic Jamaican flavor.
- Butter and garlic enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness and add a rich mouthfeel.
- Easy to prepare with a quick marinade and simple baking process.
Ingredients
- Wild-caught jumbo or colossal shrimp (2 lbs.): Fresh and deveined shrimp provide a tender, juicy seafood base packed with protein and flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds creamy richness and helps blend the spicy ingredients into a luscious sauce.
- Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce (1 cup): Offers an authentic, fiery pepper flavor; add more to intensify the heat.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic lends a pungent depth and aromatic warmth to the dish.
- Smoked paprika (2 tablespoons): Imparts a smoky, slightly sweet undertone, balancing the spicy heat perfectly.
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend (2 teaspoons): A flavorful seasoning mix of herbs and spices complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Sea salt (pinch): Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients, bringing the dish together.
- Scotch bonnet peppers (4, chopped + slit whole): Adds an intense tropical heat; can substitute habaneros if preferred.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Set your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with butter. This step ensures your shrimp won’t stick and that they cook evenly with flavorful butter coating the dish.
- Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine fresh shrimp with Scotch bonnet pepper sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, the all-purpose blend, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to coat every piece. Adding chopped scotch bonnet peppers intensifies flavor and heat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes or overnight to deepen the taste.
- Arrange Shrimp and Butter in Baking Dish
Evenly spread the marinated shrimp and peppers in your prepared dish. Add cubed butter atop and tuck some pieces between the shrimp. The butter will melt during baking, infusing the shrimp with richness and moisture.
- Bake Shrimp Until Tender and Bright
Bake for 20–25 minutes until shrimp turn bright pink and tender. Stir halfway to redistribute juices and butter evenly, ensuring a juicy, well-flavored finish.
- Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove shrimp from oven and allow to cool just a bit before serving. This lets flavors settle and allows you to enjoy this spicy delicacy safely.
- Marinating shrimp overnight in the refrigerator greatly enhances flavor depth and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper sauce depending on your tolerance for heat.
- Always handle Scotch bonnet peppers carefully, using gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy shrimp pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, fluffy rice, fresh salad, boiled corn on the cob, creamy mashed potatoes, warm naan, or simply grilled vegetables for a complete flavorful meal.
- Use fresh wild-caught shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp can be used but thaw completely first.
- Try substituting vegan butter for a dairy-free version without sacrificing richness.
- Experiment with the all-purpose blend by making your own with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and parsley for an authentic touch.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained before marinating to avoid excess water diluting the flavors.
- How spicy is this dish?
It is moderately to highly spicy due to the Scotch bonnet peppers. Adjust the amount of pepper sauce and peppers based on your heat preference.
- Can I substitute other seafood?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with lobster, salmon, or even plant-based options like tofu or jackfruit for variety.
- What is the On Everything All-Purpose Blend?
It is a custom blend of herbs and spices including sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and parsley providing authentic Jamaican flavor.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, marinating the shrimp overnight enhances the flavor and makes it more tender. Just bring to room temperature before cooking.
Jamaican Spicy Pepper Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 standard baking dish lightly greased with butter
- 1 mixing bowl for marinating shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 lbs wild-caught jumbo or colossal shrimp deveined
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into small to medium chunks
- 1 cup Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce store-bought or homemade
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend see notes for blend
- Pinch of sea salt
- 4 scotch bonnet peppers chopped plus whole and slit for baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, scotch bonnet pepper sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, all-purpose blend, and sea salt. Mix to coat well.
- Add chopped scotch bonnet peppers to the shrimp mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer shrimp and peppers into the baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with cubed butter, tucking pieces between shrimp.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until shrimp are bright and tender and butter is melted, stirring halfway through to keep shrimp moist.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with sides like garlic bread, rice, or salad.
Notes
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- Try using lobster, salmon, tofu, or jackfruit for variation.
- Homemade All-Purpose Blend: 1 tsp each sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, parsley.
- Substitute butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
