•

•January 7, 2026

Classic Street-Style Jamaican Pepper Shrimp

Total Time

25 min

Servings

4 people

Level

easy

Rating

(1)

Classic Street-Style Jamaican Pepper Shrimp

This recipe captures the fiery and tangy essence of the famous Middle Quarters street food found in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Succulent shrimp are simmered in a vibrant red sauce made from Scotch bonnet peppers, vinegar, and aromatics for an addictive spicy kick that is perfect for snacking.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, shell-on and deveined

3 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely minced (seeds included for extra heat)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp paprika (mainly for the signature red color)

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp crushed pimento berries (allspice)

Instructions

1

Rinse the shrimp thoroughly in cold water and pat dry, keeping the shells on to protect the meat and hold the sauce.
2

In a small bowl, mix the paprika, onion powder, and salt together, then toss with the shrimp to coat evenly.
3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4

Add the minced garlic and Scotch bonnet peppers to the hot oil, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to inhale the fumes).
5

Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and toss quickly to coat in the spicy oil.
6

Pour in the white vinegar and add the crushed pimento berries.
7

Reduce the heat to medium and let the shrimp simmer in the liquid for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid reduces slightly and the shrimp turn bright orange.
8

Remove from heat and let the shrimp sit in the pot for another 2 minutes to absorb the spicy juices.
9

Serve warm, encouraging guests to peel the shrimp with their hands to get the full flavor experience.

Recipe Details

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time10 min

Total Time25 min

Difficulty

easy

Seafood

Sheet Pan Chermoula Barramundi with Roasted Chickpeas

35m

easy

Seafood

Crispy Skin Barramundi with Moroccan Chickpea Ragout

40m

medium

Seafood

Crispy Skin Barramundi with Warm Chickpea and Apricot Salad

30m

easy

Seafood

Honey Garlic Butter Prawn Stir-fry with Asparagus

25m

easy

Seafood

Honey-Glazed Mala Salmon

25m

easy

Seafood

One-Pan Honey Teriyaki Salmon with Roasted Broccoli

25m

easy

•

Seafood

•January 7, 2026

Classic Street-Style Jamaican Pepper Shrimp

Total Time

25 min

Servings

4 people

Level

easy

Rating

(1)

Classic Street-Style Jamaican Pepper Shrimp

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, shell-on and deveined

3 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely minced (seeds included for extra heat)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp paprika (mainly for the signature red color)

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp crushed pimento berries (allspice)

Instructions

1

Rinse the shrimp thoroughly in cold water and pat dry, keeping the shells on to protect the meat and hold the sauce.
2

In a small bowl, mix the paprika, onion powder, and salt together, then toss with the shrimp to coat evenly.
3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4

Add the minced garlic and Scotch bonnet peppers to the hot oil, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to inhale the fumes).
5

Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and toss quickly to coat in the spicy oil.
6

Pour in the white vinegar and add the crushed pimento berries.
7

Reduce the heat to medium and let the shrimp simmer in the liquid for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid reduces slightly and the shrimp turn bright orange.
8

Remove from heat and let the shrimp sit in the pot for another 2 minutes to absorb the spicy juices.
9

Serve warm, encouraging guests to peel the shrimp with their hands to get the full flavor experience.