Shrimp Caribbean : The vibrant mix of spices, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors found in Caribbean cuisine makes shrimp the perfect protein to take on this flavor-packed journey.
Why Shrimp Is a Staple in Caribbean Cuisine
Caribbean cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, influenced by African, Indigenous, European, and Asian cooking traditions. Being surrounded by the sea, seafood—especially shrimp—is a natural go-to for many dishes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Caribbean
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can turn rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
Balance your flavors: Caribbean cuisine is all about the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. If your dish feels too spicy, a touch of sugar, mango, or pineapple can help. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, a squeeze of lime juice can add the needed acidity.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro, thyme, and parsley can take your dish to the next level. If using dried herbs, remember to reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How to Serve Shrimp Caribbean
Caribbean shrimp dishes are versatile, making them perfect for a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to serve them:
On a taco: Caribbean shrimp makes a fantastic filling for soft tacos! Top with pickled onions and a drizzle of lime crema.
Over rice: Classic white rice or coconut rice are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
With plantains: Fried sweet plantains add a wonderful caramelized contrast to the spicy and savory shrimp.
Alongside vegetables: A fresh salad of tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, and avocado is a refreshing side that complements the dish.
Variations of Shrimp Caribbean Recipes
There are endless ways to customize a Caribbean shrimp recipe depending on your preferences and ingredients. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Curry Shrimp Caribbean: Swap the allspice for curry powder, and add turmeric for a golden twist. You can also add diced tomatoes and more coconut milk for a richer sauce.
- Grilled Jerk Shrimp: Marinate the shrimp in a jerk seasoning blend of allspice, cinnamon, Scotch Bonnet, and brown sugar, then grill for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Garlic Butter Caribbean Shrimp: For a richer dish, add a few tablespoons of butter to the pan along with the garlic, and skip the coconut milk for a velvety garlic sauce.
- Pineapple Shrimp Skewers: Thread shrimp onto skewers with chunks of pineapple, bell peppers, and onion, then grill. Baste with a mixture of honey, lime juice, and jerk seasoning for a sweet and spicy finish.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Caribbean
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Fridge: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked shrimp dishes for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of coconut milk or water to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can defrost them by running them under cold water for a few minutes or leaving them in the fridge overnight.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat largely comes from the Scotch Bonnet pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use half a pepper or substitute with a less spicy chili like jalapeño. Alternatively, leave out the pepper altogether for a mild version.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Caribbean shrimp recipes typically use coconut milk, which is naturally dairy-free. Just be sure your coconut milk is unsweetened for the best flavor.
Shrimp Caribbean
Shrimp Caribbean : The vibrant mix of spices, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors found in Caribbean cuisine makes shrimp the perfect protein to take on this flavor-packed journey.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen shrimp, thawed & tails removed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup guava jelly
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Rice, black beans & sliced avocado, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together guava jelly, ketchup, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until it thickens—about 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp back into the pan, toss to coat, and let everything simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve over rice, black beans, and avocado for a full Caribbean-inspired meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 627Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 494mgSodium 2851mgCarbohydrates 58gFiber 10gSugar 19gProtein 60g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cooking shrimp Caribbean-style is like taking a mini vacation to the tropics—right from your kitchen! It’s a simple dish to prepare yet delivers complex layers of flavor that feel indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want to jazz up a weeknight meal, this recipe will bring the islands to your plate.
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