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–+ servings
An overhead view of a white plate filled with pepper shrimp and bowl of chopped scallions on the side to garnish.

Trinidad pepper shrimp

Make this easy Trini pepper shrimp at home! Spicy, saucy, and perfectly seasoned with bold Caribbean flavors. A must-try seafood dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 175
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pound raw shrimp with the shell on
  • 3 leaves of chadon beni
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 bell peppers 2 different colors, chunked
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 1 stalk celery sliced
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 1 large carrot cut into diagonal slices
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper sliced up
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pimento peppers chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium lime
  • Cornstarch optional

Method
 

  1. Clean and season shrimp: Devein shrimp (keeping shells on). Season with ginger, garlic, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and pimento. Set aside to marinate for 1 hour.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add scotch bonnet and sauté for 2 minutes. Add bell peppers, carrots, onion, and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just softened.
  3. Build the sauce: Add ¼ cup water, ketchup (reserve some), and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Add shrimp: Stir in shrimp and remaining ketchup and water. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked.
  5. Taste and finish: Adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or chadon beni. Serve hot with white rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcal

Notes

  • Jumbo shrimp work best for this dish.
  • Add a spoonful of green seasoning to the marinade for extra flavor.
  • To thicken the sauce: mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in.
  • Too spicy? Add more ketchup and water.
  • For more heat, include pepper seeds or a splash of pepper sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce is a great alternative to soy.
  • Pineapple chunks add a nice sweet balance if you'd like a twist.

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