Caribbean Shrimp
A vibrant Caribbean shrimp dish with bold flavors from tomatoes, allspice, and peppers, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a spicy, tropical-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the minced onion with two tablespoons of water; set aside to soften for about 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter until hot.
- Add the green bell pepper and softened onion; cook, stirring, until almost crisp and tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, sugar, allspice, salt, and ground red pepper; break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Add the shrimp; cook and stir until they turn pink, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the lime or lemon juice.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have green bell pepper, feel free to substitute with red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste. Instant minced onion can be swapped with fresh onions, but adjust the quantity to taste. You can also add a touch of coconut milk for creaminess, reminiscent of other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Caribbean Shrimp dish is delicious served over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or alongside Creole Cakes for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp mixture on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp again. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caribbean Shrimp contains roughly 1371 calories, with 9g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1497mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture. If you add them directly from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly until they are fully cooked and pink.
What can I substitute for the bay leaf?
If you don't have bay leaves, you can use a pinch of dried thyme or oregano for a similar aromatic flavor. Just remember to adjust the quantity since these herbs are more potent, and add them earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to develop.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! To make it spicier, simply increase the amount of ground red pepper or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the mix. You can also serve it with a hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their heat level to their liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).