Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shrimp Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir-fry combining succulent shrimp with the fiery heat of Scotch bonnet peppers and fragrant Caribbean spices, tossed with crunchy vegetables for a vibrant meal. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 finely chopped seeded Scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium julienned red bell pepper, 1 medium julienned green bell pepper, and 1 thinly sliced yellow onion. Stir-fry the vegetables with the shrimp for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the stir-fry before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shrimp Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shrimp Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shrimp Stir-Fry?

Caribbean caribbean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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