Sautéed Caribbean Shrimp with Garlic and Scotch Bonnet Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant shrimp dish featuring the bold flavors of garlic and spicy Scotch bonnet peppers, sautéed to a fragrant finish perfect for a quick Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, spreading them evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a slight sear, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Caribbean Shrimp with Garlic and Scotch Bonnet Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Sautéed Caribbean Shrimp with Garlic and Scotch Bonnet Peppers?

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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Caribbean Shrimp with Garlic and Scotch Bonnet Peppers?

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 Sautéed Caribbean Shrimp with Garlic and Scotch Bonnet Peppers 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.

Is Sautéed Caribbean Shrimp with Garlic and Scotch Bonnet Peppers gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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