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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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.

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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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