Jamaican Curry Shrimp Recipe
Enjoy this delicious and easy Jamaican Curry Shrimp recipe!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound shrimp (large or medium-sized, peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced, adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ medium green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- ½ medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (thinly sliced or julienned)
- 1 scallion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 medium carrot: (thinly sliced or julienned) (optional)
- ½ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat them dry, and season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of curry powder. Set aside.
Prep the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, scallions, and bell pepper.
Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
"Burn" the Curry:
- Add 1 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder to the hot oil and stir constantly for about 1 minute. You'll know when the curry is ready when it becomes fragrant and turns a deep golden-brown color.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the carrot (optional), bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, or until the vegetables soften slightly. Add the thyme sprigs and Scotch bonnet pepper (whole or chopped, based on your spice preference) and cook for another minute.
Build the Sauce:
- Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Then add the ketchup (optional). Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, black pepper, or Scotch bonnet pepper for extra spice. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve:
- Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper and serve your delicious Jamaican Curry Shrimp!
NOTES
What does "burn the curry" means?
In the context of the Jamaican curry shrimp recipe, "burn the curry" refers to briefly cooking the curry powder in oil before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor and deepening the taste of the curry. The term "burn" doesn't mean literally burning the curry; instead, it involves cooking the curry powder until it achieves a golden brown color. This careful process prevents bitterness and ensures a rich, flavorful base for the dish.