Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Jamaica? Look no further! This easy curry shrimp recipe is bursting with authentic Jamaican spices and is ready in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, a delicious dish for a weeknight meal, or an impressive addition to your next get-together. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (Jamaican curry powder is preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful handling the scotch bonnet pepper – its oils can irritate skin.
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Bloom the Spices: Add the ground ginger, allspice, curry powder, turmeric, and cinnamon to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their aromas. This process, known as blooming, enhances the flavor of the spices.
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Add Tomatoes and Coconut Milk: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Cook the Shrimp: Gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Curry Shrimp:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder curry, omit it entirely or use a milder chili pepper.
- Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, add a sprig of fresh thyme or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary along with the other spices.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates a richer, creamier sauce. Light coconut milk can be used for a lighter version.
- Shrimp Size: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp. Smaller shrimp will cook faster.
Variations:
- Vegetable Curry: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the curry for a heartier meal.
- Chicken Curry: Substitute the shrimp with chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Jamaican curry shrimp is a simple, healthy meal that's full of flavor. It’s a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. Enjoy this taste of the Caribbean in the comfort of your own home!