How to Make Delicious Jamaican Curry Shrimp at Home

Curry shrimp is a popular Jamaican dish that combines the bright, spicy flavors of curry powder with the sweet brininess of shrimp While you can find curry shrimp at Jamaican restaurants, it’s also easy and fun to make at home With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate the irresistible taste of Jamaican curry shrimp.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making curry shrimp Jamaican style from gathering ingredients to cooking techniques. I’ll also share tips to get the best flavor and texture as well as some variations you can try. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this iconic island dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Curry shrimp has a short ingredient list but each component contributes important flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need

• Shrimp – Use raw, peeled and deveined shrimp. Medium or large shrimp work best, as they hold up well when simmered in the sauce.

• Coconut oil – This adds a subtle coconut flavor that complements the curry. Alternatively, you can use vegetable or canola oil.

• Curry powder – Use a store-bought Jamaican-style curry powder or make your own blend. The key spices are turmeric, coriander, ginger, garlic, allspice, and cayenne pepper.

• Onion – A yellow or white onion, diced. This provides an aromatic base.

• Garlic – Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.

• Scotch bonnet peppers – Also called Jamaican hot peppers, these give the dish its signature heat. Habaneros or serranos can be subbed.

• Bell pepper – For sweetness and texture, use red, yellow or orange bell peppers, chopped.

• Vegetable broth – This builds the sauce base. Chicken or shrimp broth also work nicely.

• Coconut milk – Adds richness and a creamy texture.

• Green onions – Chopped green onions stir in brightness at the end.

• Salt, pepper, thyme, allspice – Season to taste with these spices.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

With your ingredients prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps:

1. Heat the Oil and Toast the Curry Powder

• Add 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil to a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add 2-3 Tbsp of curry powder.

• Cook the curry powder for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This blooms the flavor of the spices.

2. Saute the Aromatic Vegetables

• Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.

• Add the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers and bell peppers. Saute for 2-3 more minutes.

3. Deglaze with Broth

• Pour in 1 cup of vegetable or seafood broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

• Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.

4. Simmer the Shrimp

• Add 1 lb of peeled, deveined shrimp and stir to evenly coat in the sauce.

• Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through, until they turn opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook.

• Stir in 2 Tbsp lime juice and several chopped green onions. Season with salt, pepper, thyme and allspice.

5. Finish with Coconut Milk

• Add 1 cup coconut milk and stir gently to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more.

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more broth if the sauce seems too thick.

• When the shrimp are cooked through, remove from heat. The curry shrimp is ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

Curry shrimp tastes fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with side dishes like:

• Coconut rice – The light coconut flavor complements the shrimp.

• Fried plantains – A staple island side, sweet plantains offset the heat.

• Steamed callaloo or spinach – Bright, leafy greens balance the richness.

• Festival or fried dumplings – These starchy sides soak up the sauce.

For a complete Jamaican meal, serve curry shrimp with rice and peas, plantains, and a cabbage slaw or salad. Pour the sauce over everything to let the vibrant flavors mingle. Customize your plates with sliced avocados, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce like Scotch bonnet or Jamaican jerk seasoning.

Tips for Perfectly Flavorful Curry Shrimp

Follow these tips for the best tasting curry shrimp:

• Use fresh spices. Whole spices that you freshly grind will have superior flavor to pre-ground powder.

• Cook the curry powder briefly to intensify the flavor before adding other ingredients. This “blooming” step makes a difference.

• Cut vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly. Keep the pieces around the same small dice.

• Simmer the broth for a few minutes to meld the ingredients before adding shrimp. This builds a flavorful sauce base.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! Cook just until opaque, 5-7 minutes max. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery.

• Finish with lime juice and herbs. Bright citrus and fresh herbs like cilantro or green onion give a final punch of flavor.

Variations to Try

Once you master the classic recipe, get creative with these variations:

• Use seafood mix instead of just shrimp – Add cubes of fish, scallops, mussels or lobster.

• Make it extra fiery – For more heat, keep the seeds in the Scotch bonnets or add a diced habanero.

• Add veggies – Stir in diced carrots, zucchini or pumpkin for color and nutrition.

• Use jerk seasoning – For an extra kick, add 1 tsp Jamaican jerk seasoning or rub.

• Coconut curry – Use full-fat coconut milk and shredded coconut for a more intense coconut flavor.

• Curry crab – Substitute lump crab meat for a luxurious shellfish twist.

• Vegan curry – Swap the shrimp for chickpeas, tofu or jackfruit. Use vegan broth and coconut milk.

Full Jamaican Curry Shrimp Recipe

Here is the full recipe with measurements for easy reference:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2-3 Tbsp Jamaican curry powder
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup vegetable or seafood broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt, black pepper, thyme, and allspice to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add curry powder and cook 1-2 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, Scotch bonnets, and bell pepper. Saute 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and simmer 2-3 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and simmer 5-7 minutes until opaque.
5. Stir in coconut milk, lime juice and green onions. Season with salt, pepper, thyme and allspice.
6. Cook 2-3 minutes more until heated through.
7. Serve over rice with desired sides and garnishes. Enjoy!