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Instructions:
Preparation:
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure that your shrimp are properly peeled and deveined. Finely chop your onion and mince your garlic cloves. Measure out all your spices and other ingredients so that they’re ready to use.
Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the ground black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and garlic.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are combined.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Combining Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Make sure each shrimp is coated in the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and give them a final stir.
Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pepper shrimp with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.
Serve the pepper shrimp hot, accompanied by rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the bold flavors and spicy kick of this delicious dish!
Tips and Variations:
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped hot pepper, such as Scotch bonnet or habanero.
Serving Suggestions: Pepper shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed rice, coconut rice, or even over a bed of pasta. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a side salad.
Adding Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, you can add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the skillet when you add the shrimp back in. This will turn your pepper shrimp into a complete one-pan meal.
Using Different Proteins: While this recipe is for shrimp, you can easily substitute other proteins. Try it with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This pepper shrimp recipe is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a main course, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!