Homemade cheesecake factory Jamaican black pepper shrimp has several benefits. It lets you personalize the ingredients and taste. Black pepper can be used to adjust the spiciness. Making Jamaican black pepper shrimp from scratch is fun and rewarding.
Cooking at home is often cheaper than eating out. Finally, Jamaican black pepper shrimp is a terrific alternative for a home-cooked supper or dinner party because you can share it with friends and family.
This Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp is a crowd favorite whenever I make it for parties. Even people who don’t usually like spicy food end up going back for seconds! I love serving it as an appetizer or main course along with some rice, beans and fried plantains. Let me know if you give this recipe a try – I know it will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Easy Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Congratulations, shrimp lovers who enjoy The Cheesecake Factory’s Jamaican black pepper shrimp! You can make this spicily delicious meal right at home with the help of this recipe. More importantly, when you cook something from scratch, you get to decide how hot you want it to be. Now then, let’s get this party started!
Cheesecake Factory Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp Ingredients
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of Jamaican black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of white rice
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of butter
How To Make Cheesecake Factory Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp From Scratch?
Add the salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to the shrimp. Olive oil should be heated over medium heat in a big skillet. Add the shrimp to the hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp become pink and are thoroughly cooked. Take the shrimp out of the frying pan.
After that, throw in some onions, peppers, and minced garlic and sauté them for about 7 minutes, or until they soften. White rice can be cooked in the same manner as directed on the package while the vegetables are cooking.
To do this, you would typically bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot, then add 1 cup of white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is soft.
After the vegetables have finished cooking and the rice has finished cooking, the dish can be put together. Spread the cooked white rice in a single layer on a large serving plate.
Place the cooked veggies and the shrimp marinated in Jamaican black pepper on top of the rice. In order to finish off the meal, a pat of butter should be placed on top.
What sides or appetizers go well with Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp?
Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides and appetizers. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Coconut Rice: The sweet and creamy flavors of coconut rice complement the spiciness of the shrimp.
- Jamaican Rice and Peas: This traditional Jamaican side dish, made with kidney beans and aromatic spices, adds a delightful Caribbean touch to the meal.
- Plantains: Fried or roasted plantains provide a delicious contrast to the spicy shrimp.
- Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with a citrus-based dressing can help balance the heat of the dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, can add a vibrant and healthy element to the meal.
What drinks pair nicely? How is this dish traditionally served in Jamaica? Is there any special preparation or plating?
In Jamaica, Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp is often served as a main course alongside traditional Jamaican beverages. Here are some drink Ideas that pair nicely:
- Jamaican Ginger Beer: This spicy and sweet carbonated beverage complements the flavors of the shrimp.
- Jamaican Rum Punch: A fruity and rum-based punch is a popular choice and adds a tropical flair to the meal.
- Fruit Juices: Freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices, such as mango, pineapple, or passion fruit, can provide a refreshing accompaniment.
Traditionally, Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp is cooked with bold flavors and spices, featuring a prominent peppery kick. It is often served on a platter or a bed of rice, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Additionally, you may find sliced lime wedges served alongside the dish to add a burst of citrus flavor.
What is the best cooking method for Jamaican shrimp? Grilled, sautéed, baked?
The best cooking method for Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp largely depends on personal preference and the equipment you have available. Here are a few common cooking methods that work well:
- Sautéed: Sautéing the shrimp in a hot skillet with some oil allows for quick and even cooking. This method works particularly well if you want to achieve a slightly crispy texture on the shrimp.
- Grilled: Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor and charred notes to the dish. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
- Baked: Baking the shrimp is a convenient and hands-off method. Toss the shrimp in the marinade, place them on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven until cooked through.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, it’s essential to avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Aim for a tender and juicy texture.
Is Cheesecake Factory Jamaican black pepper shrimp gluten-free?
Without knowing the restaurant’s ingredients and preparation techniques, Cheesecake Factory’s Jamaican black pepper shrimp may not be gluten-free. Cheesecake Factory features many gluten-free options, but you must notify the restaurant of your dietary restrictions while ordering.
Jamaican black pepper shrimp can be made gluten-free. Jamaican black pepper shrimp dishes without wheat are gluten-free. To make sure the substances are diet-friendly, read labels and ingredient lists.
The Cheesecake Factory’s Jamaican black pepper shrimp may contain gluten, so you may want to ask about their ingredients and preparation techniques. To guarantee your dish suits your dietary preferences, discuss them with the restaurant’s personnel.
What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?
What kind of shrimp works best? Medium to large shrimp (26-30 counts per pound) work well, as they hold up best to bold flavors and cooking methods. Peeled and deveined shrimp are the easiest for this recipe. Should shrimp be cooked with shells on or peeled? Peeled and deveined shrimp work best for even cooking. Leaving shells on can lead to uneven cooking.
Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 pound of large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of Jamaican black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small white onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 cup of white rice
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of butter
Instructions
- First, season the shrimp with the Jamaican black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Next, add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the white rice according to package instructions.
- Typically, this involves bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan, adding 1 cup of white rice, and simmering the rice for 18-20 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked and the rice is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid when making Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp?
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, losing their desirable texture.
- Not properly seasoning the shrimp: Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp relies on bold flavors. Be sure to adequately season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and any additional spices or herbs mentioned in your chosen recipe.
- Using too much pepper: While the dish is called Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp, it’s important to find a balance with the pepper. Using too much pepper can overpower the other flavors and make the dish overly spicy.
- Neglecting the marinade: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for an adequate amount of time is crucial for the flavors to develop. Avoid rushing the process and give the shrimp enough time to absorb the marinade’s flavors.
Where are some good restaurants to try Jamaican-styled Black Pepper Shrimp?
Here are some suggestions for restaurants that may have Jamaican-style black pepper shrimp on the menu:
- Island Spice – This Caribbean restaurant is known for its spicy jerk dishes and likely offers a version of black pepper shrimp. Give them a call to check.
- Negril Village – This Jamaican restaurant has curried shrimp and other spicy seafood dishes. Again, worth a call to ask if they make black pepper shrimp.
- The Jerk Shack – As the name implies, this spot specializes in jerk seasonings. See if they can make their jerk shrimp extra spicy and black peppery.
- Treasure Island Foods – This takeout spot has a wide variety of Caribbean dishes. They may be able to make black pepper shrimp to order.
- Cheesecake Factory – This chain restaurant has a very large menu with dishes influenced by different cuisines. Call ahead to ask if they can prepare Jamaican-style black pepper shrimp.
I’d recommend calling ahead to any of these spots to see if they either have black pepper shrimp already on the menu, or are willing to customize an order of shrimp for you with extra black pepper seasoning. A Jamaican or Caribbean restaurant is your best bet for an authentic version.
You can make one of The Cheesecake Factory’s most popular meals, Jamaican black pepper shrimp, in a flash with this easy-to-follow recipe. It’s a delicious dish that will please everyone at the table.
As the level of spiciness may be adjusted to suit individual tastes, it’s also a dish that can be appreciated by those with varying tolerances for heat. Try out this dish and feel like you’ve been whisked away to the islands with each bite.
