Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your kitchen into a sizzling Mexican fiesta! Camarones a la Diabla, or "Devil's Shrimp," is not just a recipe—it's a bold flavor explosion that promises to tantalize your palate with its perfect balance of heat, zest, and mouthwatering complexity. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or looking to impress dinner guests with an authentic Mexican dish, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico with every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by ensuring they are completely peeled and deveined. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve better caramelization during cooking.
- In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, tomato sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Blend until you create a smooth, vibrant red sauce with a rich, spicy consistency.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, creating the perfect environment for searing the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and start to curl slightly.
- Pour the prepared chipotle sauce over the shrimp, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the spicy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. The sauce should have a bold, spicy flavor that complements the sweet shrimp.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the fiery and flavorful Camarones a la Diabla!
Tips
- Shrimp Selection Matters: Always choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and ensure they are thoroughly dried before cooking to achieve that perfect sear.
- Sauce Preparation is Key: Blend your chipotle sauce ingredients until smooth for a consistent, rich flavor profile.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly—1-2 minutes per side is typically perfect to prevent rubbery texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by varying the amount of chipotle peppers in your sauce.
- Fresh Garnish Makes a Difference: Use freshly chopped cilantro to add brightness and cut through the spicy sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 200mg
