Shrimp! Just the sound of it makes my taste buds do a happy dance. Latin American shrimp dishes are like a spicy fiesta on a plate—bursting with flavors that remind me of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant street markets. Whether it’s ceviche that takes me back to that little cafe in Lima or a sizzling garlic shrimp that brings a tear to my eye (from the onions, not the nostalgia), these recipes are a delicious passport to culinary paradise.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, defrost them by either refrigerating overnight or rinsing under cold water. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic. Place the shrimp in a large bowl, add the spice blend, and toss until the shrimp are well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt two tablespoons of Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt. Once the pan is hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove from the pan.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of the butter mixture. Sauté chopped onions until they start to caramelize, about two minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and serrano peppers to the onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a ranchero sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together until the shrimp are reheated.
- Remove from heat and serve the dish warm with your choice of crusty bread, rice, or tortillas for tacos.
Ingredients
- Fresh large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt
- Onion, chopped
- Tomato
- Serrano chile
- Fresh lime juice
- Cilantro
FAQ
- What is Camarones a la Mexicana?
- Camarones a la Mexicana, or Mexican-style shrimp, is a dish that features jumbo shrimp sautéed with garlic and spices, then coated in a ranchero sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños or serrano chiles. The colors of the ingredients reflect those of the Mexican flag.
- How can I serve Camarones a la Mexicana?
- This dish is quite adaptable. You can enjoy it over cilantro lime rice, spaghetti verde, or with refried beans. It also makes an excellent filling for shrimp tacos or can be paired with angel hair pasta, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
- Can I prepare Ranchero Shrimp in advance?
- Although this shrimp dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it’s not recommended to freeze the leftovers as the shrimp may become rubbery.
- How should I defrost shrimp for this recipe?
- If using frozen shrimp, you can defrost them overnight in the refrigerator. For a quicker method, place the shrimp in a strainer and rinse them under cold water, which should take about 15 minutes.
- What’s a tip for cooking shrimp perfectly?
- Shrimp cook rapidly and should be removed from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking them, which can cause them to curl tightly and become tough.
Tips
- Choose the Right Shrimp: For the best results, opt for fresh large or extra-large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider purchasing pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp, which can be quickly defrosted by rinsing in cold water for about 15 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp with Care: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp will curl into tight “O” shapes and become rubbery.
- Utilize One-Pan Cooking: This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, as it only requires one skillet. This not only maximizes flavor but also minimizes cleanup time.
- Experiment with Serving Options: Camarones a la Mexicana is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Try serving it over rice, with corn tortillas for tacos, or even with some crusty bread for a delightful meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp and sauce efficiently.
- Mixing Bowls – Useful for tossing the shrimp with the spice mixture.
- Citrus Juicer – Handy for squeezing fresh lime juice.
- Strainer – Needed if you’re defrosting shrimp quickly by rinsing under cold water.
