Mexican Shrimp is a dish that is juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed to perfection and tossed in a rich spices, lime, garlic, and smoky chipotle. Served with warm tortillas, over fluffy rice, or on its own, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What Makes Mexican Shrimp So Irresistible?
Mexican Shrimp combines succulent shrimp with classic Mexican ingredients like fresh lime juice, garlic, chili peppers, cilantro, and ripe tomatoes. The dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and absolutely bursting with flavor. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes, where the sweetness of the shrimp is perfectly balanced by the tangy, spicy, and herby accompaniments.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Mexican Shrimp
- Dry the Shrimp: Always pat your shrimp dry to ensure they sear nicely and don’t steam in the pan.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice won’t give you the same zesty brightness. Fresh is always best.
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or use serrano peppers. For a milder version, de-seed the peppers or use a milder chili.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Chipotle Shrimp: Add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Shrimp Fajitas: Sauté bell peppers and onions alongside the shrimp for a fajita-style dish. Serve with warm tortillas.
- Creamy Mexican Shrimp: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema at the end for a rich, creamy version.
- Grilled Mexican Shrimp: Marinate the shrimp in the spices and lime juice, then grill for a smoky flavor perfect for summer BBQs.
How to Serve Mexican Shrimp
This dish is incredibly versatile, and there are endless ways to serve it:
- Tacos: Stuff the shrimp into warm corn or flour tortillas, and top with diced onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
- Over Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice or Mexican rice for a hearty meal.
- With Salad: Toss the shrimp with greens, black beans, corn, and avocado for a light and refreshing salad.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with tortilla chips and a spicy salsa for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Storing Mexican Shrimp
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezing: Although fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp. Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is perfectly cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It only takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh to maintain its texture.
What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
You can substitute canned diced tomatoes, but drain them to avoid a watery sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Mexican Shrimp
Mexican Shrimp is a dish that is juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed to perfection and tossed in a rich spices, lime, garlic, and smoky chipotle. Served with warm tortillas, over fluffy rice, or on its own, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Shrimp 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if using frozen)
- Chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and kosher salt
- Veggies: 1 small yellow onion, 2 small jalapeños (or 1 large), 2 red bell peppers
- Oregano & Black Pepper For an extra boost of flavor
- Black Beans 1 can, rinsed and drained
- Rice 1 cup long-grain brown rice (no short grain or instant!)
- Canned Tomatoes 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- Water 1 ½ cups
- Fresh Additions Green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges
Toppings (Optional but Recommended!)
- Sliced jalapeño
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with half of the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Sauté until pink and fully cooked (about 2-3 minutes), then set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil and toss in the onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper. Cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Season with oregano, black pepper, and the rest of your spices. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the brown rice and black beans, making sure everything is well-coated with those aromatic spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and water. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, then give it a good stir, scraping any rice that’s sticking to the bottom. Cover again and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. If it starts to dry out, add a splash of water.
- Stir in the green onions, fresh cilantro, and the reserved shrimp. Squeeze plenty of lime juice over the top. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeño, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy diced avocado.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 571Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 248mgSodium 2137mgCarbohydrates 70gFiber 12gSugar 12gProtein 44g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive celebration. With a few fresh ingredients and some pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with the variations, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
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