Shrimp Diablo – This delicious Mexican-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp with a fiery, tomato-based sauce spiced up with chili peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices.
What is Shrimp Diablo?
Shrimp Diablo, also known as Camarones a la Diabla (meaning “Devil’s Shrimp” in Spanish), is a spicy seafood dish hailing from Mexican cuisine. The “Diablo” in the name points to its devilishly hot nature, as it’s traditionally made with a medley of fiery chili peppers. While each recipe has its twist, the main elements include fresh shrimp, a spicy tomato sauce, garlic, and chili peppers—usually a combination of guajillo, arbol, or chipotle chilis. The result is a tantalizingly spicy and savory meal that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and acidity.
Ingredients for Shrimp Diablo
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the key ingredients you’ll need to make Shrimp Diablo. This ingredient list reflects the classic version but can be easily adjusted based on preference.
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes, tomato sauce, or fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Chili Peppers: Dried guajillo, chipotle, or arbol chilis to bring the heat.
- Garlic: A must-have for an intense, savory depth.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions for sweetness.
- Olive Oil: To sauté the ingredients and add a touch of richness.
- Spices: Cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty finish to the dish.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley for garnish.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
Chicken Broth: To thin out the sauce if needed.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Diablo
- Control the Spice: If you’re worried about the heat, reduce the number of arbol chilis or swap them for milder peppers like guajillo.
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp when possible.
- Quick Searing for Tender Shrimp: Overcooking shrimp makes them tough. Sear just until pink, then set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Add Sweetness to Balance: A small pinch of sugar can balance the acidity and spice of the sauce, especially if using canned tomatoes.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.
Variations on Shrimp Diablo
This Shrimp Diablo recipe is flexible enough for experimentation. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
Grill the Shrimp: Instead of pan-searing, marinate the shrimp and grill them for a smoky, charred flavor that complements the spicy sauce.
Add Cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a milder, creamy version that tones down the spice.
Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Swap Protein: Try this recipe with chicken or fish for a similar, spicy kick.
Make it a Pasta: Serve Shrimp Diablo over spaghetti or linguine for a seafood pasta with a fiery Mexican twist.
How to Serve Shrimp Diablo
Shrimp Diablo is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Rice: Classic white rice or Mexican rice are perfect for soaking up the spicy sauce.
- On Tacos: Spoon the shrimp and sauce into warm tortillas for delicious spicy tacos.
- With Bread: Serve with crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.
- Over Pasta: For a pasta variation, toss with spaghetti or fettuccine for a unique fusion.
Garnishes
Add some fresh toppings to brighten up the dish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges for extra tang
- Thinly sliced radishes for a cool, crisp contrast
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Diablo
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), follow these tips for storing and reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Recipe FAQs
- What makes Shrimp Diablo spicy?
- The heat in Shrimp Diablo comes primarily from dried chilis like arbol and guajillo, which add different levels of spice and flavor complexity. You can control the heat by adjusting the type and quantity of chilis used.
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
- Is there a way to make Shrimp Diablo less spicy?
- Absolutely! Substitute mild chilis or reduce the amount of chili used. Adding cream or coconut milk can also mellow the heat.
- What’s the best way to reheat Shrimp Diablo without overcooking the shrimp?
- Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if necessary. This prevents the shrimp from becoming tough.
- Can I make Shrimp Diablo ahead of time?
- You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the shrimp fresh to keep them tender.
- Is Shrimp Diablo gluten-free?
- Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients used are gluten-free (check broth labels to ensure).
Shrimp Diablo
Shrimp Diablo - This delicious Mexican-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp with a fiery, tomato-based sauce spiced up with chili peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes (don’t drain them!)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: First, make sure the shrimp are completely thawed, patted dry, and shells/tails removed if needed. Pre-measure ingredients to keep things quick and easy.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side—just until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate; they’ll finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and butter. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, letting the onions caramelize slightly to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally.
- Add Wine & Garlic: Pour in the white wine and add the garlic. Let this bubble gently, reducing by half for about 4-5 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and tomato paste until smooth. Then add fire-roasted tomatoes, soy sauce, hot sauce, and the seasonings. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer & Thicken: Allow the sauce to cook down for 10-15 minutes, thickening and concentrating all those delicious flavors.
- Finish with Shrimp: Return the shrimp (and any juices on the plate) to the skillet. Partially cover and let it heat through on low for about 45 seconds.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pasta, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or a side of crusty bread to soak up that spicy sauce!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 306Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 166mgSodium 1031mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 18g
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
Shrimp Diablo is a bold and flavorful dish that brings the best of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table. With a mix of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a meal that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in tacos, or with crusty bread, it’s guaranteed to please anyone who loves a bit of heat.
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