Shrimp Mozambique – This Portuguese-inspired recipe is famous for its bold combination of garlic, paprika, and a touch of heat, all balanced with a delightful citrus finish.
What is Shrimp Mozambique?
Shrimp Mozambique is a popular dish in Portuguese cuisine, especially in regions with strong Portuguese communities such as New England. Despite the name, the dish isn’t directly from Mozambique; rather, it’s a fusion of Portuguese and African influences, with the vibrant flavors of peri-peri sauce or similar spicy pepper sauces being at the heart of its flavor profile.
The dish features shrimp sautéed in a garlic, onion, and paprika sauce, often spiced up with piri-piri (or other hot chili peppers). It’s typically cooked with white wine, lemon juice, and sometimes beer, creating a beautiful, flavorful sauce. What makes it special is its balance of spice and acidity, with the paprika and hot sauce giving it a kick, and the citrus and wine bringing brightness.
Quick Tip:
Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be mindful not to overcook it. As soon as it turns pink and opaque, it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Shrimp Mozambique
One of the best things about Shrimp Mozambique is how versatile it is. Here are a few popular ways to serve it:
As a tapa: Mozambique can be served as part of a spread of appetizers, paired with other Portuguese favorites like chouriço or grilled sardines.
Over rice: This is the most traditional way to enjoy Mozambique. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite satisfying.
With crusty bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the spicy sauce.
With fries or roasted potatoes: In some variations, especially in Portuguese-American communities, Mozambique is served with crispy fries or roasted potatoes for an indulgent treat.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Mozambique
- Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp whenever possible. Frozen shrimp is also fine, but be sure to thaw it properly and pat it dry before cooking.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: Garlic is a key flavor in this dish, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount!
- Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can dial back the heat by reducing the amount of hot sauce or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes. If you love spice, add extra piri-piri or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Let the sauce shine: Shrimp Mozambique is all about the sauce, so use a high-quality white wine and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Variations of Shrimp Mozambique
While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize Shrimp Mozambique to your taste.
Mozambique with seafood medley: Some people like to use a combination of seafood—shrimp, clams, and mussels—to create a more elaborate seafood Mozambique dish.
Chicken Mozambique: For a heartier version, substitute shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs. The preparation is similar, and the result is equally delicious.
Vegetarian Mozambique: You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by swapping the shrimp for tofu or a medley of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of wine.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Mozambique
Shrimp Mozambique is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them easily:
- In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become tough.
Can you freeze Shrimp Mozambique?
While shrimp can become a bit rubbery after freezing, you can freeze Shrimp Mozambique if needed. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for Shrimp Mozambique?
Large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) are the best choice, but medium shrimp will also work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make Shrimp Mozambique without wine?
Yes! If you prefer to skip the wine, substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What can I use instead of piri-piri sauce?
If you don’t have piri-piri sauce, you can substitute with your favorite hot sauce, such as Tabasco, Sriracha, or Cholula. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Is Portuguese Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your hot sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten. Serve it with gluten-free bread or rice for a complete gluten-free meal.
Shrimp Mozambique (Portuguese Style)
Shrimp Mozambique - This Portuguese-inspired recipe is famous for its bold combination of garlic, paprika, and a touch of heat, all balanced with a delightful citrus finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (shell on and deveined, or peeled and deveined)
- 4 teaspoons pimenta moida (Portuguese hot pepper paste) or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup white wine
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 1 minute.
- Add the seasoning: Stir in salt and paprika, letting the spices bloom for about 1 minute to release their flavor.
- Spice it up: Mix in the pimenta moida (or hot sauce) and combine well with the onions and garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, sautéing until they begin to turn light pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer with wine: Pour in the white wine and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly as the wine reduces.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra pimenta moida or salt if needed. Stir in fresh parsley, serve with lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 244Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1348mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 27g
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 Mozambique is a dish that brings together the best of Portuguese flavors with a touch of African spice. It’s quick, flavorful, and can be tailored to suit any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special gathering with friends. Try out this recipe, experiment with different variations, and don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing white wine or cold beer to complement the dish’s zesty, spicy notes.
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