Yucatan Shrimp – This dish combines the fusion of zesty citrus, mild heat, and fresh shrimp perfect for a family dinner or a weekend get-together.
What is Yucatan Shrimp?
Yucatan Shrimp is a traditional Mexican dish characterized by shrimp cooked in a citrusy, buttery sauce with a hint of spice. The dish highlights the key flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula, known for using fresh lime, orange juice, garlic, and a variety of peppers to achieve a unique blend of tangy, savory, and spicy tastes.
This dish is typically quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Shrimp lovers are drawn to it not only because of its delicious taste but also its versatility—whether served over rice, with tortillas, or even as a light appetizer.
Key Ingredients in Yucatan Shrimp
The ingredients for Yucatan Shrimp are simple yet essential to capturing its authentic taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, medium to large shrimp with shells on for maximum flavor.
- Citrus: Lime juice and orange juice form the base of the sauce, providing a refreshing and tangy bite.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, balancing out the acidity of the citrus.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory aspect and complements the seafood perfectly.
- Chili peppers: Traditionally, a mild chili like guajillo or ancho is used for a subtle heat that doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness at the end.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Yucatan Shrimp
Fresh is best: Use fresh lime and orange juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
Use shell-on shrimp: Cooking shrimp with the shells on enhances the flavor. You can peel them after cooking if preferred.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and curl up.
Balance the citrus: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more orange juice. For a more tangy kick, increase the lime juice.
Control the heat: Adjust the amount of chili based on your spice tolerance. For a spicier dish, consider adding a serrano or habanero chili.
Recipe Variations
Yucatan Shrimp is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few variations to try:
- Yucatan Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm corn tortillas with pickled onions, avocado, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a fresh taco night option.
- Yucatan Shrimp Rice Bowl: Create a bowl by serving the shrimp over fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice, with black beans and grilled vegetables on the side.
- Yucatan Shrimp Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them for a smoky, charred version. Brush the sauce over them while grilling.
- Yucatan Shrimp Salad: Add the shrimp on top of a bed of mixed greens, mango slices, avocado, and drizzle with the citrusy sauce for a lighter meal option.
How to Serve Yucatan Shrimp
Yucatan Shrimp is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving ideas:
With crusty bread: Sop up the citrus-butter sauce with fresh crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Over rice: Serve the shrimp with cilantro-lime rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With tortillas: Warm corn tortillas make a perfect vessel for shrimp tacos.
As an appetizer: Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for a fun party appetizer.
How to Store and Reheat Yucatan Shrimp
Storing: Place leftover Yucatan Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium heat in 30-second intervals.
Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze Yucatan Shrimp, the texture of the shrimp may change after thawing. If you must freeze, store the shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the above reheating instructions.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh shrimp for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Q: What kind of chili should I use?
Guajillo or ancho chilies are traditional for this dish, providing mild heat and a deep, earthy flavor. If you can’t find these, substitute with a teaspoon of smoked paprika or even a chipotle chili for a smoky twist.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. However, shrimp should be cooked fresh to avoid overcooking when reheating.
Q: What can I serve as a side dish?
Popular side dishes include cilantro-lime rice, black beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber and avocado salad.
Yucatan Shrimp
Yucatan Shrimp - This dish combines the fusion of zesty citrus, mild heat, and fresh shrimp perfect for a family dinner or a weekend get-together.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large, fresh, shell-on shrimp
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- Juice of two large limes
- 1 Tbsp. Indonesian sambal (sambal oelek)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prep the sauce: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make it zesty: Stir in the remaining butter until melted, then add lime juice, sambal, salt, and pepper. Turn off the heat and let the sauce rest.
- Cook the shrimp: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes, just until they turn firm and pink. Be careful not to overcook!
- Toss and serve: Drain the shrimp well and toss them with the chili-lime butter sauce in a large bowl. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a final touch.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 653Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 66mgSodium 405mgCarbohydrates 94gFiber 6gSugar 17gProtein 15g
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
Yucatan Shrimp is a simple yet stunning dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Its bright, citrusy sauce with a hint of spice perfectly complements the tender shrimp, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
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