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Flavorful Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones a la Diabla recipe - featured image

A quick and easy spicy shrimp dish with a smoky, tangy chili sauce that delivers bold flavor and a memorable dinner kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, finely diced or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 34 dried arbol chilies, stems removed
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Remove stems from dried arbol chilies and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, turning constantly until fragrant but not burnt. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water to soak for 10 minutes.
  2. Drain soaked chilies and add to a blender with chopped chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding soaking water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour the blended chili sauce into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors meld.
  5. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with warm tortillas, rice, or salad.

Notes

Toast dried arbol chilies to enhance smoky flavor. Blend sauce smooth for even heat distribution. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Adjust chili amounts to control spice level. A spoonful of honey or sugar can balance excessive heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Camarones a la Diabla, spicy shrimp, Mexican shrimp recipe, easy dinner, chili sauce, smoky shrimp