Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Diablo Shrimp, or “Camarones a la Diabla,” is a bold and spicy Mexican dish featuring juicy shrimp simmered in a fiery red chile sauce. It’s packed with smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that perfectly complement the tender shrimp. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread for an unforgettable meal that’s quick yet impressive.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
guajillo chiles (dried, seeded, and softened)
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
tomatoes (fresh or canned)
white onion
garlic cloves
olive oil or vegetable oil
lime juice
salt
black pepper
fresh cilantro (for garnish)
directions
Soak dried guajillo chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
In a blender, combine the softened chiles, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serve immediately with warm tortillas, rice, or bread to soak up the spicy sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use habanero or arbol chiles for an extra fiery kick.
Add a splash of orange juice for a hint of sweetness.
Include sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture.
Swap shrimp for scallops or fish fillets.
storage/reheating
Store leftover Diablo Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.
FAQs
How spicy is Diablo Shrimp?
It’s moderately to very spicy, depending on the type and amount of chiles used.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds from the dried chiles for milder heat.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
What can I serve with Diablo Shrimp?
Rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread work best to balance the spicy sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Conclusion
Diablo Shrimp is a quick and fiery dish that’s full of bold Mexican flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something spicy on a weeknight, this recipe delivers a delicious punch that seafood lovers will adore. Try it once and it might become your go-to spicy shrimp dish!
PrintDiablo Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Diablo Shrimp, or Camarones a la Diabla, is a spicy Mexican shrimp dish simmered in a smoky, tangy red chile sauce. Perfect with rice, tortillas, or bread for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4–5 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and softened
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 medium white onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak dried guajillo chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
- In a blender, combine softened chiles, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using fewer chipotle peppers or removing seeds from the chiles.
- Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.