Camarones a la Diabla Shrimp

Name: Camarones a la Diabla Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2-3 dried guajillo chiles, rehydrated and blended; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lime; Chopped cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Taste the Globe

Camarones a la Diabla is a fiery Mexican shrimp dish featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a spicy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for a kick!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-24T21:34:28.230Z

Camarones a la Diabla is a traditional dish from Mexico that brings together the heat of chiles and the sweetness of shrimp. It's a fantastic meal for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Spicy and bold flavors that awaken your taste buds
Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners
Perfectly tender shrimp cooked in a rich, zesty sauce

      

The Perfect Blend of Heat and Flavor

Camarones a la Diabla is a dish that beautifully balances heat with robust flavors. The key to its spiciness lies in the guajillo chiles, which provide a deep, smoky undertone that complements the sweetness of the shrimp. This combination creates a sauce that is both fiery and flavorful, making each bite an unforgettable experience for spice lovers.

What sets this dish apart from other shrimp recipes is the way the ingredients work together. The garlic and onion add a savory depth, while the lime juice brightens the sauce, cutting through the heat. It's this harmonious blend that makes Camarones a la Diabla a standout dish in Mexican cuisine.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

One of the best aspects of Camarones a la Diabla is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The quick preparation means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is not only fast but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, with tortillas, or alongside a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to adapt the dish to your family's preferences or what you have on hand.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, it's important to pay attention to the cooking time. Shrimp cook quickly, usually taking only 5 to 7 minutes to become tender and opaque. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them as they cook. Once they turn pink and opaque, they're ready to be enjoyed.

Also, don’t forget to season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances their natural flavor and ensures that the spices in the sauce cling well to the shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a refreshing touch that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 dried guajillo chiles, rehydrated and blended
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this shrimp dish!

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a blender, combine the rehydrated guajillo chiles, garlic, smoked paprika, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth; set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the blended sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Cook until shrimp are opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Serve hot with rice or tortillas for a complete meal!

Serving Suggestions

Camarones a la Diabla can be served in various ways to suit your taste. For a complete meal, consider pairing the shrimp with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully. Alternatively, serve it with warm corn tortillas for a more traditional approach, allowing everyone to create their own tacos.

For a refreshing contrast to the heat, a side of avocado salad or a simple cucumber salad can work wonders. The coolness of the vegetables balances the spiciness of the shrimp, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Variations to Explore

While the classic version of Camarones a la Diabla is delightful, there are numerous variations you can try. For those who prefer a milder flavor, consider using fewer chiles or substituting them with a milder pepper. You can also add a splash of cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet. This not only enhances the dish's nutritional value but also adds a colorful presentation, making it even more appealing to the eye.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.

→ What can I serve with Camarones a la Diabla?

It's delicious with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by using fewer chiles or selecting milder varieties.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge.