Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings both vibrant flavor and simplicity to your dinner table, the Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) is your answer. This tantalizing recipe is a showcase of juicy shrimp infused with aromatic garlic, spices, and a hint of chili, delivering a mouthwatering taste of coastal Mexico.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of garlic, lime, and chili creates an irresistible taste that’s both zesty and savory.
  • Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes needed from start to finish, this dish is perfect for weeknights.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with rice and tortillas for a complete meal.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Low in calories and high in flavor, it’s an excellent choice for health-conscious foodies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity reigns in this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo), with each ingredient playing a crucial role in the creation of this culinary delight. The marriage of fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, and citrusy lime ensures this dish delivers on both flavor and freshness.

  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich base while keeping the dish light.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, marrying beautifully with the garlic.
  • Shrimp: Fresh and tender, they’re the star of the show in this recipe.
  • Lime: Its zesty freshness brings a citrusy kick that brightens up the flavors.
  • Paprika and Cumin: These spices infuse the shrimp with warmth and a hint of smokiness.
  • White Wine: Helps in deglazing the pan while adding a fragrant acidity.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Customizing this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) is a breeze, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. Here are some delicious variations to try out!

  • Spice Level: Swap jalapeños with serrano peppers for added heat and an extra punch.
  • Herb Swap: Replace cilantro with basil or mint for a refreshing twist on the classic flavors.

How to Make Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers, letting them cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll begin to notice their sweet aromas as they soften and invite you into their little tango of flavors.

Step 2: Garlic and Butter Magic

Add minced garlic to the pan, stirring it gently until it becomes fragrant—about a minute. Then melt the butter into this savory mix, letting it provide richness that perfectly coats the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp

Season your shrimp with paprika, cumin, and a dash of salt and pepper. Add them to the pan alongside a splash of white wine. Cook the shrimp for around 6-7 minutes, or until they’re pink and cooked through, releasing their ocean-sweet juices.

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo)

  • Garlic Timing: Ensure not to overcook the garlic to keep it from becoming bitter—it should be fragrant, not browned.
  • Butter Richness: For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter.
  • Lime Enhancement: A touch more lime zest will amplify the citrusy notes if you love tangy flavors.
  • Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, wild-caught shrimp when possible for the sweetest, most flavorful results.

How to Serve Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo)

Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The perfect finish to this dish is a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a vibrant color contrast and a little extra zest.

Side Dishes

This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice, warm fluffy tortillas, or even a light quinoa salad. All these options compliment the main dish while allowing it to shine on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the shrimp in small bowls for a tapas-style feel or arrange them elegantly on a large platter for a sharing feast that will dazzle at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making for a delightful meal the next day.

Freezing

Freeze the dish in a tightly sealed container for up to a month. Defrosting should be done overnight in the fridge for best results, maintaining the shrimp’s succulent texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a pan over low heat to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery. Add a splash of fresh lime juice to refresh the dish as it warms.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

    Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving the perfect sear.

  2. What if I don’t have white wine?

    You can substitute with a bit of chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor. The dish will still be deliciously aromatic.

  3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Simply swap the butter with olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

  4. What kind of wine pairs well with this dish?

    Pairing it with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the garlic and lime notes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly irresistible about the Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) that brings you back for seconds. Whether it’s the rich aromas or the bright flavors, this dish is certain to become a staple in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try; its simplicity promises satisfaction with every bite.

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Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe

Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 605 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This flavorful Mexican Garlic Shrimp (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) combines tender, succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic and spice marinade, finished with fresh lime juice and herbs, making it a perfect quick and delicious seafood dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Shrimp

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1-2 jalapeno peppers, sliced (serranos recommended for more spice)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter (or more as desired)
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • Juice from 1 small lime
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

For Serving

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the sliced onion and jalapenos; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Melt butter: Add the butter to the pan and let it melt, combining with the garlic and vegetables.
  5. Season and cook shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet along with white wine. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  6. Add lime: Stir in lime juice and lime zest, cooking for an additional minute.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of tequila instead of white wine.
  • Serve this dish with warm tortillas, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
  • Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor and brightness of the dish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (roughly 200g)
  • Calories: 84 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 36 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 11 mg

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