Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe

If you’re ready to spice up your weeknight dinner routine with something finger-licking, aromatic, and incredibly quick, this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) is about to become your new go-to favorite. Picture juicy shrimp bathed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a hint of heat—impossibly easy and just bursting with bold Mexican flavors!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about the Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how it transforms a handful of essential ingredients into magic. Each one is chosen for a reason—whether it’s the warmth of spices, the pop of citrus, or that irresistible buttery finish. Here’s what you’ll need (and why):

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Sets a smooth, savory base and helps everything sizzle beautifully.
• Small onion (sliced): Brings gentle sweetness and depth, softening to perfection.
• Jalapeño or serrano peppers (1–2, sliced): Not strictly traditional, but they add just the right spark and freshness. Go serrano for a spicier version!
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The absolute star—infuses the whole pan with nutty, rich aroma.
• Butter (3+ tablespoons): Creates that silky, luxurious sauce you’ll want to mop up with crusty bread.
• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Snappy, sweet shrimp soak up every flavor—leave the tails on for a pretty presentation.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, smoky undertones and a gorgeous reddish hue.
• Cumin (½ teaspoon): A hint of ground cumin builds that authentic Mexican depth.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste—absolutely essential to make every ingredient sing.
• Dry white wine (2 tablespoons): Deglazes the pan and adds subtle, aromatic acidity to the sauce.
• Lime juice & zest (from 1 small lime + 1 teaspoon zest): For zip, brightness, and a touch of citrusy magic.
• Chopped parsley or cilantro (2 tablespoons, for serving): Fresh, colorful, and herby—just what shrimp needs to shine.
• Red pepper flakes (for serving): Gives a final optional kick—sprinkle as much as your heart desires!

Variations

Once you master the basics of this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe, don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, working with what’s in your fridge, or simply in the mood for something new, there’s plenty of room to play with flavors and textures.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use all olive oil in place of butter—your shrimp will still be luscious, and the sauce stays beautifully glossy.
• Turn Up the Heat: Swap in extra-hot chile peppers or stir in a little cayenne for those who like it spicy.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier skillet bursting with color and crunch.
• Alcohol-Free Variation: Skip the wine and use seafood or chicken stock—still vibrant and layered with flavor!
• Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or chives if cilantro isn’t your favorite—the effect is different but equally delightful.

How to Make Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Peppers

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the sliced onion and jalapeños or serranos. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and sweet—your kitchen will smell amazing already!

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic

Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute. You want just enough time for the garlic to lose its raw edge and release its deep aroma—keep a close eye so it doesn’t brown.

Step 3: Build the Butter Sauce

Drop in the butter and let it melt, mingling with the garlicky mixture. The butter transforms the aromatics into a glossy, savory sauce—give it a little stir to help everything blend.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Toss your peeled, deveined shrimp with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, then add them directly to the pan. Pour in the white wine and stir everything gently. Cook for 6–7 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and plump, taking care not to overcook—they should remain juicy and tender.

Step 5: Finish with Lime and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lime juice plus zest. This last touch wakes up all the flavors! Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro and, if you’re a spice-lover, a dash of red pepper flakes. Serve right away and get ready for smiles all around.

How to Serve Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the final flourish! A generous scatter of chopped parsley or cilantro adds not just color but lively, herbal freshness. A dusting of red pepper flakes offers an extra hit of warmth, and if you love citrus, a wedge of lime on the side looks wonderful and lets everyone add more acidity to their liking.

Side Dishes

This dish is destined to be scooped up with warm tortillas—corn or flour, as you please. For an all-out Mexican spread, serve your garlic shrimp with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, fresh avocado slices, or a crisp jicama slaw. If you’re going low-carb, pile the shrimp atop grilled veggie skewers or inside lettuce wraps!

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the cooked shrimp onto skewers for a vibrant appetizer, or nestle them over a rustic wooden board alongside lime wedges and fresh herbs for a serve-yourself, family-style platter. Or, for tapas night, dish your Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe into little ramekins for everyone to share with toothpicks—so fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which rarely happens!), transfer the shrimp and sauce to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to two days and make a brilliant lunch over salad or tucked into tacos.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, they’re at their best freshly cooked for this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe. If you do freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container and eat within a month for best flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until hot—don’t microwave for too long or the shrimp may toughen. If the sauce thickened in the fridge, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen it while reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss—perfect whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or just craving something special at home. I hope you love it as much as my family does. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic and shrimp!

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