Hello friends of Paulina Cocina! We hope you're all doing well and had a wonderful week. For this occasion, we'd like to invite lovers of Mexican food and spicy flavors to prepare some delicious Camarones a la Diabla (Deviled Shrimp ). Without too many euphemisms, the name says it all! A dish that's fiery and bursting with flavor, but can also be customized to the taste of the person preparing it.
In this article, we'll share some tips and advice on how to prepare it, some of the history of this traditional dish from the Mexican coast, and finally, an easy recipe for preparing deviled shrimp at home so you can enjoy it with the best company.
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About this deviled shrimp recipe
Tradition and flavor
Shrimp a la diabla is a typical recipe of Mexican cuisine , which, as its name suggests, combines shrimp with a spicy and flavorful sauce known as “salsa diabla” .
This way of eating shrimp is very popular throughout Mexico, especially in the coastal regions, and is usually served with rice and tortillas.
The word "diabla" refers to the intensity and heat of the sauce, which is made with dried chilies , garlic, onion, tomato, and other ingredients. Diabla sauce is said to be one of the hottest of all Mexican sauces and is inspired by "adobo sauce ," which is used in other Mexican dishes.
Origin of deviled shrimp
Deviled shrimp is believed to have originated on Mexico's Pacific coast , where seafood is a staple in the local diet. But it wasn't until the 1950s that they became popular, when they began to be sold at street food stands across the country.
There is also a local legend that says fishermen on the Pacific coast used to prepare shrimp with a spicy sauce to scare away evil sea spirits and thus ensure a good catch.
Camarones a la diabla (deviled shrimp) can be found in most seafood restaurants and street stalls in Mexico, but they've also become popular in other countries, such as the United States, where they're known as "deviled shrimp ." They can also be enjoyed in other Latin American countries and even in Spain.
How to make deviled shrimp
Deviled shrimp is generally a simple recipe, but the preparation method can vary by region. The most classic recipe includes fresh, cleaned, and peeled shrimp, garlic, dried chili, oil, and salt. You can also find versions with tomato sauce, broth, ketchup, Tabasco sauce, and milder chilies.
Tip : Instead of shrimp, you can also use prawns .
Sauce for deviled shrimp
The sauce for the deviled shrimp is the key to achieving the explosive, spicy flavor that characterizes this dish. It's made with dried chilies, which can vary by region, such as chile de árbol, guajillo, and cascabel , among others. Garlic, onion, tomato, and spices are also added to taste.
One way to make deviled shrimp sauce is to soak the chilies in hot water to soften them, then mix them with garlic, salt, and a little water. This mixture is blended into a paste and then fried in hot oil. The result is a spicy, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Another very popular version of the sauce for deviled shrimp is "salsa macha " which is made with dried chile de árbol, olive oil, garlic, and salt. This sauce is prepared in a mortar and pestle and is used as a side dish for the shrimp.
Some people prefer a milder shrimp sauce, in which case you can simply reduce the amount of chilies or use a milder . You can also add more tomato puree and broth to soften the sauce's flavor.
Deviled Shrimp Recipe
- Yields: 4 portions
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 gr. of cleaned and headless shrimp
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ red pepper
- 2 chiles de árbol or guajillo (depending on your preference for spiciness)
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped coriander
- Avocado (optional)
How to make deviled shrimp step by step
- Finely chop the garlic and chilies and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat and add the garlic, chopped chilies, and the red pepper, cut into strips. Cook for a few minutes until the garlic begins to brown (be careful not to burn it) and the pepper softens.
- Add the tomato puree and chicken broth to the pan. Mix well. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the sauce is ready, add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with rice and avocado, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
They can also be enjoyed with a glass of white wine or a cold beer and a slice of lemon.
