How to Make Delicious Mexican Shrimp at Home

Mexican shrimp is a flavorful and easy meal that is perfect for any night of the week With just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, onions, peppers, garlic, and seasonings, you can make restaurant-worthy Mexican shrimp right in your own kitchen.

In this article, I will walk you through step-by-step how to make authentic and delicious Mexican shrimp. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or wanting to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Benefits of Mexican Shrimp

There are many reasons why Mexican shrimp is such a popular dish

• It’s quick and easy to make, with a total cook time of about 15 minutes start to finish. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal when you don’t have a lot of time.

• The ingredients are simple and affordable. All you need is shrimp, olive oil, onions, peppers, garlic, and basic seasonings that you likely already have in your pantry.

• It’s a lighter and healthier option compared to heavy, greasy dishes. Shrimp is low in calories and fat, but high in protein.

• The flavors are bold, bright, and flavorful. The combination of spicy, savory, and salty flavors makes this dish packed with tons of flavor.

• It’s customizable based on your tastes. Don’t like spicy? Use milder chile peppers. Want more veggies? Add in extra onions, peppers, or other veggies you enjoy. Make it your own!

• It’s restaurant-quality but at a fraction of the price when you make it at home. Get that delicious Mexican flare without breaking the bank.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you know why Mexican shrimp is such a winner, let’s go over how to make it.

Here is the complete step-by-step recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and peppers and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tender.

3. Add garlic and seasonings (chili powder through cayenne pepper) and sauté an additional 30 seconds.

4. Add shrimp to the pan in an even layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.

5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp before serving. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve shrimp immediately with lime wedges, along with sides like rice, beans, guacamole, or tortillas. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Mexican Shrimp:

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Go for raw, shell on shrimp if you want an extra flavor boost from the shells.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

• Season the shrimp just before cooking. Seasonings like salt will draw out moisture if added too early.

• Keep a close eye on the shrimp as it cooks. It goes from perfect to overcooked very quickly.

• Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste. Add more chili powder for extra heat or a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.

• Finish with a good squeeze of fresh lime juice. The acidity helps brighten all the flavors.

• Serve immediately for the best texture. The shrimp will get tough if left to sit in the pan.

• Enjoy with crisp, cold beers! The Mexican flavors pair perfectly with a light Mexican lager.

Variations to Try

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. There are endless variations you can try:

• Fajitas: Serve shrimp over grilled peppers and onions with warm tortillas.

• Tacos: Warm up corn tortillas and top with shrimp, shredded cabbage, avocado, and Mexican crema.

• Tostadas: Top crispy tostada shells with shrimp, refried beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco.

• Ceviche: Marinate cooked shrimp in lime juice with tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

• Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with shrimp, cheese, and grilled veggies for easy quesadillas.

• Enchiladas: Stuff tortillas with shrimp and chile sauce, then bake with cheese on top.

• Salads: Toss shrimp with mixed greens, corn, black beans, and chipotle ranch dressing.

• Baked potatoes: Top loaded baked potatoes with shrimp, sour cream, cheese, and scallions.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless! Use this basic recipe as a jumping off point for all kinds of Mexican shrimp creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to making Mexican shrimp, you probably have a few questions. Here I’ll answer some of the most common FAQs:

What’s the best shrimp to use?

Go for raw, peeled shrimp with the tails on. Medium or large shrimp work well as they hold up best to sautéing. Avoid using already cooked shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just thaw completely first and pat very dry before cooking. The extra moisture can cause splattering.

What if I can’t find some of the ingredients?

The most important flavors are chili powder, cumin, and oregano. You can adjust or omit the other spices as needed.

How spicy does it get?

It has a mild kick from the chili powder alone. Add the cayenne pepper for extra heat. Omit it if you don’t want any spice.

Why is fresh lime juice so important?

The acidity helps brighten the flavors and keeps the shrimp tasting light. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch.

Can I bake the shrimp instead?

Yes, you can bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes instead of sautéing. I prefer sautéing for more flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve the next day!

The Perfect Meal

One of my favorite ways to enjoy Mexican shrimp is by turning it into a complete meal. Here’s everything I serve to make it a fiesta:

• Mexican Shrimp – The star of the show!

• Rice – Cilantro lime rice or brown rice work well.

• Beans – Black beans or pinto beans seasoned with onion, garlic, and epazote.

• Salsa – A store-bought or homemade salsa to add a fresh, tomatoey flavor.

• Guacamole – Cool, creamy avocado dip brings everything together.

• Tortillas – Warm flour or corn tortillas wrap everything up perfectly.

• Toppings – Queso fresco, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo for garnish.

• Margaritas (optional) – The classic Mexican cocktail!

With all of these components, you have a meal that balances flavors, textures, and colors for a beautiful and delicious Mexican-inspired dinner. Set up a DIY taco/burrito bar and let everyone build their perfect bites!

Final Thoughts