The heat of dried guajillo and arbol chilies comes alive in this vibrant dish from the heart of Mexico. Camarones a la Diabla, or Devil’s Shrimp, packs a punch of smoky, spicy flavor wrapped around juicy, perfectly sautéed shrimp.
This crowd-pleasing recipe is quick to make, yet deeply satisfying. Whether served with fluffy rice or tucked into a warm tortilla, it’s the perfect go-to for spice lovers who crave bold, authentic flavor with minimal prep time. Camarones a la Diabla is more than just a dish, it’s an experience on a plate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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5 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
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3 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded
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1 medium tomato, chopped
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1/2 small white onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
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Cooked white rice or warm tortillas (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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In a small pot, add the guajillo and arbol chiles and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.
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In a blender, combine the softened chiles, chopped tomato, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed to blend into a sauce consistency.
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Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Pour the blended sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the shrimp thoroughly.
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Serve hot with lime wedges and your choice of rice or tortillas.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Unleashing the Heat: The Fiery Allure of Camarones a la Diabla
If you’re someone who enjoys bold, spicy flavors and appreciates the richness of traditional Mexican cuisine, Camarones a la Diabla also known as Devil’s Shrimp, is a dish that should not be missed. This stunning seafood recipe is an explosion of flavor, heat, and color that’s as vibrant as the culture it hails from. With its bright red chile sauce clinging to perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish makes an unforgettable impression both visually and taste-wise.
Camarones a la Diabla is a popular dish in coastal regions of Mexico, particularly in states like Veracruz, Nayarit, and Sinaloa, where seafood reigns supreme. It showcases Mexico’s mastery in balancing spice, tang, and umami, using traditional ingredients like dried chiles, garlic, tomatoes, and onions. While it’s fiery by nature, the heat level is entirely adjustable, making this recipe versatile for a wide range of palates.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible, how to master its preparation, and how to customize it to make it your own signature seafood creation.
The Essence of Camarones a la Diabla: It’s All in the Sauce
What truly defines Camarones a la Diabla is the diabla sauce which is a rich, smoky, and fiery concoction made with dried Mexican chiles. Traditionally, the recipe includes two types of chiles:
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Guajillo Chiles – Known for their deep red color and mild-to-moderate heat, guajillos are slightly sweet and tangy, which provides a delicious foundation for the sauce.
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Chiles de Árbol – Much smaller but significantly spicier, arbol chiles bring the fire. They are essential for delivering the “diabla” (devilish) kick this dish is famous for.
The sauce is typically made by rehydrating the chiles in hot water and then blending them with aromatics like garlic, onion, and tomato. The tomato not only adds natural sweetness and acidity but also helps create a smooth texture and mellow out the spice just enough to make the sauce crave-worthy instead of overwhelming.
Once blended, the sauce is sautéed in oil or butter until it darkens slightly and the flavors concentrate. This final step of cooking the sauce is crucial, it enhances its richness and integrates the chili oils into a velvety coating for the shrimp.
Why Shrimp? The Perfect Canvas for Heat
Shrimp is the ideal protein for this dish. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors beautifully, and its naturally sweet and briny flavor offers the perfect counterpoint to the spicy diabla sauce. Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are most commonly used, as they allow the sauce to cling to every curve of the shellfish, offering a satisfying bite every time.
From a nutrition standpoint, shrimp are low in calories, high in protein, and rich in nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. When cooked with minimal oil and served with healthy sides, this dish can easily become part of a balanced diet.
Tips for Perfect Camarones a la Diabla
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp only need a few minutes to cook. Overcooking will lead to a rubbery texture. Cook them just until they turn opaque and pink.
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Strain the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a silky texture, you can strain the blended sauce before adding it to the pan. This step removes chili skins and seeds.
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Control the Heat: If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce or omit the chiles de árbol. You can also add a touch of sugar or honey to mellow the sauce without dulling its flavor.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onion will always yield a brighter, more authentic sauce compared to canned or powdered versions.
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Butter + Oil Combo: Using a mix of oil and butter provides flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning. It’s a small touch that adds richness to the dish.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic version of Camarones a la Diabla is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to get creative:
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Add a Splash of Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice can lift the flavor of the sauce and cut through the heat.
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Make It Creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of Mexican crema or heavy cream at the end to create a spicy-creamy version of the dish.
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Vegetable Additions: Sauté some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the pan before adding the shrimp for extra nutrition and texture.
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Try Other Proteins: Substitute shrimp with scallops, calamari, or even chicken breast strips for a different take while preserving the spicy essence.
Serving Suggestions
Camarones a la Diabla is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few classic and modern options:
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Over White Rice: The most traditional way to serve the dish. The neutral flavor of rice balances the boldness of the sauce.
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With Warm Tortillas: Serve with fresh corn or flour tortillas to scoop up every bit of the delicious diabla sauce.
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On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a bed of arugula or mixed greens with a drizzle of lime vinaigrette.
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With Refried Beans or Black Beans: Add a creamy or earthy side to balance the spice.
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As Tacos: Use the shrimp as taco filling with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, and a dollop of crema.
To complete the meal, pair Camarones a la Diabla with an ice-cold beer, a citrusy margarita, or a glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.
Cultural Context: A Dish That Tells a Story
In Mexican cuisine, there is a strong tradition of honoring native ingredients and regional techniques. Camarones a la Diabla is a testament to that using indigenous dried chiles and simple preparation methods that let each ingredient shine. It’s often enjoyed during festive occasions, family gatherings, or seaside dinners, highlighting how food brings people together around shared experiences and flavors.
The name “a la Diabla” literally translates to “devilish style,” which perfectly captures the spicy and bold nature of this dish. It also speaks to the fun and playfulness that often accompanies Mexican food—there’s a sense of celebration even in the spiciest bite.
Conclusion
Camarones a la Diabla is more than just spicy shrimp, it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and culinary craftsmanship. From the deep red sauce to the plump, juicy shrimp, every bite delivers warmth and excitement. It’s quick enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at your next dinner party.
Whether you’re a spice lover or just dipping your toes into bold flavors, this recipe invites you to experience the depth and vibrancy of Mexican cuisine. The best part? It’s entirely customizable, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as your tastebuds dare to go.
So light up your kitchen with the vibrant heat of Camarones a la Diabla, you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp.