Camarones Guisados con Sofrito
A flavorful Puerto Rican stew of tender shrimp simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with sofrito, garlic, and cilantro. This dish is a staple in Puerto Rican households, offering a comforting and aromatic experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp(raw, peeled, and deveined)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 3 tsp Garlic(minced (about 3 cloves))
- 0.25 cup Sofrito(homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Pimento stuffed Spanish olives(roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.125 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 to taste Salt
- 1 to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a medium-sized caldero or large frying pan over medium heat.
💡 Tip: A caldero is a traditional Puerto Rican cast-iron pot, but a heavy-bottomed skillet works well too. - 2
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the sofrito and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Add the crushed tomatoes, chopped olives, 2 tablespoons of cilantro, bay leaf, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Crush the tomatoes slightly with the back of your spoon to help create a smoother sauce. - 6
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
- 7
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
💡 Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become tough. - 8
Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you don't have sofrito, you can sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic as the base.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference.
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Include other seafood like scallops or mussels along with the shrimp.