Camarones al Ajillo
Mexican Garlic Shrimp
A quick and incredibly flavorful Mexican classic featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic-infused butter sauce with a hint of guajillo chili. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Large shrimp
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 100 g Unsalted butter
- 2 Guajillo chilies
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Crusty bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the aromatics: Thinly slice all the garlic cloves. Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo chilies. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the guajillo chilies for about 30-60 seconds per side until fragrant and slightly pliable, being careful not to burn them. Once toasted, crumble them into small pieces.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Infuse the butter: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and the crumbled guajillo chili pieces. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and turns a pale golden color. Do not let the garlic brown or burn, as it will become bitter.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Cook the shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, and are just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes - 4
Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped parsley. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, directly from the skillet while it's still sizzling, with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious garlic-butter sauce.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to this dish is not burning the garlic. Cook it gently over medium-low heat until just golden and fragrant.
- ✓Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is sizzling for the best texture and flavor.
- ✓Crusty bread is essential for soaking up the incredibly flavorful garlic butter sauce. A baguette or ciabatta works perfectly.
- ✓Ensure your shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen. Pat them dry before adding to the pan for a better sear.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the guajillo chili.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash (about 1/4 cup) of dry white wine after cooking the shrimp, before adding the lime juice and parsley.
- Add a few thinly sliced cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking the shrimp for a touch of sweetness and color.