Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo (Spicy garlic shrimp) Recipe

If you’re a seafood lover then you came to the right place. This dish will satisfy any cravings. Camarones al mojo de ajo is a traditional Mexican dish using shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic sauce. You add shrimp in a mixture of minced garlic, butter or olive oil, and spices such as chili flakes or chili arbol for some heat. Then you serve it hot with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a simple yet incredibly tasty dish.

Lets get started

-Remember to leave the shell on when cooking the shrimp it’s important because it adds flavor.

Rinse the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a colander or sieve and rinse them under cold running water.

Devein the shrimp: Use a small paring knife to cut along the back of each shrimp, following the curve of the shell. You’ll see the dark digestive tract, which you can lift out with the tip of the knife. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the shrimp. Then give the shrimp a rinse again to remove any traces of the vein.

Pat dry: Gently pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. The shells are now ready to help infuse flavor into your Camarones al mojo de ajo as they cook!

Peel the garlic cloves: Use a knife or your fingers to remove the skin from the garlic cloves. This can be done by gently pressing on each clove to loosen the skin and then peeling it off.

Crush the garlic: Once the garlic cloves are peeled, place them into the molcajete along with the peppercorns and salt. Start by grinding the ingredients together in the molcajete. Apply firm pressure and use a grinding motion to break down the garlic cloves, peppercorns, and salt into a coarse paste. consistency. Some prefer a fine paste, while others enjoy a slightly chunky texture. Once the garlic mixture is well combined, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or peppercorns to suit your taste preferences. Next, add olive oil to the crushed garlic and you’re ready to use your homemade garlic paste!

Lets cook the shrimp:

Heat the pan: Place a large pan or skillet over medium heat and add a combination of butter and olive oil. The butter adds richness, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning. Once the butter has melted and the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and crushed Chile arbol to the pan. Stir the garlic and Chile arbol in the pan, allowing them to cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter. Next, Carefully add the cleaned and prepared shrimp to the pan in a single layer( in batches at a time), ensuring they are evenly distributed. Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and opaque. After 2-3 minutes Using tongs, flip the shrimp over to cook the other side. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Once the shrimp are cooked, toss them in the garlic and Chile arbol-infused oil to coat evenly then add chopped parsley and a squeeze of lime juice. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy