Spicy Shrimp Veracruz has a way of transporting me straight to the sunny coast of Mexico with just one bite. I remember the first time I tried this dish at a tiny restaurant in Boca del Río; the vibrant colors, the intoxicating aroma of garlic and chilies, and the perfectly cooked shrimp in that zesty tomato sauce were unforgettable. This version, a delightful twist on classic Veracruz shrimp with chili, brings that same incredible flavor right to your kitchen. It’s a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that’s bursting with sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Let’s get cooking and make this amazing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. You’ll adore how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect choice for an Easy Shrimp Veracruz recipe.
- Incredibly flavorful with a balanced sweet, spicy, and savory profile.
- Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
- Uses fresh, vibrant ingredients that create a visually stunning dish.
- The combination of shrimp, tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños is simply irresistible.
- It’s a versatile Easy Shrimp Veracruz recipe that pairs well with many sides.
- Offers a taste of authentic Mexican coastal cuisine right in your home.
- Impress your guests with this unique and delicious Veracruz inspired shrimp dish.
Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
Gather these essential Veracruz shrimp ingredients to create this vibrant dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet impactful components, creating that signature spicy and sweet flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – the base for sautéing our aromatics
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – the star of our dish, ensuring every bite is succulent
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – for a sweet aromatic foundation
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds that essential pungent depth of flavor
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – these provide the tomatoey base and liquid for our sauce
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives – bringing a briny, salty kick
- 1/4 cup capers, drained – for a delightful pop of tangy, salty goodness
- 1/4 cup golden raisins – these add a surprising touch of sweetness that balances the heat
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced – adjust to your spice preference for that characteristic heat
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – for a burst of freshness and herbaceous notes
- Salt and black pepper to taste – to perfectly season your creation
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
Let’s dive into the simple yet rewarding process of creating this vibrant dish. The Veracruz shrimp cooking method is straightforward, focusing on building layers of flavor quickly.
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cook them for just 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn beautifully pink and opaque. We’re just searing them briefly here, so don’t overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Step 2: Into the same skillet, add the 1/2 cup chopped onion. Sauté until the onions become softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. You’ll start to smell that delicious aroma building!
- Step 3: Now for the sauce! Stir in the 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, which form the base of our wonderfully zesty Shrimp Veracruz spicy sauce. Add the 1/2 cup sliced green olives, 1/4 cup capers, drained, and the 1/4 cup golden raisins. Finally, toss in the 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced, to bring that signature heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating the perfect base for our shrimp. This part of the Veracruz shrimp cooking method is key to developing that complex taste.
- Step 4: Return the briefly cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently stir them into the simmering Veracruz sauce, ensuring each piece is coated in that luscious, spicy goodness. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Serve your gorgeous Spicy Shrimp Veracruz immediately. It’s fantastic on its own, or spooned over fluffy rice or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
Want to elevate your Spicy Shrimp Veracruz game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Always use fresh, good-quality large shrimp. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the shrimp; cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get a nice sear rather than steam.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the olives and capers, as they are quite salty.
What’s the secret to perfect Shrimp a la Veracruz?
The real magic in an Authentic Shrimp Veracruz lies in balancing the sweet raisins, briny olives and capers, and the kick from the jalapeños. Don’t skip the raisins; they are key to that signature sweet-spicy interplay.
Can I make Homemade spicy shrimp Veracruz ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce base (steps 2 and 3) a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the shrimp, and finish cooking as directed. This makes for a truly Quick Shrimp Veracruz meal!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy seafood Veracruz style?
The biggest pitfalls are overcooking the shrimp and not letting the sauce flavors meld. Cook shrimp only until pink, and simmer the sauce for at least 5-7 minutes before adding them back in. This ensures tender shrimp and a well-developed flavor for your Spicy seafood Veracruz style dish.
Best Ways to Serve Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
This vibrant Spicy Shrimp Veracruz is incredibly versatile and delicious served in so many ways. I love how it pairs with simple sides that let the bold flavors shine.
- Over Rice: A classic for a reason! Serve your Shrimp with tomatoes and chilies Veracruz spooned generously over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up that amazing, zesty sauce beautifully.
- With Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that flavorful sauce go to waste! Offer warm, crusty bread for dipping. A good baguette or ciabatta is perfect for sopping up every last drop.
- As a Taco Filling: For a fun twist, flake the shrimp and mix it with a little extra sauce, then use it as a delicious filling for soft corn tortillas. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information for Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
This Spicy Shrimp Veracruz recipe is packed with flavor and surprisingly light. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving, keeping in mind that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2-3g
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
- Sugar: Approximately 8-12g
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size.
How to Store and Reheat Spicy Shrimp Veracruz
Don’t let any delicious leftovers go to waste! Storing and reheating your Spicy Shrimp Veracruz is simple, ensuring you can enjoy this flavorful dish again. For the best quality, allow the dish to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
You can keep your refrigerated Spicy Shrimp Veracruz for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Being able to freeze it makes it a fantastic option for a Quick Shrimp Veracruz meal later on!
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Enjoy your flavorful leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fiery shrimp Veracruz
What exactly is Shrimp Veracruz?
What is Shrimp Veracruz? It’s a classic Mexican dish, originating from the Veracruz region, that features shrimp simmered in a vibrant, savory sauce. While traditional versions might vary, they generally include tomatoes, olives, capers, and sometimes chilies. My take on this Spicy Shrimp Veracruz recipe adds a bit more heat and sweetness for a truly exciting flavor profile.
Is this recipe very spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is designed to have a pleasant kick, but the heat level is adjustable! The minced jalapeños contribute to the “fiery” aspect of this Fiery shrimp Veracruz. If you prefer less spice, simply remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños before mincing, or use only one. For an even milder dish, you can substitute a diced bell pepper for the jalapeño. If you love heat, feel free to add an extra jalapeño or even a pinch of red pepper flakes! For more information on chili peppers, you can check out this resource.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in a colander in the sink and run cold water over them for about 5-10 minutes, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Draining any excess water is important, as too much moisture can affect the sauce. It’s still a great way to make a delicious Spicy shrimp recipe Veracruz style even when you’re short on time.
What should I serve with my Spicy Shrimp Veracruz?
This dish is wonderful served over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or with some warm, crusty bread. A simple side salad or some steamed green beans also makes a lovely accompaniment. You could also serve it as is for a lighter meal. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many things, making it a go-to for a flavorful Veracruz inspired shrimp dish.
Variations of Veracruz Inspired Shrimp Dish
This Spicy Shrimp Veracruz is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for dietary adjustments or simply want to explore different flavor profiles, here are a few ideas for your next Spicy shrimp recipe Veracruz style.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Twist: For a plant-based version, swap the shrimp for firm or extra-firm tofu cubes or hearty chunks of cauliflower. You’ll achieve a similar vibrant sauce, making it a delightful Veracruz inspired shrimp dish without the seafood. For more plant-based inspiration, check out these dessert recipes.
- Spicy Seafood Medley: Elevate this by adding other types of seafood. Consider incorporating some firm white fish fillets, calamari rings, or mussels along with the shrimp for a richer, more complex Spicy seafood Veracruz style experience.
- Baked Veracruz Shrimp: For a hands-off approach, try baking this dish. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a baking dish, nestle the shrimp on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. This method still delivers fantastic flavor.
- Citrusy Kick: To add another layer of brightness, squeeze the juice of half a lime or orange over the dish just before serving. This enhances the zesty notes and complements the spicy elements beautifully.
Spicy Shrimp Veracruz: 1 Quick Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spicy Shrimp Veracruz is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring juicy shrimp in a peppery tomato sauce with sweet raisins, briny capers, and zesty jalapeños. This quick and easy recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy and sweet flavors, perfect for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, green olives, capers, golden raisins, and minced jalapeños. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This is your spicy shrimp Veracruz sauce base.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp in the Veracruz sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are heated through.
- Stir in fresh cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve your delicious Spicy Shrimp Veracruz hot, perhaps over rice or with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a milder dish, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- You can substitute other chili peppers for jalapeños, depending on your heat preference.
- This Spicy Shrimp Veracruz recipe is best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Sugar: Approximately 8-12g
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2-3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 7-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150-200mg