Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo) Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Camarones al Mojo de Ajo)! Quick, zesty, and bursting with garlicky goodness, each bite is a fiesta of juicy shrimp with a flavorful, buttery sauce perfect for dipping, spooning, and savoring with friends and family.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe truly shines with a handful of simple, honest ingredients that come together for a magical blend of flavor and texture. Each plays a delicious role, transforming juicy shrimp into a vibrant, saucy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

• Olive oil: For sautéing and building a rich, aromatic base for the shrimp and garlic.
• Onion: Sliced thin and softened, onion adds gentle sweetness and a touch of texture to the sauce.
• Jalapeño or serrano peppers: For pops of heat and a subtle fresh crunch—feel free to adjust the spice level!
• Garlic: Six cloves, minced, give this dish its signature bold, garlicky aroma and unforgettable flavor.
• Butter: Brings creamy richness and creates a glossy, irresistible sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
• Shrimp: The star of the show—peeled and deveined for ease of eating, but leave the tails on for extra flavor and flair.
• Paprika and cumin: These warm, earthy spices lift and deepen every bite with just the right accent.
• Salt and pepper: For perfect seasoning, balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity that brightens and binds the buttery sauce.
• Lime juice and zest: For a fresh, zippy finish that’s simply irresistible with the garlicky shrimp.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro & red pepper flakes: For garnish—a sprinkle of herbs and a dash of heat that wake up the plate.

Variations

This Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a joy to adapt—swap a spice here, change a garnish there, and you’ll discover new favorite combinations based on your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. Here are a few irresistible ideas to get you started!

• Citrus Twist: Swap the lime for lemon, or try adding a splash of orange juice for a sunny, sweet note.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a dollop of Mexican crema or a touch of heavy cream at the end for an ultra-luxe, saucy finish.
• Lighter Touch: Skip the butter (or use less) and increase the olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version that’s still full of flavor.
• Make It a Meal: Stir in sautéed spinach or baby greens right before serving for a quick, veggie-packed main dish.

How to Make Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Peppers

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced onion and jalapeño or serrano peppers. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are beautifully softened and fragrant. This sets a deliciously aromatic stage for your shrimp.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor

Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir constantly for about one minute—just until the garlic blooms and fills your kitchen with its savory aroma. Be careful not to let it brown; you want the garlic sweet and mellow, not bitter.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Season Shrimp

Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling to blend it with the aromatic veggies. Meanwhile, season your shrimp generously with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper—this extra step ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add your seasoned shrimp to the skillet along with the white wine. Sauté, stirring gently, until the shrimp is pink, opaque, and just cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes. Make sure not to overcook, as shrimp can toughen quickly.

Step 5: Add Lime and Finish

Take your skillet off the heat and immediately stir in the fresh lime juice and zest. This makes the whole dish pop with brightness! Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed. Spoon onto a serving platter and get ready to garnish with a flourish.

How to Serve Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, shower your Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes. These simple touches add color, herby fragrance, and just the right hint of heat—plus, they make every plate look restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

This vibrant shrimp dish pairs beautifully with warm corn or flour tortillas for scooping up every last drop of sauce. For a fuller meal, think fluffy Mexican rice, a side of black beans, or a crisp jicama slaw to balance the flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation! Serve Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe over creamy polenta, pile into lettuce cups for a fresh twist, or scatter atop crunchy tostadas for a party-style appetizer that disappears in moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), place the shrimp and their sauce in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to two days, but are always best enjoyed as soon as possible for maximum tenderness.

Freezing

Shrimp are delicate and don’t freeze as well as some proteins, but you can freeze the cooked Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, knowing the texture may be slightly softer but the flavors will still sing.

Reheating

To keep shrimp succulent, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through—avoid microwaving for long, as it will toughen the shrimp. A quick splash of broth or water helps reawaken the buttery wine-garlic sauce if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something vibrant, quick, and bound to impress, I can’t recommend this Mexican Garlic Shrimp Recipe enough. It’s got bold flavor, a stunning aroma, and that “just one more bite” magic—give it a try soon and watch it become a new staple in your kitchen!

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