Camarones A La Diabla Recipe

Spicy Camarones A La Diabla Recipe: Fiery Shrimp Magic

Spicy seafood lovers rejoice with this fiery camarones a la diabla recipe that packs a serious punch of flavor.

Succulent shrimp dance in a vibrant, red-hot sauce that promises to ignite your taste buds.

The devil sauce, or salsa diabla, brings an explosive blend of chilies and spices to every bite.

Traditionally rooted in Mexican cuisine, this dish combines heat and depth with remarkable complexity.

Each tender shrimp absorbs the robust, chili-infused sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that demands attention.

The balance of heat and rich marinades transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Serve alongside warm tortillas and watch as this spicy sensation becomes the star of your dinner table.

Spicy Mexican Devil Shrimp Unique Heat

  • Spice Up Your Dinner: Dive into a fiery Mexican dish that transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty, flavor-packed adventure perfect for those craving bold taste sensations.
  • Quickly Craft Gourmet Meals: Master this restaurant-quality recipe in just a few simple steps, making it ideal for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Heat Level: Easily adjust the spiciness by selecting different types of chiles, allowing you to create a personalized dish that matches your exact spice tolerance.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Serve a stunning Mexican-inspired entrée that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen, guaranteed to earn compliments from family and friends.

Ingredients for Spicy Devil Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that becomes tender and absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully.
Chiles and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Dried Chiles: Traditional Mexican peppers that provide deep, complex heat and authentic flavor.
  • Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy base that creates a rich, smooth sauce.
  • Garlic, Onion: Aromatic vegetables that build a robust and flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Oil: Helps sauté the shrimp and prevents sticking to the cooking surface.

Steps for Spicy Mexican Devil Shrimp

Step 1: Awaken Dried Chiles

Submerge the dried chiles in steaming hot water.

Let them relax and soften for about 15 minutes until they become plump and pliable.

This process helps release their deep, rich flavors and makes them easier to blend.

Step 2: Craft Fiery Sauce

Grab your blender and toss in the softened chiles along with:
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Garlic cloves
  • Chopped onion
  • Pinch of salt

Blend everything into a silky, vibrant sauce that promises explosive flavor.

The mixture should become completely smooth and have a gorgeous deep red color.

Step 3: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil.

Toss in the shrimp and let them dance in the pan.

Cook each side for roughly 1 minute until they transform into a beautiful light pink color.

The goal is to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 4: Marry Sauce and Shrimp

Pour the blazing sauce over the seared shrimp.

Let them simmer together, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbling hot and the shrimp are completely coated in the spicy embrace.

Tips for Perfect Devil Shrimp

  • Use boiling water for faster rehydration and deeper flavor extraction from dried chiles.
  • Adjust chile quantity to control spiciness, removing seeds for milder results or adding extra for intense heat.
  • Cook shrimp quickly over high heat, removing immediately when light pink to maintain tender texture.
  • Choose firm, fresh shrimp with no fishy smell for the best taste and texture in this spicy dish.
  • Toast chiles briefly before soaking to release natural oils and develop richer, more complex flavor profile.

Devil Shrimp Variations to Try

  • Veggie Devil's Delight: Replace shrimp with firm tofu cubes, maintaining the same spicy sauce and cooking method for a vegetarian version.
  • Low-Carb Chile Blast: Use cauliflower instead of shrimp, roast until golden, then coat with the spicy sauce for a lighter alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Seafood Fiesta: Swap standard chiles with gluten-free dried chiles, ensuring the entire recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Add black beans or quinoa to the dish, creating a hearty meal with extra protein and texture while keeping the signature spicy Mexican flavor profile.

Serving Spicy Mexican Shrimp Dishes

  • Fiery Taco Night Star: Serve these devil shrimp nestled inside warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a classic Mexican street food experience.
  • Zesty Rice Companion: Pair the spicy shrimp over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the sauce to drench the grains and create a complete, satisfying meal.
  • Cool Contrast Plate: Balance the heat by adding a side of creamy avocado salad or cucumber slaw, which will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the intense chile sauce.
  • Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle chopped green onions, crumbled queso fresco, and extra fresh herbs on top to add layers of texture and brightness to the dish.

Storing Spicy Mexican Shrimp

  • Store remaining spicy devil shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover completely to prevent flavor transfer to other foods.
  • Transfer cooled shrimp to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water if sauce seems dry.
  • Reheat shrimp only once to prevent bacterial growth and maintain the best quality. Discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours.

FAQs

  • What type of chiles work best for this recipe?

Guajillo and ancho chiles are perfect for creating a rich, complex flavor with moderate heat.

  • Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh shrimp works great and will actually provide a more tender texture when cooked properly.

  • How spicy is this Mexican Devil Shrimp?

The heat level is medium-hot, but you can adjust by removing chile seeds for less heat or adding extra chiles for more intensity.

  • Is this dish authentic to a specific Mexican region?

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican coastal cuisine, particularly styles from Veracruz and Baja California regions known for bold seafood preparations.

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Camarones A La Diabla Recipe

Camarones A La Diabla Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican Camarones a la Diabla sizzles with fiery chili peppers and zesty lime, promising a bold culinary adventure. Seafood enthusiasts will savor these devil-style shrimp that deliver intense flavor and hearty satisfaction in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Peppers and Spices:

  • 8 guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
  • 3 arbol chiles, stems removed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables:

  • 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic

Proteins and Oils:

  • 1.12 pounds (1 pound 2 ounces) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Submerge dried chiles in boiling water, allowing them to soften and rehydrate for approximately 15 minutes.
  2. Transfer the plumped chiles into a blender, incorporating fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onion, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully introducing the shrimp and searing them briefly—roughly 60 seconds per side—until they transition to a delicate pink hue.
  4. Pour the vibrant chile sauce directly over the seared shrimp, reducing heat to medium and allowing the components to simmer together, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce becomes slightly thickened and thoroughly heated.
  5. Gently agitate the skillet to ensure even coating and maximum flavor infusion, then remove from heat, preparing to serve the spicy Mexican devil shrimp immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Customize chile heat by selecting different dried chiles like guajillo for milder flavor or arbol for extreme spiciness.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before sautéing to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
  • Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for maximum flavor and tender texture; wild-caught varieties offer superior taste.
  • Reduce sauce with extra time for deeper, more concentrated Mexican-style flavor profile if you prefer richer consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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