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Camarones a la Veracruzana is an outrageously delicious recipe that requires very little effort. It has saved me on many busy nights when I’m rushing around.
Succulent, juicy shrimp cooked in a delicious and mildly spicy sauce. A winning dinner idea that’s perfect all year long.
Camarones a la Diabla, Ceviche de Camaron, Camarones en Crema Chipotle
What does Veracruzana mean?
A dish that is made “a la Veracruzana” has tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olives. Sometimes capers and oregano are added such as in Pescado a la Veracruzana, or Fish Veracruz.
FYI: There are more ingredients to this recipe than are shown in the picture above. These are simply the main ingredients in “Veracruzana” recipes.
The Name Game
- I’m calling this dish “Camarones a la Veracruzana.”
- You might hear it referred to as “Shrimp Veracruz,” “Camarones Veracruz,” or “Camarones estilo Veracruz.”
How to Make It
- Heat oil, and saute onions.
- Add diced tomatoes.
- Mash with a potato masher until chunky but not smooth.
- Add olives, pickled jalapeños, bay leaf, garlic, and oregano.
If using capers, add them at this point.
It will take about 2 minutes to mash the tomatoes to a chunky consistency. Instead of diced tomatoes, you can also use canned diced tomatoes.
Swap out option: Instead of pickled jalapenos, you can also use diced chile guero.
These are large shrimp.
To make this recipe in under 20 minutes, buy fresh shrimp that is already deveined. That way, all you need to do is remove the shells and add to the skillet.
You can also use frozen, thawed shrimp OR shrimp that is not deveined. Either of these types of shrimp will add to your prep time.
Great Idea: Add veggies like calabacitas, Italian squash, or green beans to make this a more complete meal.
- After a few minutes, the sauce will be ready. It will resemble a chunky tomato sauce.
- Add the raw shrimp to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 4 minutes.
- Then remove the lid and turn heat off.
For tender shrimp, the minute they change color, take them off the heat. The heat from the skillet will continue to cook the shrimp.
If you overcook the shrimp, they will turn rubbery.
How Long Does It Last?
Camarones a la Veracruzana will last up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 5 months in the freezer.
Word to the Wise: In the freezer, though, the shrimp will lose some of their texture. Instead, freeze the sauce and add fresh shrimp when reheating.
Be sure to place the sauce in a sealable freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
For some brightness, top the Shrimp Veracruz with chopped cilantro.
What to serve with it?
Mexican Rice
refried beans
Tostada
Corn tortillas
Chips
Salad
Veggies
Camarones a la Veracruzana is a tasty way to serve up shrimp. A totally off-the-charts Mexican seafood recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Camarones a la Veracruzana
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 onion diced
- 2 tomatoes diced (or 1 cup diced tomato)
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 cup Spanish olives whole or halved
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tspn oregano
- 1 pickled jalapeno minced
- 1 tspn capers optional
- 1 lb shrimp shells removed, deveined, washed
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add the onion.
- Cook for 1 minute, or until translucent.
- Add the tomatoes.
- With a potato masher, mash the tomatoes to a chunky consistency.
- About 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic, olives, bay leaf, oregano, pickled jalapenos, and capers (if using).
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp.
- Mix to combine.
- Cover and cook for 4 minutes.
- Turn heat off and remove the lid.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
I have actually tasted this recipe. It is amazingly delicious!
Thank you. This was a delicious dish!
My son is a huge fan of shrimp recipes. I can’t wait to make this recipe for him. I know he’s gonna love it.
My son LOVED this recipe, and he’s not a big shrimp eater. Hope you and your son enjoy!
This looks like a delicious way to end the night. I have always enjoyed recipes from around the world.
Thank you. This is such an easy recipe. Hope you give it a try.
My husband would absolutely love this. He adores shrimp, and this recipe looks amaze. Bookmarking to make this weekend!
Awesome! Happy cooking.