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    Home » Recipes » Seafood

    Camarones a la Veracruzana + VIDEO

    Published: Feb 27, 2020 · Updated: Nov 9, 2022 by Maggie Unzueta

    Camarones a la Veracruzana is a quick and easy Mexican shrimp recipe loaded with BIG flavor. You’re going to love the rich tomato sauce. This seafood dish is ready in only 20 MINUTES!
    Jump to Recipe
    Camarones a la Veracruzana in a white bowl topped with chopped cilantro.

    Camarones a la Veracruzana in a white bowl topped with chopped cilantro.

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    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.

    More Mexican Shrimp Recipes:
    Camarones a la Diabla, Ceviche de Camaron, Camarones en Crema Chipotle

    Ingredients for Shrimp Veracruz on a wooden surface.

    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


    A collage showing how to make the sauce for Camarones a la Veracruzana.

    • 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.

    Note: The olives provide saltiness. That is why no salt is being added to the recipe.

    Two bowls of shrimp with and without shells.

    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.

    A collage showing how to cook the shrimp in the Veracruzana sauce.

    • 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.

    A fork showing a shrimp over a bowl of Camarones a la Veracruzana.

    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.

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Camarones a la Veracruzana in a white bowl topped with chopped cilantro.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Camarones a la Veracruzana
      • 1.1 Ingredients
      • 1.2 Instructions
      • 1.3 Video
      • 1.4 Notes
      • 1.5 Nutrition
          • 1.5.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

    Camarones a la Veracruzana

    Camarones a la Veracruzana is a quick and easy Mexican shrimp recipe loaded with BIG flavor. You’re going to love the rich tomato sauce. This seafood dish is ready in only 20 MINUTES!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 216kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ onion diced
    • 2 tomatoes diced (or 1 cup diced tomato)
    • 1 garlic clove minced
    • ½ 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.

    Video

    Notes

    If using a can of diced tomato, skip mashing step. 
    Use shrimp that is already deveined to save on time. If not, you will need to add 10 minutes to the prep time in order to clean the shrimp. 
    The olives add saltiness. That is why no salt is used in this recipe.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1217mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 642IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!
    Maggie Unzueta
    Website | + posts

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Melanie

      March 05, 2020 at 10:44 pm

      Finding easy weeknight recipes ends with me in a rut too often. This sounds like such a great way to mix it up! Just the right amount of flavor for the whole family.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 29, 2020 at 12:56 pm

        This recipe is so flavorful! Hope you try it

        Reply
    2. Nancy at Whispered Inspirations

      March 05, 2020 at 9:22 pm

      My husband would absolutely love this. He adores shrimp, and this recipe looks amaze. Bookmarking to make this weekend!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 06, 2020 at 8:59 am

        Awesome! Happy cooking.

        Reply
    3. Amy H

      March 05, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      OH, I bet my husband would love this! He likes Shrimp – I’m still coming around to the flavor (and texture ) of shrimp! We may have to try this soon

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 29, 2020 at 12:56 pm

        Hope you try it! I think you will love it.

        Reply
    4. Tiffany La Forge-Grau

      March 05, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like a delicious way to end the night. I have always enjoyed recipes from around the world.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 09, 2020 at 9:22 am

        Thank you. This is such an easy recipe. Hope you give it a try.

        Reply
    5. Ruth I

      March 05, 2020 at 8:40 am

      5 stars
      This is the first time I’ve seen this dish. It looks yummy. We like shrimp so this will be a hit!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 24, 2020 at 9:10 am

        It sure will be a hit! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    6. Lynndee

      March 05, 2020 at 5:28 am

      That looks good. We are huge fans of seafood over here but I haven’t tried preparing camarones before. Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 29, 2020 at 1:02 pm

        Hope you try this recipe you and your family will love it!

        Reply
    7. Catalina

      March 04, 2020 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! How fabulous this looks! I only can immagine how good this dish is!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 29, 2020 at 1:02 pm

        So good right? We love this one too

        Reply
    8. Terri Steffes

      March 04, 2020 at 4:51 pm

      We’ve made this and love it, even cold! I love your version, everything sounds so amazingly fresh.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 24, 2020 at 9:10 am

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    9. Tasheena

      March 04, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 06, 2020 at 9:00 am

        My son LOVED this recipe, and he’s not a big shrimp eater. Hope you and your son enjoy!

        Reply
    10. Amber Myers

      March 04, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so amazing! We’ll have to try this for sure. I always like to try new things, so this is perfect.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 24, 2020 at 9:10 am

        Glad you liked it! Hope you try it

        Reply
    11. Mitchell A Chaitin

      March 04, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      I can do this! I have all these ingredients! My son and I love shrimp, and I stock up when it is on sale, saving this recipe for my next cooking segment!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 03, 2020 at 1:14 pm

        This recipe is amazing! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    12. Christopher Vogelmann

      February 29, 2020 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      I have actually tasted this recipe. It is amazingly delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 04, 2020 at 8:44 am

        Thank you. This was a delicious dish!

        Reply

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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