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Camarones con Calabacitas (Shrimp with Mexican Squash) is a dish I make ALL THE TIME. Mainly because it’s so versatile.
I will make a big pot of Calabacitas a la Mexicana, and later in the week, I add chicken, fish, or shrimp for a quick meal.
This shrimp version is so easy and so yummy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
More Mexican Shrimp Recipes:
Camarones a la Diabla
Camarones Rancheros
Shrimp Chile Rellenos
Shrimp Pozole
These are all the ingredients you will need.
Calabacitas are a type of Mexican squash. They have thinner skin than Italian Zucchini and are slightly sweeter.
You’ll see them in recipes like Calabacitas con Elote y Rajas and Chicken in Guajillo Sauce.
If you can’t find them at your local grocery, you can use regular zucchini.
Size Shrimp: These are large. However, you can use any Jumbo or Medium sized shrimp too, and simply adjust the cooking time.
How to Make It
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add the calabacitas. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt, and oregano.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
Great Ideas:
From here, the options are endless. Add chicken, beef, pork, or as in this case, shrimp.
Another idea: Add 8 cups of chicken broth to make a soup.
The jalapeno will give it a bit of a kick, and if you like it spicy, you can use a serrano pepper instead or use 2 jalapenos.
- Add the shrimp and lime juice.
- Cook until the shrimp are pink. About 4-5 minutes.
For some freshness, add chopped cilantro.
Larger shrimp will require longer cooking time. Smaller shrimp will require less cooking time.
Use already deveined shrimp for faster cooking!
Pro Tip:
Do not overcook the shrimp. Once the shrimp turn pink, turn the heat off. This will help in preventing them from turning rubbery.
This recipe is paleo, gluten free, and low carb. YAY! Load it up with more veggies.
Here are some ideas of other veggies you can add:
Spinach
Broccoli
Kale
Corn
Green Beans
Peas
Carrots
Cheese also works great in this dish. Such as panela cheese, Monterey Jack, Chihuahua, queso fresco, or grate some Cotija for saltiness.
Do you see how versatile this dish is?!
How Long Does It Last?
In the fridge, Camarones con Calabacitas will last up to 5 days. Freezing it will guarantee rubbery shrimp, but it can be done. In the freezer, this dish will last up to 5 months.
What to serve with it
Refried beans
Mexican White Rice
Salad
Sour cream
Camarones con Calabacitas is a yummy shrimp dish that makes cooking on weeknights EASY and DELICIOUS.
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Camarones con Calabacitas
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 calabacitas diced
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 1/4 onion diced
- 1 jalapeno finely diced
- 1 garlic clove finely diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- pinch ground oregano
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add the calabacitas.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, garlic, salt, and oregano.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add the shrimp and lime.
- Stir and cook until shrimp are pink.
- About 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately and serve.
I’ve never heard of calabacitas so I stopped by our Mexican grocery store. They had them so I had to make this recipe. We loved it — I’m now craving more dishes with the calbacitas. I could believe how quickly it all came together and how easy it was. One thing I did add, just a teense – Tajin. We love that stuff. Such a good seasoning.
So good right? We love this one too
This Camarones con Calabacitas looks so delicious and healthy! Ive never made this before, but now im drooling and craving for some. I need to try this dish out for me and my family today! Its so colourful and i also love your pictures. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I cant wait to try it out.
Colorful and delicious! Hope you try it.
This looks absolutely amazing, and you’re totally right – I love how versatile it is. I haven’t cooked with calabacitas before but it’s so enticing!
This recipe is delicious. Hope you try it!
Such a tasty and easy to make shrimp dish! Love the fresh tomatoes in there and jalapeño too!
It’s easy and delicious! Hope you try it.
Yum, this shrimp looks amazing. I love that it is so quick and easy to make too. Perfect for a busy weeknight. Thank you!
Glad you liked it. Hope you try it!
I just happened to have some shrimp and squash in my fridge so decided to make this recipe. It was so delicious and my whole family loved it. Next time I think I’ll make double so we can enjoy leftovers!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Jamie! It’s delicious.