Camarones Rancheros, or Ranch-Style Shrimp, is an easy Mexican recipe loaded with flavor. Watch the VIDEO or follow the step-by-step pictures to recreate this savory and tasty dish.

Jump to Recipe Add us as a Google trusted source

Camarones Rancheros or Ranch-Style Shrimp with cilantro

Camarones Rancheros translated means “Ranch-Style Shrimp.”

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

This dish is also called “Camarones a la Mexicana, or Mexican-Style Shrimp.”

We have a lot of name for things in Mexico, or we make up a name … lol.

Everyone has a nickname!

To make this Camarones Rancheros Recipe:

You start with butter in a skillet. Oil can be used instead of the butter, or a combo of the too. In my humble opinion, everything is bettah with buttah. That’s why I’m using it!

At restaurants, you might see someone call this recipe “Camaron Ranchero” or “Shrimp Ranchero.” As in singular. We have a lot of different names for things in Mexico.

If you’re not sure what something is, you can always ask. Mexicans love talking about food.

Whatever name you want to use is fine by me.

Diced onion is added. Cook this down for a few minutes.

When the onion is opaque, go to the next step.

Stay close by because this Camarones Rancheros Recipe comes together quickly.

As fast as an ice cube in the desert sun!

No one likes a dish that’s too spicy and inedible.

Try adding only half the jalapeño.

Instead of the jalapeño, you might see a roasted poblano pepper in dishes that are “a la mexicana” or “ranchero.”

Continue with the rest of the steps.

If you want more spice, then add the rest of the jalapeño.

I’m a firm believer in taste as you go.

This Camarones Rancheros Recipe is easily adaptable. You can also add corn or calabacitas.

You know what sounds like a good addition? Scallops! Yummmmm!

Tomatoes. Do you see why they sometimes refer to this dish as “Camarones a la Mexicana.”

It includes the colors of the Mexican flag – green, white, and red.

My preferred name is still “Camarones Rancheros.”

I would not exchange the tomato for canned tomato. You are kinda making a sauce that the shrimp are swimming in.

Usually when I get home from the grocery store, I like to prep everything. I dice the tomatoes, dice the garlic, etc.

They all go into containers. I just pull them out of the fridge as I need them.

That makes cooking a lot easier and faster especially on busy weeknights when all you want to do is watch Netflix.

Only one whole clove of garlic is used.

Finely minced so no one gets huge chunks of garlic.

Garlic powder can also be used here, but to me, fresh is best.

Some you like to frown against garlic.

That said, it gives good flavor to this recipe for Camaron Ranchero. I would not omit it unless absolutely necessary.

There really isn’t a substitute for garlic either. If you’re anti-garlic, use less of it.

Another thing you can do is put into the pan whole, then fetch it out once everything is done.

Chicken bouillon is an item in Mexico that is very commonly used.

I had a chef once refer to chicken bouillon as “yellow salt.” Lol.

If you are unfamiliar with it, you can also use regular salt as well.

You can also use vegetable bouillon or seafood bouillon. It will give the dish another layer of flavor.

Pepper. Grind up some pepper and add it to the skillet.

Give everything a stir.

You should see something that resembles a thick, chunky salsa.

Just on its own, this salsa is really, really good!

Remember this for next time you don’t have shrimp but have chicken on hand. Or, you can use fish or beef instead.

Raw Shrimp Cooking in Tomato Mixture in Skillet

Time for the shrimp.

Don’t they look amazing!

My Camarones Rancheros already smell amazing.

From here, it’s just a matter of minutes until the the shrimp turn pink.

PS: I’m using 2 lbs raw shrimp.

If you are using the jumbo, extra gigantic sized- shrimp, you will more time for them to cook.

The tiny shrimp will take less time.

Eyeball it to see how long you will need for it to cook thoroughly.

Clean up after your dog or cat, not your shrimp.

No one likes to be on shrimp poop patrol.

Save your time and energy and buy already deveined shrimp.

Sure the package costs an extra $1 or $2, but it’s totally worth it.

We sometimes go to Ensenada and buy fresh fish from the fish market. El Mercado Negro is awesome! You must go if you haven’t been there.

I hate… HATE … coming home and cleaning the shrimp. I always feel like it’s time I will never get back.

All for the love of shrimp.

Chopped Cilantro with Camarones Rancheros or Camarones a la Mexicana

At the very last minute, add the chopped cilantro.

You can also use parsley if you’re one of those cilantro, soap-tasting haters. Or omit altogether.

Although, I must say, that cilantro ties everything together and adds a bit of freshness. Yummy!

Give everything a good stir, and the Camarones Rancheros are ready!!

Tell me that wasn’t an easy recipe. Life is too complicated. We don’t have to make cooking hard as well.

Seriously, though, if you already have everything chopped and ready, this dish comes together in minutes.

Camarones rancheros also called camarones a la mexicana or ranch-style shrimp in a skillet

Camarones Rancheros, or Ranch-Style Shrimp, makes for an easy and delicious dinner.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to cook, but you have to feed your family or they’ll starve.

Serve with rice, lime wedges, and a dozen tortillas. Or make it keto, paleo, carb-friendly and serve with a salad.

It’s a mouthwatering dish come true that comes together in a flash. Hope you enjoy!

More Mexican Shrimp Recipes:

Shrimp Ceviche, Ceviche de Camarón
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, Coctel de Camarones
Camarones a la Diabla, Mexican Deviled Shrimp
Shrimp with Chipotle Cocktail Sauce
Caldo de Camarón – Mexican Shrimp Soup
Aguachiles
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Tacos Gobernador

Comments

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Camarones Rancheros + VIDEO