Camarones a la Diabla, or Spicy Devil Shrimp, is a fiery Mexican dish that's bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. The vibrant red sauce, a delicious blend of chiles, garlic, and tomatoes, coats succulent shrimp, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This isn't your grandmother's shrimp cocktail; expect a bold, spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Prepare for a flavor explosion that perfectly balances heat and sweetness.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times. This accessible guide simplifies the process of making authentic Camarones a la Diabla, perfect for both seasoned cooks and enthusiastic beginners. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with our simple, step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Strainer
- Pot
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1.5 kg (medium shrimp)
- Garlic: 6 cloves
- Guajillo Chiles: 5 (cleaned, seeded)
- Puya Chiles: 4
- Chile de árbol: 4
- Pasilla Chile: 1
- Tomato: 1
- Onion: 1 (1/4 + 1/2)
- Chipotle Chiles in Adobo: 3
- Ground Black Pepper: 0.5 tsp
- Allspice Flakes: 8
- Oregano: 0.5 tsp
- Butter: 3 tbsp (or 3 squares)
- Water: 4 cups
- Salt
- Cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp and Broth
- Clean the shrimp, remove heads and intestines. Save the heads and shells for broth. Refrigerate the cleaned shrimp.
- Boil shrimp heads and shells in 1 cup of water to create a flavorful broth.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Step 2. Make the Spicy Diablo Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan, fry the chiles (cut in half) until slightly burnt. Remove from oil.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and tomato in the same pan. Add oregano.
- Add the fried chiles and 2 cups of boiling water. Simmer until the tomatoes and chiles soften.
- Blend the tomato-chile mixture with the chipotle chiles, pepper, clove, and 1 cup of shrimp broth. Strain the sauce.
Step 3. Cook the Shrimp
- In a pan, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add the shrimp and cook until desired doneness.


Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with white rice.


Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style
Tips
- Reduce the amount of chili if you prefer less spice.
- Slightly burning the chiles helps prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they brown properly and don't become mushy.
2. What can I do if the sauce is too spicy?
Add a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca to your serving to cool down the heat. A squeeze of lime juice can also help balance the flavors.
Your delicious Camarones a la Diabla are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with warm tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy the fiery flavor and the compliments that are sure to follow!