Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an authentic Colombian shrimp dish that promises to transport you straight to the vibrant coastal kitchens of South America! Camarones en Apuro, literally meaning "Shrimp in a Hurry", is the perfect quick and mouthwatering meal that combines fresh seafood with bold, aromatic ingredients. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends, making you feel like a professional chef without hours of complicated preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Colombian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by cleaning and deveining 1 pound of fresh shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Finely dice 2 medium tomatoes, 1 medium onion, and 1 bell pepper. Mince 3-4 garlic cloves and chop fresh cilantro for garnishing.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to break down and create a sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine the flavors.
- Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot, preferably with white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp and pat them completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet - cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to the tomato sauce.
- Fresh cilantro is key - chop it just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic qualities.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is fresh for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
