The heat hits first, bold and smoky, with the shrimp staying tender and juicy. The sauce clings to every bite, fiery red with that perfect mix of spice and flavor.
I made Camarones a la Diabla for dinner one night when I wanted something quick but full of kick. The chili sauce filled the kitchen with a rich, spicy smell, and it instantly became one of my favorites.
If you love shrimp with a punch of heat, this recipe is going to win you over. Let’s cook up this spicy, deviled shrimp together and make dinner unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality: As one reader said, “Better than my favorite Mexican restaurant!”
- Perfect Heat Level: The smoky chipotle peppers create just the right amount of spice without overwhelming.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh shrimp for an authentic taste.
- Impressive Presentation: Looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or 6 people as an appetizer. Serve over rice or with warm tortillas.
Difficulty: Easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for entertaining.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or wide pan
- Blender or food processor
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Camarones A La Diabla
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fiery, flavorful dish:
For the Diabla Sauce:
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Adds smoky depth and rich tomato flavor
- Chipotle Peppers: The star ingredient that brings heat and smokiness
- Garlic: Fresh cloves provide aromatic base notes
- White Onion: Adds sweetness to balance the heat
- Olive Oil: For cooking and richness
For the Shrimp:
- Large Shrimp: Use 1-2 pounds of peeled, deveined shrimp
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime brightens the rich, spicy sauce
- Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the smoky flavors
- Cumin: Warm spice that adds Mexican flair
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste
Variations for Camarones A La Diabla
- Milder Version: Remove seeds from chipotle peppers or use fewer peppers
- Extra Spicy: Add fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers
- Creamy Style: Stir in heavy cream at the end for a milder, richer sauce
- With Vegetables: Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition
- Different Proteins: Try with fish, chicken, or scallops instead of shrimp
How to Make Camarones A La Diabla Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Diabla Sauce
Combine fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, garlic, and half the onion in a blender. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky.
2. Cook the Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce into the skillet. Add thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the bubbling sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How to Serve Camarones A La Diabla
This bold shrimp dish pairs perfectly with:
- Over Rice: Serve with white rice, cilantro lime rice, or Mexican rice
- With Tortillas: Warm corn or flour tortillas for making tacos
- With Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
- In Bowls: Layer over rice with avocado, lettuce, and Mexican crema
- As Appetizer: Serve with tortilla chips for dipping
Storing Camarones A La Diabla
- Cooked Dish: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator
- Sauce Only: The diabla sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked
- Adjust Heat: Start with fewer chipotle peppers and add more to taste
- Fresh Lime: Add lime juice at the end to keep the bright, fresh flavor
- Quality Shrimp: Use fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for best results
- Sauce Consistency: If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth
Nutrition
Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Cholesterol | 220mg |
Camarones A La Diabla Deviled Shrimp
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted tomatoes
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 medium white onion, diced (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a blender, combine fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, garlic, and half the diced onion. Blend until smooth but chunky.
- Cook Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Simmer Sauce: Add blended sauce to skillet with thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Shrimp: Add shrimp to sauce and cook 3-4 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and adjust seasonings to taste.
Camarones A La Diabla FAQs
A: The heat level is moderate to hot, depending on how many chipotle peppers you use. Start with 2 peppers and add more to taste.
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
A: You can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons chipotle powder, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
A: The sauce can be made ahead, but add the shrimp just before serving to prevent overcooking.
Conclusion
This authentic Camarones A La Diabla recipe brings restaurant-quality Mexican flavors to your home kitchen. The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh lime creates a perfect balance of heat and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
