Spicy, bold, and full of flavor, Diablo Shrimp (Camarones a la Diabla) is a Mexican favorite that combines juicy shrimp with a fiery, tangy red chile sauce. This dish is perfect for spice lovers and pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or a crisp salad. It’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)olive oilgarliconiondried guajillo chilesdried arbol chilesroma tomatoesketchupchipotle peppers in adobo saucechicken or seafood stocklime juicefresh cilantro (for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Remove seeds and stems from the dried chiles. Soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes until softened.

In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, ketchup, garlic, onion, and a splash of stock. Blend until smooth.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the sauce and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Add shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use more arbol chiles for extra heat or fewer for a milder version.

Substitute shrimp with scallops or chunks of fish for a seafood twist.

Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to mellow the heat.

Serve over pasta or rice for a filling meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Diablo Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

What does “a la diabla” mean?

A la diabla means “deviled” in Spanish, referring to the spicy heat of the dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Is this dish very spicy?

It can be, depending on how many chiles you use. Adjust to your taste.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What can I serve with Diablo Shrimp?

White rice, tortillas, salad, or grilled vegetables are excellent pairings.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.

Should I devein the shrimp?

Yes, deveining is recommended for better texture and presentation.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Yes, you can grill the shrimp separately and toss them in the sauce before serving.

Can I make this dish without chipotle?

Yes, but chipotle adds a smoky depth. Consider using smoked paprika as a substitute.

How do I tone down the heat?

Use fewer spicy chiles and balance with more tomatoes or a splash of cream.

Conclusion

Diablo Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish that brings the heat in the best way. With its rich, spicy sauce and quick cooking time, it’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy a bit of fire on their plate. Try it once, and you’ll crave its devilish charm again and again.