Advertisements

Introduction: Ready for a Rich, Garlicky Seafood Delight?

Craving a bold, flavorful dish that’s quick and elegant? Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce) is your perfect choice! Featuring jumbo shrimp cooked in a luscious butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper, this Mexican-inspired dish is a savory, aromatic treat. Served with arroz blanco, lemon wedges, and dinner rolls, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or seafood feasts. Inspired by your love for bold, flavorful dishes like Sriracha Shrimp Skewers and Grilled Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, it’s adaptable for gluten-free and keto diets. Ready to savor a garlicky shrimp masterpiece? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

Advertisements

Overview: Why Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is a Must-Try

This Camarones al Mojo de Ajo combines juicy shrimp with a rich, garlicky butter sauce, ready in about 20 minutes. The one-pan skillet method ensures big flavors with minimal cleanup. What makes it special? It’s a gluten-free adaptable dish that’s perfect for showcasing bold, Mexican-inspired flavors, offering a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home with ease.

Time Requirement: About 20 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking).
Difficulty Level: Easy! Perfect for beginners or quick meals.
Why It’s Special: A rich, garlicky shrimp dish with vibrant, buttery flavors.

These shrimp in garlic sauce are a savory, delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Each ingredient adds to the rich, garlicky, and savory magic.

Unsalted Butter (1½ sticks, at room temperature): Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor balance.
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Adds bright, citrusy freshness.
Black Pepper (½ tsp, freshly ground): Brings mild heat.
Garlic Cloves (6, finely minced): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
Jumbo Shrimp (2 lbs, shell-on, deveined, 21–25 count): Offer juicy, tender protein.
Arroz Blanco (for serving): Provides a neutral, fluffy side.
Lemon Wedges (for serving): Add extra tangy brightness.
Dinner Rolls (for serving): Offer a soft, buttery complement.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter: Swap with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
Jumbo Shrimp: Use large shrimp (adjust cooking time to 4–5 minutes per side) or scallops.
Lemon Zest: Replace with lime zest for a different citrus note.
Arroz Blanco: Swap with cauliflower rice for keto or quinoa for gluten-free.
Dinner Rolls: Use gluten-free rolls, keto bread, or omit for keto.
Keto Adjustment: Use olive oil, cauliflower rice, and omit rolls (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free rolls or omit; ensure butter is gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Swap shrimp with king oyster mushrooms and butter with vegan butter.
Spicy Version: Add ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño with the garlic.

Advertisements

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is quick and simple, with a one-pan method that delivers bold flavors. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 1½ sticks unsalted butter over low heat until bubbles form.
Whisk in 1 tsp kosher salt, zest of 1 lemon, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute.
Increase heat to medium-low, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes to infuse the butter.

Tip: Mince garlic finely for even flavor; keep heat low to avoid burning butter or garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add 2 lbs jumbo shrimp to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
Cook on one side for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook until fully pink, another 5–6 minutes.
Remove from heat, taste, and adjust salt if needed.

Tip: Cook shrimp until just pink to avoid toughness; keep shells on for extra flavor, but devein for easy eating.

Step 3: Serve

Serve shrimp hot with the garlic butter sauce, alongside arroz blanco, lemon wedges, and dinner rolls.

Tip: Spoon extra sauce over shrimp for maximum flavor; offer extra lemon wedges for a zesty kick.

Advertisements

Assembly: Building the Perfect Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Making this dish is all about creating juicy shrimp in a rich, garlicky sauce with complementary sides. Here’s how to make it perfect:

Infuse Butter Slowly: Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
Cook Shrimp Just Right: Ensure they’re pink but not overcooked for tenderness.
Serve Hot: Keep shrimp and sauce warm for the best flavor.
Pair Thoughtfully: Use arroz blanco and rolls to soak up the sauce.

Presentation Tips:

Serve shrimp in the skillet for a rustic look or plate with arroz blanco for elegance.
Pair with a keto-friendly side like cauliflower rice or grilled asparagus (if using keto substitutions).
Garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of black pepper, or a lemon wedge for a polished touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but stores well for quick meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers:
- Store shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Store arroz blanco and rolls separately to maintain texture.
- Avoid freezing, as shrimp and sauce lose quality.
Reheating:
- Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water for 2–3 minutes.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until warmed through.
- Serve arroz blanco and rolls warm or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep garlic butter sauce (without cooking) up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Devein shrimp up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate until cooking.
- Cook dish fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to leftovers to revive brightness.

Recipe Variations

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is versatile, drawing on your love for bold, seafood-forward dishes like Sriracha Shrimp Skewers and Coconut-Lime Fried Shrimp. Here are some fun ideas:

Keto Garlic Shrimp: Use olive oil, cauliflower rice, and omit rolls (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free rolls or omit; ensure butter is gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Swap shrimp with king oyster mushrooms and butter with vegan butter.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add red-pepper flakes or a sliced chili with the garlic.
Herb-Infused Version: Add 1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the sauce.

Tip: Serve with a side of keto-friendly zucchini noodles or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flair.

Conclusion: A Garlicky, Savory Treat to Love

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is the perfect way to enjoy juicy shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s both bold and comforting. With simple sides like arroz blanco and dinner rolls, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or seafood feasts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, garnish with your favorites, and savor every buttery, garlicky bite. What’s your favorite way to enjoy these shrimp? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce)

Author: Alyssa

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a bold, flavorful dish that’s quick and elegant? Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce) is your perfect choice! Featuring jumbo shrimp cooked in a luscious butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper, this Mexican-inspired dish is a savory, aromatic treat.