Camarones a la Plancha Recipe

Camarones a la Plancha features a shrimp cooked on a griddle or grill, typically seasoned with various herbs, spices, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice or garlic butter for added flavor.

this recipe

This Mexican grilled shrimp, is one of my go-to meals when I’m craving something simple yet flavorful. It’s a classic dish that’s super popular in a bunch of Spanish-speaking countries. I love how quick and easy it is to make, you just cook the shrimp until they’re pink and a little charred. It’s honestly the best!

During hot Mexican summers, my family often gather outdoors to grill shrimp. The juicy shrimp, seasoned with spices and a squeeze of lime, bring everyone together for delicious and memorable meal, served alongside this fragrant cilantro lime rice.

Ingredients

Shrimp: You can use shrimp of any size – large shrimp, prawns, or others — but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Citrus Juices: Using lime and orange juice in Camarones a la plancha adds a zesty flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile. The acidity of the juices also helps to tenderize the shrimp, resulting in a more succulent texture.
Spices: For this recipe, I used garlic powder, ground chili peppers, cumin, and salt. You can add paprika or any spices that you want.
Olive oil: Olive oil is very flavorful and aromatic, so it’s a great addition to the recipe. 

How To Make Camarones a la Plancha

To make Camarones a la Plancha, start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp.

Properly clean the shrimp by slicing each lengthwise from head to tail, removing the legs and shell, and discarding the heads and tails.

Then, use a toothpick to remove any black/greenish veins before rinsing them thoroughly under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels for cooking.

For the best taste and texture, I recommend using fresh shrimp instead of frozen ones.

In a bowl, marinate the cleaned shrimp by adding ground cumin, chili pepper, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed orange and lime juices.

Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing the spices and juices to penetrate the shrimp, imparting depth of flavor.

Meanwhile, prepare your cooking surface by heating a flat griddle or “plancha” over high heat until it reaches a smoky temperature.

Brush the surface lightly with a touch of olive oil, ensuring the shrimp won’t stick during cooking.

Once the griddle is prepped, carefully arrange the marinated shrimp on the hot surface, sizzling as they make contact.

Allow them to cook undisturbed for approximately 3 minutes before flipping them over to cook on the other side.

Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are no longer pink and have cooked through.

Serve the shrimp right away when they’re cooked perfectly, enjoying their tasty mix of spices and citrus as a delicious addition to any dish.

Notes & Tips

• When making Camarones a la Plancha, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp to ensure the best taste and texture in your dish.
• Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows them to soak up the delightful flavors of the spices and citrus juices. For an even richer taste, consider marinating them for longer.
• A well-heated flat griddle or skillet is essential for achieving that delicious sear on the shrimp. Make sure it’s hot before adding your shrimp to the pan.
• Brushing the griddle with a bit of olive oil before cooking helps prevent the shrimp from sticking. Alternatively, a non-stick cooking spray can also do the trick.
• Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Aim for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and firm to the touch.

How To Serve

When serving Camarones a la Plancha, you can arrange the grilled shrimp on plates, adding chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness. I like to offer sauces like garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, or salsa verde on the side for dipping, and allow my guests or family to customize their meal easily.

You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a fun taco experience where everyone can customize their meal. Offering drinks like wine, margaritas, or beer make this dish ideal for gatherings with loved ones.

In the summertime, I enjoy pairing it with sides like buttery rice, grilled corn salad, or tangy pickled onions, all perfect complements to the shrimp. There are countless options to accompany this tasty grilled dish—be sure to savor every bite!

Tips For Storing Leftovers

To store your leftover Camarones a la Plancha, begin by allowing the cooked shrimp to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

For the best results, I recommend labeling the container with the date of preparation to effortlessly monitor freshness. It’s essential to refrigerate the shrimp promptly after cooling to maintain their delicious flavor and texture.

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or the microwave until warmed through. Take care not to overheat them, as this can result in the shrimp becoming tough.

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