Puerto Rican Camarones a la Criolla features succulent shrimp bathed in salsa criolla, a rich tomato sauce, infused with the vibrant flavors of bell peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices.
This popular dish is a beloved staple in Puerto Rican kitchens, cherished for its bold flavors and comforting essence. Normally served with a side of fluffy Arroz Blanco (Puerto Rican White Rice), crispy Tostones (Fried Green Plantains), or on top of garlicky Mofongo (Garlic Plantain Mash). This dish is popular everywhere, from homes and local neighborhood restaurants to upscale luxury resorts.
Its popularity stems from the perfect harmony of succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, bell peppers, and a medley of traditional spices. A truly delicious dish that embodies the island’s culinary heritage.
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Reasons to Love this Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of succulent shrimp sitting in a savory, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, bell peppers, and traditional spices creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste in every bite!
- Versatile Accompaniments: This dish pairs beautifully with several dishes including, white rice, Arañitas (Crispy Plantain Fritters), tostones, or mofongo.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is not only easy and straightforward to make but uses simple ingredients that are accessible for most people.
- Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant colors and aromatic appeal, Camarones a la Criolla makes for an impressive and inviting dish, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein ingredient, and when combined with fresh vegetables, this dish provides a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Shrimps – Use large or extra large shrimps for this dish.
- Sofrito – Sofrito is the basis of all Puerto Rican dishes and a must in this recipe!
- Shrimp or Clam Broth – Although optional, seafood broth adds an amazing flavor to this dish.
- Peppers – Use a combination of colored bell peppers for both flavor and aesthetic appeal.
- White Wine – White wine adds a delicious savory element that’s just amazing in this dish.
- Cilantro – Use only fresh cilantro for the best robust flavor.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to the sauce.
- Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to add even more texture and flavor.
- Grilled Shrimp: Instead of simmering the shrimp in the sauce, grill them separately and then toss them in the Criolla sauce before serving for a smoky flavor.
- Seafood Mix: Combine shrimp with other seafood such as scallops, clams, or mussels for a seafood medley.
- Shrimp: Replace the shrimp with chicken or fish fillets, for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
Step 1: Add a tablespoon of oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp for a few minutes or until they turn pink, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add two tablespoons of oil and heat through. Add the peppers and onions and saute for a few minutes or until the onions are translucent.
Step 4: Add the sofrito, garlic puree, and tomato sauce. Stir and saute for two minutes.
Step 5: Add the white wine and stir. Cook the sauce for five minutes on medium low. Add ¾ cup of water or shrimp broth. Cook for an additional five to seven minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce will start to slightly thicken.
Step 6: Add the shrimps back to the sauce and stir. Cook for two minutes. Top with the cilantro and stir again. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Proper Sautéing – Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant before adding the spices. This step helps develop the rich, deep flavors that characterize this delicious dish.
- Homemade Sofrito – Make a quick and easy sofrito blend of onions, garlic, peppers and cilantro. Homemade sofrito adds an authentic flavor plus you will have extra to make other authentic dishes like Sopa de Salchichon (Salami Soup) and Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas).
- Simmering the Sauce – Allow the sauce to simmer gently to let the flavors meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or seafood stock to achieve the desired consistency.
- Two Ways to Cooking the Shrimp Perfectly – Add the shrimp towards the end of the cooking process and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque or cook them in the beginning and remove from the skillet then return back to the sauce at the end. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running cold water over them in a colander.
Sofrito is a blend of onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro used as a base in many Puerto Rican dishes. You can use store-bought sofrito, but homemade sofrito is not only so easy to make but has a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the shrimp, cooking them until they are just done. This ensures the shrimp remain tender and juicy.
Yes, you can substitute other seafood like scallops, fish fillets, or a mix of seafood. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different seafood may have different cooking requirements.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can make them tough.
Other Seafood Dishes You Will Love
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📖 Recipe
Camarones a la Criolla
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ green bell pepper rinsed and chopped
- ½ red, yellow or orange bell pepper rinsed and chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1½ tablespoon sofrito
- 4 teaspoon garlic puree or 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- ¼ cup white wine
- ¾ cup water or shrimp broth
- 3 tablespoon vegetable or corn oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add a tablespoon of oil to a skillet over medium heat. Seasoned the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for a few minutes or until they turn pink, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add two tablespoons of oil and heat through. Add the peppers and onions and saute for a few minutes or until the onions are translucent.
- Add the sofrito, garlic puree, and tomato sauce. Stir and saute for two minutes.
- Add the white wine and stir. Cook the sauce for five minutes on medium-low. Add ¾ cup of water or shrimp broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional five to seven minutes. The sauce will start to slightly thicken.
- Add the shrimps back to the sauce and stir. Cook for two minutes. Top with the cilantro and stir again. Serve immediately.
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