Puerto Rican Camarones al Ajillo is a flavorful dish of juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce. This quick and delicious recipe brings island vibes to your kitchen and pairs perfectly with tostones, white rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bite.
Puerto Rican Camarones al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) is a dish I never get tired of. There’s something about the combination of tender shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s not only delicious but also comforting, especially when you pair it with garlic tostones and fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop. This is how we traditionally enjoy it in Puerto Rico, simple, comforting and delicious!
And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy shrimp, my mofongo con camarones is a must-try, with mashed garlicky plantains and a savory shrimp topping. For something just a bit cozier, try asopao de camarones, a hearty shrimp and rice stew that always hits the spot. And if you love saucy dishes, try my camarones a la criolla recipe, shrimps cooked in our flavorful salsa criolla.
Ingredients You Will Need
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the shrimp under cool water and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Note: Be sure to use raw shrimp, not precooked. Raw shrimp absorb all the rich flavors of the butter, garlic, lime, cilantro, and wine, making every bite more delicious and flavorful.
Step 2: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely.
Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper (if using), sautéing until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the white wine and let it cook for about 2 minutes. Taste the broth, if it tastes bitter, reduce the heat and let it simmer a bit longer to allow the wine to evaporate.
Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side. Flip with a fork and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Let the shrimp cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Other Shrimp Recipes You Will Love
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📖 Recipe
Camarones al Ajillo
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw large or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced or minced
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes optional
- 1 zest and juice of lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro rinsed and chopped
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cool water and season with salt and pepper to taste.Note: Be sure to use raw shrimp, not precooked. Raw shrimp absorb all the rich flavors of the butter, garlic, lime, cilantro, and wine, making every bite more delicious and flavorful.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper (if using), sautéing until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and let it cook for about 2 minutes. Taste the broth, if it tastes bitter, reduce the heat and let it simmer a bit longer to allow the wine to evaporate.
- Add the lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side. Flip with a fork and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Veronica says
Excelente
Recetas
Cathy says
¡Muchisimas gracias Veronica!! ¡Cuanto agradezco este comentarion tan dulce! ¡Un millon de gracias por tomar el tiempo de su dia para comentar y dejarme saber cuanto le gustan las recetas!
Ariel says
I want to try this recipe since my husbands aunt would make this for him but, she passed 3 years ago. I have a question though, is the white wine specifically necessary or can it be substituted with something else?
Cathy says
Hello Ariel! It’s wonderful you want to recreate a dish that your husbands aunt would make, I’m sure he will appreciate it so so much! The wine is not specifically necessary and if you like you can replace it with a few options. You can instead add 1/4 cup of chicken broth or simply use water or add extra butter to your liking. It will still come out super delicious and he will love them with or without the wine. Hope this helps, please feel free to let me know if there is anything else I can help you with! Enjoy!!
Emese says
I had me at “cooking time 10-minutes”. Love quick and easy recipes.
Cathy says
Me too Emese! 🙂
Natalie says
Looks so delicious and light – perfect for a healthy balanced dinner or lunch ♥
Cathy says
Thank you Natalie!
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says
Cilantro and lime shrimps are so delicious, this is perfect to serve with pasta and white wine!
Cathy says
Yes it is! 🙂
Brian says
I loved these, bright and light but loads of greaqt flavour and super quick too, thank you!
Cathy says
Thank you Brian! 🙂
Amy Chung says
This recipe looks amazing! Everything looks so fresh. Love that you put lime wedges in there whole without peeling the rind off. I love shrimp in any way shape or form so will deifnitely try this!
Cathy says
Thank you Amy! Yes I love the lime in there whole, looks pretty too. Let me know when you try these and what you think! 🙂
Suzy says
I am loving the sound of this! So simple yet so flavorful! Trying this soon!
Cathy says
Thanks Suzy! You will love these!
Alison says
That shrimp looks divine! I love latin flavors. I’m so glad I found your site.
Cathy says
Awww thank you Alison!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
This has such incredible flavor in it! I’m in love!
Cathy says
Thanks Jocelyn!!
Kelly Anthony says
I am a shrimp lover like you and I also love the smell of butter, garlic, lime, and white wine cooking. What a great combination!
Cathy says
Yes it is Kelly! Love these!
Lizzy says
Yum! What a refreshing summer appetizer. I’m going to make these for a cookout next weekend. Shrimp will be such a nice alternative to the standard meat-heavy food. Can’t wait to share them!
Cathy says
Thanks Lizzy!!!! You will love these!!