Description
Bring bold Mexican flavors to your table with this quick and easy Spicy Mexican Shrimp recipe. Juicy, tender shrimp are coated in smoky spices, caramelized in a buttery agave sauce, and brightened with fresh lemon juice. Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or as a standalone dish, this flavorful recipe will be your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 3 tbsp dark agave syrup
- Juice of 1 lemon
Optional Toppings and Additions:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Lime wedges
- Diced avocado
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the dark agave syrup and fresh lemon juice directly to the skillet.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the shrimp are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh cilantro, crushed red pepper flakes, or an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
- Serve immediately over rice, in tacos, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp deliver the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp work perfectly if thawed correctly.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; watch them closely to prevent rubbery texture.
- Balance the Flavors: The agave syrup and lemon juice add a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity to the spicy shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican