Mambo Shrimp Recipe
Elevate your cooking with our Mambo-Style Shrimp Recipe! A burst of Caribbean flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Category: Main Dish
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 230 calories
Mambo Shrimp
Mambo-style shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that draws its inspiration from the lively and dynamic Caribbean cuisine. This dish is a fusion of bold spices, fresh ingredients, and a touch of heat, creating a harmonious medley of flavors that dance on the palate. With its roots in the Mambo music and dance style that originated in Cuba, this dish captures the spirit of celebration and liveliness.
The preparation of Mambo-style shrimp begins with succulent large shrimp, peeled and deveined to showcase their natural sweetness. The shrimp are then sautéed to perfection in a skillet, allowing them to develop a lovely pink hue and a tender, juicy texture. The choice of seasoning is crucial in Mambo-style cooking, where a symphony of flavors unfolds. A combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme infuses the shrimp with a rich and aromatic essence. The spices create a delicate balance between warmth and a subtle kick, while the dried herbs contribute earthiness and depth.
The dish gains even more complexity from the addition of diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a flavorful base that supports the shrimp.
The tomatoes lend a touch of natural sweetness and acidity, while the onions and bell peppers contribute a mild crunch and sweetness. The garlic adds its characteristic aroma and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Served atop a bed of fluffy cooked rice, Mambo-style shrimp becomes a satisfying and complete meal. The garnish of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dish. Whether enjoyed on a warm summer evening or as a festive centerpiece during gatherings, Mambo-style shrimp encapsulates the essence of Caribbean cuisine's vibrancy and zest for life. With each bite, the flavors come together in a joyful celebration of taste, embodying the spirit of the Mambo itself.
Recipe
Spice up your kitchen with the irresistible allure of Mambo-Style Shrimp! Dive into Caribbean flavors that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Method Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the shrimp over cooked rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy your Mambo-style shrimp!
Recipe Video
This is a video about Mambo-style Shrimp.
Video Author: YummyBite TV
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 245 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Mambo-style Shrimp, Mambo-style Shrimp Recipe, Mambo Shrimp, Recipe, Mambo Shrimp Recipe
Servings
Mambo-style shrimp is a delightful dish that can be served as a main course alongside complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Over Rice: The classic way to serve Mambo-style shrimp is over a bed of cooked rice. The flavorful shrimp and its accompanying sauce meld beautifully with the rice, creating a satisfying and filling dish.
- With Tropical Sides: Enhance the Caribbean flair of the dish by pairing it with tropical sides such as coconut rice, fried plantains, or a fresh fruit salad. These sides provide a delightful contrast to the spicy and savory shrimp.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp on a bed of fresh mixed greens or a simple salad. The vibrant flavors of the shrimp will pair wonderfully with the crispness of the greens.
- As Tacos or Wraps: Transform the Mambo-style shrimp into a fun and interactive meal by serving it as taco or wrap fillings. Provide soft tortillas or lettuce wraps along with various toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Accompany the shrimp with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables. The charred flavors of the vegetables will complement the spices in the shrimp.
- As an Appetizer: Serve Mambo-style shrimp as an appetizer at a gathering. Skewer the cooked shrimp on toothpicks or small skewers for easy and elegant finger food.
- With Fresh Salsa: Prepare a fresh and zesty salsa using ingredients like diced mango, pineapple, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve the shrimp alongside the salsa for a burst of tropical flavors.
Tips
- Quality of Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Larger shrimp work well in this dish as they hold up better to the bold flavors and cooking process.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. Start with a smaller amount if you're sensitive to heat, and add more gradually if you prefer it spicier.
- Seasoning Balance: Ensure a harmonious balance of flavors by tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed. You can also add a pinch of sugar if you find the acidity from the tomatoes too strong.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Consistency: Dice the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and provide a consistent texture.
- Cooking Shrimp: Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Cooking time varies based on their size.
- Serving Suggestions: Experiment with different serving options, such as pairing the dish with rice, greens, or tropical sides, to tailor it to your preferences.
- Garnish: Don't forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. It adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
- Meal Timing: Plan your meal preparation so that the rice or sides are ready when the shrimp are cooked. This ensures that everything is served hot and fresh.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or variations. You can include diced mango, coconut milk, or other tropical fruits to enhance the Caribbean flavors.
- Presentation: Pay attention to presentation by arranging the shrimp and sauce attractively on the plate. This adds to the overall dining experience.
- Enjoy Responsibly: If you're sharing the dish with others, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies they might have. Provide options for those who prefer milder flavors or have dietary preferences.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Shrimp: If you prefer a different protein or seafood, you can use diced chicken, scallops, or even tofu as a substitute for shrimp.
- Bell Pepper: You can swap the bell pepper for other colorful peppers, such as red, orange, or yellow. If you don't have fresh peppers, you can use frozen diced peppers.
- Onion: Substitute the onion with shallots or leeks for a slightly milder flavor. Green onions can also work as a replacement.
- Diced Tomatoes: If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Opt for no-salt-added or low-sodium canned tomatoes to control the sodium content.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper, smoky flavor. If you're looking for a milder alternative, regular paprika or a combination of paprika and chili powder can work.
- Cayenne Pepper: Replace cayenne pepper with red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder for a similar heat level.
- Dried Oregano and Thyme: Feel free to use fresh oregano and thyme if you have them available. Keep in mind that fresh herbs are more potent, so use about three times the amount of dried herbs mentioned in the recipe.
- Olive Oil: Other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil.
- Fresh Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use cilantro or chives for a different herbal garnish.
- Cooked Rice: Use cooked quinoa, couscous, or another grain of your choice instead of rice. Cauliflower rice can also be used for a low-carb option.
- Garlic: Minced garlic from a jar can be a convenient substitute for fresh garlic cloves.
Remarks
As you take your final flavorful bite, remember that the essence of Mambo-style shrimp extends beyond the plate. It's a fusion of cultures, a celebration of bold spices, and a reminder that cooking is an art meant to be savored and shared. So, gather your loved ones, put on your favorite music, and let the spirit of the Caribbean infuse your kitchen. With our Mambo-style shrimp recipe, you've unlocked a culinary treasure that invites you to dance, dine, and create memories that linger long after the meal. Here's to savoring life, one delicious dish at a time!