If you love bold, fiery flavors, then Shrimp Diablo recipe (Camarones a la Diabla) is the perfect dish for you! This Mexican-inspired recipe features juicy shrimp simmered in a rich, smoky, and spicy tomato-based sauce made with a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and spices. The name “Diablo” means “devil”, referring to the dish’s intense heat, making it a favorite for spice lovers.
Shrimp Diablo is quick and easy to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The best part? You can adjust the spice level to your taste—whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery explosion. This dish pairs perfectly with white rice, warm tortillas, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through an authentic Shrimp Diablo recipe, covering:
✅ The best chili peppers for heat
✅ How to make a rich and smoky Diablo sauce
✅ Expert tips for cooking shrimp perfectly
✅ Serving and pairing suggestions
Whether you’re a fan of spicy Mexican food or just looking to try something new, this Shrimp Diablo recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Shrimp Diablo
To make authentic Shrimp Diablo, you’ll need fresh shrimp, a bold chili-based sauce, and key seasonings that bring out spicy, smoky, and savory flavors.
Essential Ingredients for the Diablo Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish truly fiery and flavorful.
- 3 large Roma tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeded and soaked (mild smoky heat)
- 2 dried chile de árbol, seeded (adds extra heat!)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (for smoky flavor)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (adds richness)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (to blend the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano (for authentic flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for warmth)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)
Ingredients for the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat!)
- Juice of 1 lime (brightens the dish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Best Chili Peppers for Heat 🌶️
Want to customize the spice level? Here’s how different peppers affect the dish:
Mild: Guajillo, Ancho
Medium: Chile de Árbol, Chipotle
Spicy: Serrano, Jalapeño
Super Hot: Habanero, Ghost Pepper
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!
How to Make Shrimp Diablo
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this bold and spicy Mexican dish.
Step 1: Preparing the Spicy Diablo Sauce
- Toast the Chilies:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the guajillo and chile de árbol peppers for 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and soak in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ½ chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Blend the Sauce:
- Drain the soaked chilies and add them to a blender.
- Add chopped tomatoes, chipotle pepper, tomato paste, chicken broth, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
- Blend until smooth. If too thick, add a little more broth.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Return the sauce to the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) to balance the acidity.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional for extra heat).
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the shrimp.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Combining Shrimp and Sauce
- Add Shrimp to the Diablo Sauce:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet with the simmering sauce.
- Toss to coat and simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Add more salt, lime juice, or spice if needed.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp Diablo with:
🍚 Steamed white rice – Soaks up the spicy sauce.
🌮 Warm corn tortillas – Makes the perfect shrimp taco filling.
🍞 Crusty bread – Great for scooping up the sauce.
🍝 Over pasta – Turns it into a spicy seafood pasta.
🌿 Garnish with chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime before serving.
Your fiery, smoky, and flavorful Shrimp Diablo is now ready to enjoy!
Variations of Shrimp Diablo
Shrimp Diablo is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust the heat level, add creaminess, or even serve it with pasta to suit your taste. Here are some delicious variations to try!
1. Extra Spicy Shrimp Diablo 🌶️🔥
For those who love extreme heat, turn up the spice with these additions!
How to Make It Extra Spicy:
- Add 1 finely chopped habanero or ghost pepper to the sauce.
- Increase chile de árbol from 2 to 4 peppers for extra fire.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce at the end.
🔥 Best Served With: A cold margarita to cool down the heat!
2. Mild Shrimp Diablo 🌶️
Want the flavor without too much heat? Here’s how to tone it down.
How to Make It Milder:
- Use only guajillo chilies (skip chile de árbol).
- Replace chipotle pepper with roasted bell pepper for smokiness.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of honey to balance the spice.
🍚 Best Served With: Rice and avocado slices for a cooling effect!
3. Creamy Shrimp Diablo 🥛
For a rich, velvety texture, add cream or cheese to balance the spice.
How to Make It Creamy:
- Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or Mexican crema at the end.
- Add ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese as a topping.
- Use butter instead of olive oil for a silkier sauce.
🥄 Best Served With: Warm tortillas or buttery garlic bread!
4. Shrimp Diablo with Pasta 🍝
Turn this into a spicy seafood pasta dish!
How to Make It with Pasta:
- Boil 8 oz. of spaghetti or linguine, and toss with the sauce.
- Add ¼ cup pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Top with parmesan or cotija cheese for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Diablo
To make restaurant-quality Shrimp Diablo, follow these expert tips for the perfect flavor, spice balance, and texture.
1. Choosing the Right Chili Peppers 🌶️
- Guajillo chilies – Mild heat, slightly smoky, great for depth of flavor.
- Chile de árbol – Small but spicy! Adds a fiery kick.
- Chipotle in adobo – Smoky and spicy, perfect for bold flavor.
- Habanero or ghost pepper – For extra heat lovers!
Tip: If you want less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before blending.
2. How to Balance Heat and Flavor
- Lime juice – Brightens up the dish and cuts through the spice.
- A pinch of sugar or honey – Helps balance acidity and heat.
- Add broth or cream – Softens the spice without losing flavor.
Tip: If your sauce is too spicy, add a little extra tomato sauce or a splash of cream.
3. Cooking Shrimp Perfectly 🦐
- Use large shrimp (16/20 count) – They stay juicy and don’t overcook quickly.
- Cook shrimp for only 1–2 minutes per side – Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery!
- Remove shrimp from heat when pink and opaque, then add them back to the sauce at the end.
Tip: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get the best sear!
4. Best Pairings for Shrimp Diablo
- Steamed white rice – A classic pairing that absorbs the spicy sauce.
- Warm corn tortillas – Make tacos with shrimp and avocado.
- Pasta or crusty bread – For a hearty, comforting meal.
- Grilled vegetables – Like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Tip: Serve with a cold beer, sangria, or lime-infused water to cool down the heat! By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly smoky, spicy, and flavorful Shrimp Diablo every time!
FAQs About Shrimp Diablo
Here are answers to common questions to help you perfect your Shrimp Diablo every time!
1. What Does “Diablo” Mean?
The word “Diablo” means “Devil” in Spanish, referring to the dish’s fiery, spicy heat. Shrimp Diablo is known for its bold, smoky, and chili-infused flavors.
2. Can I Make Shrimp Diablo Less Spicy?
Yes! Here’s how to tone down the heat:
- Use only guajillo chilies (skip chile de árbol).
- Remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before blending.
- Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to mellow out the spice.
- Stir in extra tomato sauce to dilute the heat.
3. What Type of Shrimp Works Best?
- Large shrimp (16/20 count) – Stay juicy and don’t overcook easily.
- Fresh shrimp – Best for flavor, but frozen shrimp works if thawed properly.
- Tail-on shrimp – Adds extra flavor, but peeled shrimp is easier to eat.
4. Can I Make Shrimp Diablo Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked shrimp right before serving to keep them tender.
- Freeze the sauce for up to 3 months and thaw when needed.
5. What Can I Serve with Shrimp Diablo?
- Rice or tortillas – Classic sides that balance the heat.
- Pasta – Turns it into a spicy seafood pasta dish.
- Avocado slices or guacamole – Cool down the heat.
- A side of refried beans or grilled vegetables – Adds heartiness to the meal.
These FAQs should help you customize and perfect your Shrimp Diablo.
Conclusion
Shrimp Diablo is a bold, fiery, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for spice lovers. Whether served with rice, tortillas, or pasta, this Mexican-inspired recipe delivers smoky heat and juicy shrimp in every bite.
To make the best Shrimp Diablo, remember:
✅ Choose the right chilies – Guajillo for mild, chile de árbol for heat, and chipotle for smokiness.
✅ Balance the spice – Lime juice, a pinch of sugar, or cream can mellow the heat.
✅ Don’t overcook the shrimp – 1–2 minutes per side is all they need!
✅ Experiment with variations – Make it extra spicy, creamy, or turn it into a pasta dish.
This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to grab your ingredients and enjoy the fiery goodness of Shrimp Diablo!