Camarao Mozambique (Portuguese-Style Shrimp)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Camarao Mozambique is a vibrant and flavorful Portuguese-style shrimp dish that brings together the richness of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs with the unique warmth of saffron and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The dish is traditionally made with juicy shrimp, simmered in a savory sauce featuring red wine and lemon juice. The addition of saffron elevates the flavors, while the heat from the red pepper flakes provides the perfect finishing touch. Best served with crusty bread for dipping, this dish also pairs beautifully with rice, making it a hearty yet quick meal for any occasion. You can use Argentine pink shrimp for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, as we did in this recipe, or any variety of shrimp you prefer.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Onion | 1/4, finely chopped |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Fresh flat-leaf parsley | 4 tbsp, chopped |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp |
| Saffron threads | 1/2 tsp |
| Red wine | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Coarse sea salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 218.9 kcal |
| Fat | 12.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 173.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1329.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4.3 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
Instructions:
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Sauté the Onions: Start by heating the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes golden brown, which will take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the base of your flavor.
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Add Garlic, Parsley, and Turmeric: Once the onions are nearly browned, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and turmeric, allowing them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant, and the turmeric will give the sauce a lovely golden hue.
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Add Water and Saffron: Pour in the water along with the saffron threads, making sure the saffron threads dissolve completely in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the saffron’s flavor to infuse into the sauce, giving it a rich, aromatic quality.
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Incorporate Wine and Lemon Juice: Stir in the red wine and fresh lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This step helps to cook off some of the alcohol from the wine, leaving behind its rich flavor.
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Season and Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, along with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes to add a little heat to the dish. Cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should remain juicy and tender.
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Serving Suggestions: Traditionally, Camarao Mozambique is served in small bowls with crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Camarao Mozambique:
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Choosing Shrimp: The key to a great Camarao Mozambique is the shrimp. Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Argentine pink shrimp, known for their sweet and delicate taste, are a wonderful option, but any fresh, firm shrimp will work well in this dish.
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Saffron: Saffron is what sets this dish apart from other shrimp recipes. While saffron can be pricey, a small amount goes a long way. Soak the saffron threads in the water before adding them to the pan to release their color and flavor fully.
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little more heat, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice if desired.
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Pairing Wine: Since the dish calls for red wine, try pairing it with the same type of wine you use for cooking. A medium-bodied red wine like a Portuguese red or a Merlot will complement the richness of the shrimp and the flavors of the sauce.
Conclusion:
This Camarao Mozambique recipe is a perfect introduction to Portuguese cuisine with its bold and aromatic flavors. In just under an hour, you can have a dish that is bursting with taste, from the garlicky, herby sauce to the tender shrimp. Whether served with bread or over rice, this meal is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family dinner or gathering. Easy to prepare, quick to cook, and brimming with savory goodness—Camarao Mozambique is a must-try!
