Guero’s Shrimp Alambres: A Tex-Mex Delight for Large Groups
If you’re looking for a flavorful, bold, and eye-catching dish for your next family gathering, barbecue, or Tex-Mex feast, look no further than Guero’s Shrimp Alambres. Inspired by a mouthwatering recipe featured on Bobby Flay’s show, these shrimp skewers are spiced to perfection with a mix of garlic, cumin, and paprika, creating a smoky yet zesty flavor that’s perfect for shrimp lovers. Whether you’re hosting a large party or just need a dish to impress, these shrimp skewers, paired with colorful veggies, will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s everything you need to create this delectable dish that will feed 25 people—just scale it down for smaller portions if you’re cooking for two or a few!
Recipe Category: Tex-Mex
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 25
Ingredients for Guero’s Shrimp Alambres (for 25 servings)
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Onions | 25 |
Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or green) | 4 |
Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 10 pounds |
Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves |
Garlic Powder | 10 tsp |
Ground Cumin | 5 tsp |
Fresh Ground Black Pepper | 2 tsp |
Salt | 1 tbsp |
Paprika | 1 tbsp |
Fresh Cilantro (chopped) | 4 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutritional Value | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 562.4 kcal |
Fat Content | 40.3 g |
Saturated Fat Content | 5.4 g |
Cholesterol Content | 276 mg |
Sodium Content | 718.5 mg |
Carbohydrates Content | 12 g |
Fiber Content | 2.6 g |
Sugar Content | 3.2 g |
Protein Content | 38.8 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Guero’s Shrimp Alambres
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Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by cutting your onions, bell peppers, and tomatillos into large, bite-sized pieces. These veggies will add not only texture but also a burst of color to the skewers. -
Assemble the Skewers:
Take your skewers (metal or wooden) and alternate between a piece of onion, bell pepper, and a shrimp—5 shrimp per skewer. The combination of shrimp and colorful veggies is visually appealing and ensures a balanced bite of flavor in every skewer. -
Marinate the Skewers:
Arrange the assembled skewers in a large, non-reactive baking dish (preferably glass or ceramic). In a small bowl, mix together garlic, garlic powder, ground cumin, fresh ground black pepper, salt, and paprika. Pour the marinade over the skewers, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld and infuse into the shrimp and vegetables. -
Preheat the Grill:
Once your skewers are marinated, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat. This ensures the shrimp cook quickly while maintaining a juicy interior and smoky, slightly charred exterior. -
Grill the Shrimp Skewers:
Grill the skewers for approximately 6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the shrimp are evenly cooked and slightly charred. Keep a close eye on them—shrimp cook quickly, so don’t let them stay on the grill too long! -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. These shrimp skewers are perfect on their own or can be paired with warm tortillas, rice, or a side of salsa.
Tips for Success:
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Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
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Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the most flavorful skewers, marinate them for the full 6 hours. This allows the shrimp and vegetables to absorb all of the spices and seasonings.
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Shrimp Size Matters: For the best results, use jumbo shrimp. They hold up better on the grill and won’t overcook as quickly as smaller shrimp.
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Spicy or Mild: Adjust the paprika and garlic powder to your taste. If you like more heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
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Serving Suggestions: These shrimp skewers are fantastic when served with a side of guacamole, salsa verde, or even a lime crema. They also pair well with a simple Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal.
Scaling the Recipe Down
This recipe serves 25 people, making it perfect for a large gathering. If you’re making it for a smaller group, you can scale down the ingredients using the recipe’s scaling feature. For example, if you’re cooking for just two, reduce the quantity of shrimp, vegetables, and marinade accordingly. The process will remain the same—just adjust your cooking time depending on the size of the batch.
Final Thoughts
Guero’s Shrimp Alambres is a spectacular dish that embodies the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. With the perfect balance of spices and fresh ingredients, these shrimp skewers are a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for more. The marinade’s complex mix of cumin, garlic, and paprika gives the shrimp a deep flavor that’s just as delicious as it is colorful. Whether you’re grilling for a large group or scaling the recipe for a cozy dinner, these shrimp skewers are sure to be the highlight of your meal.
Enjoy your Tex-Mex feast, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering. Happy grilling!