Certainly! Let’s delve deeply into the creation and enjoyment of Guajillo Shrimp, a tantalizing dish that brings the flavors of a beloved Mexican restaurant right to your home kitchen. This recipe, inspired by the unforgettable cuisine of “Bertha Miranda” Mexican restaurant in Reno, NV, is not only quick and easy to make but also customizable to suit your preferred level of spiciness. Below, we will explore the recipe in detail, from the ingredients and preparation to cooking instructions and serving suggestions.
Guajillo Shrimp
Description:
This Guajillo Shrimp recipe is my rendition of a cherished dish from “Bertha Miranda” Mexican restaurant in Reno, NV. After moving away and missing this unique entrée, I experimented until I perfected it. This dish features a slightly sweet and spicy flavor profile, and its beauty lies in the ability to adjust the heat to your liking. It’s a delightful, quick, and easy meal that brings a taste of Mexico to your table.
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Stove Top
- Keywords: Spicy, < 60 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Shallot: 1, finely chopped
- Sweet Onion: 1/4 cup, diced
- Yellow Bell Pepper: 1/4 cup, diced
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Ground Allspice: 1/4 teaspoon
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
- Large Shrimp: 1 pound, defrosted if frozen, peeled and deveined
- Ground Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Saffron: 2 threads
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: For garnish
- Green Onions: 1, finely chopped, for garnish
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 681.1
- Fat Content: 56.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 286.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1619.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10.4g
- Fiber Content: 2.2g
- Sugar Content: 2.4g
- Protein Content: 33.4g
Instructions:
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Prepare the Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, defrost them according to package instructions.
- Peel and devein the shrimp, then set them aside on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Heat the Olive Oil:
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a large preheated non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, diced sweet onion, diced yellow bell pepper, and bay leaf to the skillet.
- Stir in the ground allspice, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the mixture until the onions and bell pepper just begin to brown, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Shrimp:
- Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet.
- Stir and cook the shrimp only until they turn pinkish and opaque, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery.
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Finish the Dish:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the saffron threads and ground cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level, noting that Guajillo chilies are medium-hot and the cayenne will add extra spice.
- Taste the dish and add more salt if needed.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves and finely chopped green onions.
- Serve the Guajillo Shrimp over a bed of steamed long grain or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Guajillo Shrimp:
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Choosing Shrimp:
- Opt for large shrimp as they offer a meaty texture and hold up well to the robust flavors of the dish. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully defrosted and patted dry to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
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Balancing Flavors:
- The balance of sweet and spicy is key to this dish. Sweet onion and yellow bell pepper add a natural sweetness that complements the heat from the chilies. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne to tailor the spice level to your preference.
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Using Saffron:
- Saffron adds a unique, slightly earthy flavor and a beautiful golden hue to the dish. Use only a few threads, as it is a potent spice. Crush the threads slightly before adding to release more of their flavor.
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Cooking the Shrimp:
- Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Remove them from the heat immediately to ensure they stay tender.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed rice, which helps to mellow out the heat and adds a satisfying element to the meal. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would also pair nicely, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy shrimp.
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Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro and green onions add a bright, fresh finish to the dish. They not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute a subtle crunch and herbaceous note that complements the flavors of the shrimp.
Exploring the Ingredients:
Guajillo Chilies:
Guajillo chilies are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their mild to medium heat and rich, complex flavor profile. They bring a unique combination of fruity, tangy, and slightly smoky notes to dishes, making them an excellent choice for adding depth to sauces, marinades, and stews. In this recipe, Guajillo chilies contribute to the dish’s characteristic warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Saffron:
Saffron, derived from the crocus flower, is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Its distinctive flavor and vibrant color are due to the presence of crocin and safranal compounds. Saffron imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor and a beautiful golden hue to dishes. A little goes a long way, and it is best to crush the threads lightly before using them to maximize their flavor and color.
Olive Oil:
Extra virgin olive oil is used in this recipe for its rich, fruity flavor and health benefits. It serves as the base for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables, providing a smooth, flavorful foundation for the dish.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- Garlic, shallot, and sweet onion: These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish, adding depth and sweetness.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the heat from the chilies and spices.
- Bay leaf: Provides a subtle, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Spices:
- Ground allspice: Adds a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy note, enhancing the complexity of the dish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper: These spices add heat to the dish. Adjust their quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Add a burst of freshness and a pop of green color.
- Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a crisp texture, enhancing both the taste and appearance of the dish.
Nutritional Benefits:
Guajillo Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids, and key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. The dish is high in healthy fats, primarily from the extra virgin olive oil, which contributes to heart health. Despite its relatively high sodium content, the recipe can be adjusted to reduce salt if necessary.
Conclusion:
Guajillo Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of a beloved Mexican restaurant into your home. Its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, combined with tender shrimp and aromatic vegetables, makes it a standout entrée that is both easy to prepare and sure to impress. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a taste of “Bertha Miranda” anytime you crave a quick and flavorful meal. Serve it with steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner that celebrates the vibrant cuisine of Mexico.
