Spicy, bold, and bursting with flavor, Shrimp a la Diabla is a classic Mexican seafood dish that turns up the heat on your plate. The fiery chile sauce wraps every bite of tender shrimp in smoky, tangy richness. It’s a recipe made for spice lovers and those who enjoy meals with a little drama.
This dish is quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve when entertaining friends. Pair it with warm tortillas, rice, or even a simple salad, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.
Shrimp a la Diabla
Description: A traditional Mexican shrimp dish prepared with a bold and spicy chile sauce.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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5 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
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3 dried árbol chiles (for extra heat)
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2 medium tomatoes, roasted or boiled
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2 garlic cloves
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½ white onion, chopped
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
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In a saucepan, boil guajillo and árbol chiles until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Blend the softened chiles with tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and broth until smooth. Strain if desired for a silky sauce.
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Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onion until translucent. Add the chile sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
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Add shrimp to the sauce and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 4–5 minutes.
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Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice, tortillas, or beans.
Variations & Tips
Shrimp a la Diabla can be customized depending on spice tolerance and available ingredients.
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Swap guajillo chiles for pasilla if you want a milder sauce.
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Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a sweet contrast.
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Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a protein twist.
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Serve with Mexican crema or avocado slices to cool the heat.
A Spicy Finale Worth Every Bite
Shrimp a la Diabla isn’t just dinner—it’s a flavor explosion. The smoky chile sauce and tender shrimp deliver the perfect balance of heat and richness.
Whether you love spicy foods or want to impress with authentic Mexican cooking, this recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table.
» More Mexican Recipes to Try:
If these enchiladas potosinas became a new favorite at home, keep the flavor fiesta going with more recipes from Avocados Cocina Mexicana:
Click through and bookmark your favorites so you’ve always got a new Mexican recipe ready to cook next.
