Camarones con Crema: A Deliciously Creamy Mexican Shrimp Recipe

Camarones con Crema, meaning shrimp in cream sauce, is a beloved Mexican dish known for its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe to make at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe provides detailed instructions to help you create a restaurant-quality version of this classic dish.

## What Makes Camarones con Crema So Special?

Several factors contribute to the irresistible appeal of Camarones con Crema:

* **The Creamy Sauce:** The foundation of this dish is a luscious cream sauce, typically made with Mexican crema (or sour cream as a substitute), milk, and often a touch of cheese. This sauce coats the shrimp beautifully and provides a decadent base for the other flavors.
* **The Flavor Profile:** While creamy, Camarones con Crema isn’t bland. It boasts a complex flavor profile derived from ingredients like garlic, onions, chilies (such as poblano or jalapeño), and spices. This combination creates a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes.
* **The Shrimp:** Of course, the shrimp are a star! When cooked perfectly, they’re tender, juicy, and complement the creamy sauce wonderfully.
* **Versatility:** Camarones con Crema is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with rice, tortillas, pasta, or even on its own. It also pairs well with various side dishes, making it easy to customize to your preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work well.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Poblano Pepper (or Jalapeño):** 1 poblano pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped (or 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced, for a spicier version).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
* **Mexican Crema (or Sour Cream):** 1 cup. If using sour cream, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
* **Milk:** ½ cup.
* **Chicken Broth:** ¼ cup.
* **Monterey Jack Cheese (or Oaxaca Cheese):** ½ cup, shredded.
* **Cilantro:** ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish.
* **Lime Juice:** 1 tablespoon, fresh.
* **Spices:**
* 1 teaspoon chili powder.
* ½ teaspoon cumin.
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat).
* Salt and black pepper to taste.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Camarones con Crema:

**1. Prepare the Poblano Pepper (if using):**

* **Roasting:** The best way to prepare a poblano pepper is to roast it. You can do this using several methods:
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the poblano pepper on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is blackened and blistered.
* **Gas Stovetop:** Place the poblano pepper directly over the open flame of a gas burner. Use tongs to rotate the pepper until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides.
* **Cast Iron Skillet:** Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the poblano pepper in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered.
* **Steaming:** Once the pepper is roasted, place it in a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it steam for 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen the skin.
* **Peeling:** After steaming, gently rub the blackened skin off the pepper. You can use your fingers or a paring knife. Don’t rinse the pepper under water, as this will wash away some of the flavor.
* **Seeding and Chopping:** Cut the pepper open, remove the seeds and membrane, and chop it into small pieces. Set aside.

**2. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* **Rinse and Pat Dry:** Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better when cooked.
* **Season:** In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.

**3. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* **Heat the Butter and Oil:** In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil adds flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
* **Sauté the Onion:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**4. Cook the Shrimp:**

* **Add the Shrimp:** Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* **Cook the Shrimp:** Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

**5. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* **Add the Poblano (or Jalapeño):** Add the chopped roasted poblano pepper (or minced jalapeño) to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the pepper to release its flavor into the pan.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add flavor to the sauce.
* **Add the Cream and Milk:** Stir in the Mexican crema (or sour cream) and milk. Bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat. Do not boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
* **Add the Cheese:** Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Oaxaca cheese) until it is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* **Season the Sauce:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to your liking.

**6. Combine and Finish:**

* **Add the Shrimp Back:** Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently stir to coat them with the cream sauce.
* **Heat Through:** Heat the shrimp and sauce through for another minute or two, until everything is warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
* **Add Lime Juice:** Stir in the fresh lime juice. This will add a bright, acidic touch to the dish and balance the richness of the cream sauce.

**7. Garnish and Serve:**

* **Garnish:** Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the Camarones con Crema.
* **Serve:** Serve the Camarones con Crema immediately. It’s delicious served with rice, tortillas, pasta, or on its own.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Shrimp:** The better the quality of the shrimp, the better the final dish will taste. Look for shrimp that are firm, plump, and smell fresh. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. They should still be slightly translucent in the center.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in a better-tasting dish. Use fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro whenever possible.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The spice level of this dish can be easily adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, use less jalapeño or omit the cayenne pepper. If you like it spicier, add more jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
* **Don’t Boil the Cream Sauce:** Boiling the cream sauce can cause it to curdle. Simmer the sauce over low heat and stir it frequently.
* **Use Mexican Crema if Possible:** Mexican crema has a slightly tangier flavor than sour cream. If you can find it, it will add a more authentic flavor to the dish. However, sour cream is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
* **Warm Your Serving Dishes:** If you are serving the Camarones con Crema on its own, warm your serving dishes before plating. This will help keep the dish warm.

## Variations and Additions

Camarones con Crema is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your preferences. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Add Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Add Cheese:** In addition to Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese, you can add other cheeses to the dish, such as queso fresco or cotija cheese. Crumble the cheese over the top of the dish before serving.
* **Add Chipotle Peppers:** For a smoky flavor, add a tablespoon or two of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the sauce.
* **Make it Spicy:** For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Use Different Seafood:** You can substitute other seafood for the shrimp, such as scallops, crab, or fish.

## Serving Suggestions

Camarones con Crema is delicious served with:

* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or Mexican rice.
* **Tortillas:** Corn or flour tortillas.
* **Pasta:** Linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Side Dishes:** A side salad, grilled vegetables, or black beans.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Camarones con Crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Camarones con Crema gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

## Conclusion

Camarones con Crema is a delightful and easy-to-make Mexican dish that is sure to impress. With its creamy sauce, flavorful spices, and tender shrimp, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed any time of year. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico in your own kitchen! This recipe is a guaranteed winner and will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Bon appétit! ¡Buen provecho!