Easy Shrimp Mozambique: A Flavorful and Fast Weeknight Dinner

Shrimp Mozambique is a dish known for its vibrant flavors, fiery kick, and tantalizing aroma. Originating from the Portuguese communities in southeastern Massachusetts, particularly Fall River, this dish features succulent shrimp bathed in a spicy, buttery, and garlicky sauce. While it may sound intimidating, making Shrimp Mozambique at home is surprisingly easy and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe simplifies the traditional methods while preserving the authentic taste, allowing you to enjoy this culinary delight without spending hours in the kitchen.

## What is Shrimp Mozambique?

Shrimp Mozambique is characterized by its bright red, spicy sauce. The key components typically include: Shrimp (of course!), butter, garlic, white wine or beer, lemon juice, and most importantly, peri-peri sauce or red pepper flakes (for the heat!). Some variations also include paprika, chicken broth, or even a touch of cream for added richness. The shrimp is usually sautéed or simmered in the sauce until perfectly cooked, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on simplicity and efficiency without sacrificing flavor. We utilize readily available ingredients and streamline the cooking process to create a delicious Shrimp Mozambique in under 30 minutes. Here’s what makes it work:

* **Simplified Sauce:** Instead of making a complicated sauce from scratch, we rely on high-quality ingredients and a simple cooking technique to achieve the desired flavor profile. The combination of butter, garlic, white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and peri-peri sauce creates a flavorful and balanced sauce.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for a fast dinner. We ensure the shrimp is cooked perfectly by sautéing it until pink and opaque, avoiding overcooking which can lead to rubbery texture.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** The recipe allows you to adjust the amount of peri-peri sauce or red pepper flakes to your preference, ensuring the dish is as mild or as spicy as you like it.
* **Easily Accessible Ingredients:** All the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available in most supermarkets, making it convenient to prepare any time you crave it.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1-2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (or 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife
* Cutting board

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Shrimp Mozambique:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

* Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them brown properly when sautéed.

**Step 2: Sauté the Garlic**

* Melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Deglaze the Pan**

* Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
* Let the wine reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.

**Step 4: Add the Spices and Lemon Juice**

* Stir in the peri-peri sauce (or red pepper flakes), paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
* Simmer for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more peri-peri sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for more acidity.

**Step 5: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
* As the shrimp cook, spoon the sauce over them to ensure they are evenly coated.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

* Garnish with fresh parsley.
* Serve the Shrimp Mozambique hot over cooked rice or with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Tips for Perfect Shrimp Mozambique

* **Use Fresh Shrimp:** Fresh shrimp will always yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and unpleasant. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of peri-peri sauce or red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **Use Good Quality Butter:** Butter is a key ingredient in the sauce, so use good quality butter for the best flavor.
* **Serve Immediately:** Shrimp Mozambique is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its peak flavor.
* **Deglaze the pan properly:** Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan after sauteing the garlic. Scraping up the browned bits adds tremendous flavor.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or peri-peri sauce to suit your taste preferences.
* **Don’t Crowd the Pan:** Cook the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. If you have too much shrimp, cook them in batches.
* **Use a heavy-bottomed pan:** A heavy-bottomed pan will distribute heat more evenly, preventing the garlic from burning and ensuring the shrimp cook properly.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Mozambique:** Substitute the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs.
* **Vegetarian Mozambique:** Use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp. Add some extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
* **Creamy Shrimp Mozambique:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Spicy Garlic Shrimp:** If you don’t have peri-peri sauce, use red pepper flakes and a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.
* **Shrimp Scampi Style:** Add a splash of dry sherry or brandy to the sauce for a more sophisticated flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic for a more substantial dish.

## Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Mozambique is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice:** Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks or skewers.
* **Over Pasta:** Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy pasta dish.
* **In Tacos or Wraps:** Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While Shrimp Mozambique is best served immediately, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

* **Sauce:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in a skillet before adding the shrimp.
* **Shrimp:** You can peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover Shrimp Mozambique can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
* **Freezer:** Freezing is not recommended as the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 300-400 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

## Is Shrimp Mozambique Healthy?

Shrimp Mozambique can be a relatively healthy dish, depending on the ingredients and portion size. Shrimp is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while garlic and spices offer various health benefits. However, the dish can also be high in fat due to the butter used in the sauce. To make it healthier, you can:

* Use olive oil or a combination of butter and olive oil instead of all butter.
* Use less butter.
* Serve it with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
* Add more vegetables.

## Final Thoughts

Easy Shrimp Mozambique is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With its vibrant flavors and customizable spice level, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious Portuguese-inspired delight! This recipe brings the flavors of Fall River right to your kitchen. Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Easy Shrimp Mozambique**

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1-2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (or 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the peri-peri sauce (or red pepper flakes), paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Simmer for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. As the shrimp cook, spoon the sauce over them to ensure they are evenly coated.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the Shrimp Mozambique hot over cooked rice or with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy!