Easy Ranch-Style Shrimp (Camarones Rancheros)

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Ranch-style shrimp, also known in Spanish as camarones rancheros, is a delicious Mexican recipe which is great served over rice or with some crusty bread. 

Another name for this dish is camarones a la Mexicana, since ‘Mexicana’ refers to pretty much anything made with green chilies, onions and tomatoes (the colors of Mexico’s flag).

Because shrimp cook fast, they’re ideal for busy weeknight dinners when the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove for an hour.

Not only is this dish very tasty but it’s also low in carbs, so if you’re looking for keto camarones rancheros, simply swap the rice or bread for avocado slices or green beans if you prefer.

How to Tell When Shrimp are Cooked

When chicken is done, it’s no longer pink inside. When fish is done, it’s no longer transparent inside. But how do you know when shrimp are cooked? After all, nobody wants to eat rubbery, overcooked shrimp.

Shrimp will turn from gray to pink when it’s done. Also check the shape. Perfectly cooked shrimp curl up a little to make a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp curl up a lot to make an O-shape.

Ranch-Style Shrimp (Camarones Rancheros)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 167kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound peeled deveined shrimp
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 sliced yellow onion
  • 1 jalapeño cut into strips
  • 1 serrano chili cut into strips (optional)
  • 4 chopped roma tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 7 chopped garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • 4 ounces fresh spinach
  • 2 ounces water

Instructions

  • All ingredients ready? Let's begin!
  • Heat the oil in a skillet.
  • Meanwhile season the shrimp with salt, paprika, bouillon powder, and pepper. Set them to one side.
  • Add the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilies to the skillet.
  • Cook for 5 minutes.
  • When the vegetables are tender, add the shrimp.
  • Cook for a minute or 2, until some of the shrimp are turning pink.
  • Add the spinach and water.
  • Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until all the shrimp are pink and the spinach has begun to wilt.
  • Stir in the cilantro, then serve in bowls with your preferred toppings and garnishes.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 805mg | Potassium: 684mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3248IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 2mg

Handy Notes

  • Only add the serrano chili if you like your ranch-style shrimp with a real kick! Serranos are twice as hot as jalapeños. Otherwise just using the jalapeño is fine.
  • Don’t use frozen spinach, canned tomatoes or pickled/dried chilies. The joy of authentic camarones rancheros is using fresh ingredients.

Ranch-style shrimp, or camarones rancheros, is a quick and easy meal to prepare. It’s a spicy Mexican dish teaming juicy shrimp with spinach, tomatoes and a variety of south of the border flavors.


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