Camarones a la Mexicana

5 (18 ratings)

Updated Jan 08, 2026, Published Feb 25, 2021

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If you’re craving a fast, flavorful Mexican shrimp dish that comes together in minutes, Camarones a la Mexicana is it. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and garlic in a simple ranchero-style sauce inspired by the colors of the Mexican flag. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Cast iron skillet filled with camarones a la mexicana, featuring shrimp sautéed with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, served with crusty bread and a colorful striped kitchen towel.

This yummy shrimp recipe is one that transports me to a Mexican beach resort, not fancy, not complicated, just fresh ingredients cooked simply and served with rice and warm tortillas.

What is Camarones a la Mexicana?
Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients & Substitutions
How to Make Camarones a la Mexicana
Serving & Topping Suggestions
Camarones a la Mexicana Expert Tips & Tricks
Storage Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
Camarones a la Mexicana (Mexican Ranchero Shrimp) Recipe

What is Camarones a la Mexicana?

Camarones a la Mexicana is a classic Mexican shrimp recipe made with tomatoes, onions, chiles, and garlic, often referred to as a la Mexicana because the ingredients reflect the colors of the Mexican flag. The shrimp are quickly cooked in a flavorful sauce that is similar to cooked pico de gallo, creating a light, saucy dish that’s bold, bright, and incredibly comforting.

You’ll find variations throughout Mexico, some spicier, some saucier, but the heart of the dish is always the same: fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked shrimp.

Flat lay of chopped ingredients for camarones a la mexicana, including diced tomatoes, white onion, finely chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and whole jalapeños arranged on a decorative platter.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Quick & easy – Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish
Fresh ingredients – No canned sauces or heavy spices
Light but satisfying – Flavorful without feeling heavy
Versatile – Serve it with rice, tortillas, or even as shrimp tacos
Authentic & approachable – A true Mexican home-style shrimp dish

Ingredients & Substitutions

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Overhead shot of mise en place for Mexican ranchero shrimp, including raw shrimp, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and butter arranged on a work surface.

Large raw shrimp – Peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and depth without overpowering the shrimp.
Salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning is all you need here.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds bold flavor.
Salted butter – Used in stages for richness and flavor. You can substitute unsalted butter and adjust salt to taste.
White onion – Classic for a la Mexicana dishes. Yellow onion works in a pinch.
Roma tomatoes – Romas hold their shape well and create a light, fresh sauce.
Serrano or jalapeño – Serrano is spicier; jalapeño is milder. Remove seeds for less heat.
Lime juice – Brightens the dish and balances the butter.
Cilantro – Fresh and herby. If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to leave it out.

Optional Variations

This recipe has not been tested with all of these substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

Add extra heat with additional serrano or a pinch of crushed red pepper
Add diced bell pepper for more color and texture
Finish with a splash of Mexican hot sauce for extra kick

How to Make Camarones a la Mexicana

This Camarones a la Mexicana recipe cooks quickly, so it’s best to prep everything before you start. Once the skillet is hot, the dish comes together in minutes.

Step 1: Dry and season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Toss the shrimp with the seasoning until evenly coated.

Raw shrimp tossed in a smoked paprika and garlic spice mixture in a blue and white bowl.

Blue and white patterned bowl filled with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and smoked paprika for seasoning shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Camarones a la mexicana cooking in a black cast iron skillet with silver tongs, featuring shrimp sautéed with tomatoes, onion, and chile.

Overhead shot of cooked camarones a la mexicana served in a blue and white bowl.

Step 3: Sauté the onion. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened.

Step 4: Add tomatoes and chile. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and serrano or jalapeño. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Finish the dish. Remove the skillet from heat. Return the shrimp to the pan and add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Toss gently just until the shrimp are warmed through.

Step 6: Serve. Serve warm over rice, with crusty bread, or tucked into warm tortillas for tacos.

Watch this video to see how quickly this recipe comes together.

Turquoise plate with camarones a la mexicana, sliced avocado, and crusty bread topped with butter, served next to a pan filled with Mexican ranchero-style shrimp.

Serving & Topping Suggestions

Serve over Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
Spoon into warm corn tortillas or flour tortillas for shrimp tacos
Pair with frijoles de la olla or refried beans
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices