Shrimp in Adobo

Succulent shrimp coated in a rich, spicy adobo sauce made from toasted ancho chiles, garlic, and Mexican spices. This flavorful dish combines traditional Mexican ingredients for a perfect blend of heat and savory flavors.

6 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 6 whole dried ancho chiles, stemmed
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 pounds small or medium uncooked shrimp, preferably wild American, peeled, deveined, cut into 1/4" pieces
  • Ingredient info: Dried ancho chiles are available at specialty foods stores
  • Latin markets
  • and some supermarkets.

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat a large dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chiles; toast, turning often, until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Using kitchen scissors and working over a medium bowl, cut chiles into 1" rings, reserving seeds. Cover chiles with 1/2 cup hot water; let soak, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Transfer chiles with seeds and soaking liquid to a blender. Add garlic, vinegar, 2 teaspoons salt, oregano, cumin, and sugar and purée until a smooth, thick paste forms. Transfer adobo paste to a large bowl; add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Preheat broiler. Place shrimp on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. Broil, watching closely and stirring halfway through, until shrimp are just cooked through and are browned in spots, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt.

    5 min

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