Authentic Cuban Shrimp Creole (Enchilado de Camarones): A Flavorful & Quick Weeknight Meal

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this incredible Cuban Shrimp Creole recipe, also known as Enchilado de Camarones. This classic dish features succulent shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and tender onions, all simmered in a rich, aromatic, and perfectly spiced red sauce. It’s a taste of the Caribbean that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Enchilado de Camarones is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Cuban culinary heritage, bringing bold and comforting flavors right to your table. If you’re a fan of quick, easy, and incredibly tasty seafood dishes, prepare to make this recipe a new favorite. Each bite offers juicy shrimp bathed in a hearty red sauce, bursting with traditional spices. For those eager to explore more Cuban delights, don’t miss out on other favorites like Cuban spaghetti and the iconic arroz con pollo.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Quick & Flavorful Enchilado de Camarones

This Cuban Shrimp Creole recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary triumph for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Minimal, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need a gourmet pantry for this recipe. It relies on straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that combine to create a deeply satisfying meal.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes! It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Explosion of Authentic Cuban Flavors: Despite its speed, this Enchilado de Camarones is packed with the vibrant and aromatic flavors characteristic of Cuban cuisine. The rich red sauce, infused with garlic, oregano, and the subtle warmth of Sazon, creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Lean shrimp offers a great source of protein, and the vegetable-rich sauce makes for a wholesome and fulfilling meal that won’t weigh you down.
• Versatile & Adaptable: While perfect as is, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to variations, allowing you to tailor it to your spice preference or incorporate other seafood.

Recipe Ingredient Notes: Tips for the Best Cuban Shrimp Creole

Crafting the perfect Cuban Shrimp Creole starts with understanding your ingredients. Here are some detailed notes to ensure your Enchilado de Camarones is absolutely delicious:

• Shrimp: We recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. You can opt for fresh or frozen; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. While we removed the tails for easier eating, feel free to leave them on if you prefer, as they can enhance presentation and add a bit more flavor to the sauce. Consider medium to large shrimp for the best texture and visual appeal.
• Tomato Sauce: It’s crucial to use plain tomato sauce, not varieties with added herbs like basil or pre-made Italian spices. The beauty of Cuban Shrimp Creole lies in its specific spice blend, and using plain tomato sauce allows you to build those authentic flavors from scratch without interference.
• White Wine: A dry white wine (vino seco) such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds a wonderful depth and acidity to the sauce. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex flavor. If you prefer to omit the wine, no problem! You can substitute it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar combined with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth for a similar tang and liquid.
• Sazon: This is an optional but highly recommended ingredient for truly authentic Cuban flavor. Sazon is a popular Latin American seasoning blend, often containing coriander, annatto (for color), garlic powder, and cumin. It imparts a distinct earthy and savory flavor profile that elevates many Hispanic dishes. If you can’t find it, a pinch of ground cumin and a touch of paprika can offer a reasonable alternative, though it won’t be exactly the same.
• Bell Peppers & Onion: The trio of bell peppers (red and green) and onion forms the traditional “sofrito” base, which is fundamental to many Cuban dishes. Finely dicing them ensures they soften quickly and meld seamlessly into the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent aroma and flavor. Avoid garlic powder if possible; the fresh taste makes a significant difference.
• Bay Leaf & Oregano: These aromatic herbs are essential for building the deep, savory profile of the creole sauce, adding a classic touch to the Cuban flavors.
• Capers: These tiny, briny flower buds add a delightful salty, tangy counterpoint to the rich sauce. If you don’t have capers, green olives can be a good substitute, offering a similar briny kick.
• Hot Sauce: The amount of hot sauce is entirely up to your personal preference for heat. It adds a gentle warmth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.

How To Make Enchilado de Camarones: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Cuban Shrimp Creole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. If the tails are on, decide whether to remove them. Next, finely chop your onions and both red and green bell peppers, and mince your fresh garlic. Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking will ensure a smooth and quick process.
2. Build the Sofrito Base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add a generous drizzle of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) and heat it over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the finely diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of your Enchilado de Camarones.
3. Infuse with Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the fresh minced garlic, Sazon (if using), dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Continue to cook for just about 20 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine. Let the wine come to a strong simmer and reduce by half, which should only take about 1 minute. This step deglazes the pan, lifting all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom and adding a layer of sophisticated depth to the sauce. If omitting wine, add your vinegar/broth mixture here.
5. Simmer the Sauce and Add Shrimp: Add the plain tomato sauce to the skillet, along with the water, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the prepared shrimp, capers, and hot sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are just cooked through. Overcooking shrimp will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!
6. Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Your delicious Cuban Shrimp Creole is now ready to enjoy!

Top Tips for the Perfect Cuban Shrimp Creole & Exciting Flavor Variations

Elevate your Enchilado de Camarones with these expert tips and explore exciting variations to suit your palate:

• Capers vs. Olives: If you don’t have capers on hand, a fantastic substitute is green olives, either whole or sliced. They offer a similar briny, salty punch that complements the rich tomato sauce beautifully, adding another authentic Cuban touch.
• Turn Up the Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, there are several ways to intensify the heat. Finely diced green chilies (like jalapeños or serranos) can be added along with the bell peppers and onions. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot pepper sauce, or even a few red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce during the simmering stage.
• Transform into a Cuban Seafood Medley: Don’t limit yourself to just shrimp! If you have crab meat or lobster tails, this recipe makes an incredible base for a full Cuban seafood creole dish. Add these more delicate seafood items towards the end of cooking, ensuring they are cooked just until tender to prevent overcooking. Calamari or firm white fish chunks could also be interesting additions.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time: The key to tender, juicy shrimp is not to overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, turning pink and curling into a “C” shape when done. If they curl into an “O” shape, they’ve been overcooked and will be rubbery. Remove them from the heat immediately once they’ve turned pink.
• Sofrito is Key: Take your time sautéing the onions and peppers. This “sofrito” base is the heart of the dish, and properly softened vegetables release their natural sugars, creating a sweeter, deeper flavor for the sauce.
• Herbacious Finish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley before serving adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant color that brightens the entire dish.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.

What Can I Serve This Delicious Enchilado de Camarones With?

The beauty of Cuban Shrimp Creole is its versatility, making it a perfect centerpiece for a variety of accompaniments. While traditional pairings are always a hit, feel free to get creative:

• Classic White Rice: There’s truly nothing better than serving a generous portion of Cuban Shrimp Creole on top of a bed of fluffy, plain white rice. The rice acts as a perfect canvas, soaking up all the rich, spiced red sauce and balancing the bold flavors.
• Crispy Tostones: For an authentic Cuban experience, serve your Enchilado de Camarones with tostones (twice-fried green plantains). Their satisfying crunch and slightly savory flavor provide a wonderful textural contrast to the tender shrimp and sauce. They’re also fantastic for scooping up any remaining sauce!
• Refreshing Tomato Avocado Salad: A vibrant tomato avocado salad makes a fantastic, fresh addition. The coolness of the avocado and the acidity of the tomatoes cut through the richness of the creole, offering a delightful palate cleanser.
• Cuban Black Beans: Another staple of Cuban cuisine, a side of hearty black beans (frijoles negros) would complement this dish perfectly, adding more depth and traditional flavor.
• Sweet Plantains (Maduros): If you prefer a touch of sweetness, consider serving ripe, fried sweet plantains (maduros). Their caramelized edges and soft interior provide a lovely balance to the savory shrimp creole.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of some crusty Cuban bread or French bread for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

Storage And Reheating Tips for Your Cuban Shrimp Creole

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delectable Cuban Shrimp Creole, proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining its quality and flavor:

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3 days. This helps preserve freshness and prevents bacterial growth.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use either a microwave or the stovetop.
  • Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Stovetop: For larger portions, gently reheat in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge.
• Important Note on Shrimp: Do keep in mind that shrimp can easily overcook and become rubbery when reheated. To minimize this, reheat gently and only until just warmed through. If possible, for the absolute best texture, it’s sometimes preferable to cook the shrimp fresh and add them to reheated sauce, but this is often not practical for leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Enchilado de Camarones

What is Enchilado de Camarones?

Enchilado de Camarones is a classic Cuban dish featuring shrimp cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and traditional Cuban spices. It’s often referred to as Cuban Shrimp Creole and is known for its quick preparation and vibrant taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, preferably overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely and absorb the sauce’s flavors.

Is Cuban Shrimp Creole spicy?

Traditionally, Enchilado de Camarones is mildly spiced, focusing more on aromatic flavors than intense heat. However, the recipe includes hot sauce, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your preference. You can add more hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely diced chilies if you like it spicier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, it’s best to add and cook the shrimp just before serving. Shrimp cook very quickly, and reheating cooked shrimp often leads to a rubbery texture. If you must make it entirely ahead, reheat gently and quickly.

What if I don’t have Sazon seasoning?

Sazon is highly recommended for its authentic Cuban flavor. If you don’t have it, you can create a similar flavor profile by using a blend of cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, and a tiny pinch of annatto powder or paprika for color. While not identical, it will still yield a delicious result.

A Taste of Cuba: The Heritage of Enchilado de Camarones

Enchilado de Camarones is a beloved staple in Cuban homes, a testament to the island’s rich culinary history influenced by Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions. The term “enchilado” in this context refers to “en chilera,” or in a chili-based sauce, though the heat level is typically mild compared to other Latin American “enchiladas.” This dish embodies the essence of Cuban home cooking: fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and incredibly deep flavors that evoke warmth and comfort.

It’s a dish often served during family gatherings and special occasions, but its ease of preparation also makes it a regular feature on weeknight dinner tables across Cuba and among Cuban communities worldwide. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the rich red of the tomato sauce reflect the lively spirit of Cuban culture, while the succulent shrimp speak to the island’s bountiful coastal resources. Cooking Enchilado de Camarones isn’t just about preparing a meal; it’s about sharing a piece of Cuban heritage.

Tried this incredibly flavorful and easy Cuban Shrimp Creole recipe? We would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a detailed review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!