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Close-up of hand holding a spicy shrimp topped with fresh herbs, cooked in flavorful sauce in a skillet.

Shrimp Mozambique

Shrimp Mozambique is a beloved Portuguese dish with a rich, spicy sauce that highlights the culinary fusion of Portuguese and African flavors. With origins tied to Mozambique, this dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a savory, slightly spicy sauce, making it a staple in Portuguese cuisine. Perfect for gatherings or a special dinner, this dish combines bold spices, fresh herbs, and a touch of beer to create a truly memorable meal.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine African, portuguese
Servings 5
Calories 263 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Shrimp

  • 1.5 lbs gulf shrimp cleaned & deveined
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter 2 when sauteing and two at end to emulsify sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ white onion diced
  • 6 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 packet sazon con azafran seasoning or I made my own healthier version; recipe below
  • 1 tsp paprika skip if making your own sazon
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Peri peri hot sauce
  • 1.5 cups light lager beer
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Sazon seasoning

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch saffron
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground annatto
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shrimp

  • In a bowl, combine the cleaned and deveined shrimp with ½ tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp paprika. Mix well to coat the shrimp evenly. Set aside.
    Person mixing shrimp with spices in a stainless steel bowl on a wooden countertop. Perfect for seafood recipes.

Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
    Chopped onions sautéing in a cast iron skillet on a kitchen stove.

Add the Seasoning and Tomato Paste

  • Stir in the sazon seasoning (or homemade version), 2 tsp paprika (if using store-bought sazon), and tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices and tomato paste to meld with the onions and garlic.
    Cooking onions and spices in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon, adding seasoning, in a cozy kitchen setting.

Deglaze with Beer

  • Pour in the light lager beer, stirring to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
    Cooking tomato sauce in a cast-iron skillet with a wooden spoon and pouring broth for a simmering recipe.
  • Add in the peri peri hot sauce and simmer for 1 minute. Taste for salt and spice level.
    Person holding Nando's Medium Peri-Peri sauce bottle on a wooden table. Gluten-free and non-GMO.

Cook the Shrimp

  • Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Add in the parsley and cilantro. If cilantro taste like soap to you please skip :) Make sure all the shrimp are covered in the sauce. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
    Sizzling shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce with fresh herbs in a pan, creating a flavorful seafood dish.

Emulsify the Sauce

  • Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of butter, allowing it to melt and emulsify into the sauce. This will give the sauce a rich, silky texture.
    Spicy shrimp cooking in a skillet with fresh herbs and vibrant sauce. Ideal for seafood lovers.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and top with fresh lemon juice.
    Sizzling shrimp in garlic tomato sauce with herbs in a cast iron skillet, a flavorful seafood delicacy being garnished.

Serve

  • Serve the Shrimp Mozambique hot, with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
    Spicy shrimp in a skillet with lemon slices and bread, garnished with herbs for a flavorful seafood dish.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 28gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 243mgSodium: 497mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1118IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg
Keyword garlic shrimp
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