Skip to main content

Shrimp in Cilantro Sauce

4.3

(28)

Camarones al Cilantro

Laura Bookman of Weston, Massachusetts, writes: "Can you get me the recipe for camarones al cilantro from Cafe Sol Azteca, in Newton Center, Massachusetts?"

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb firm fresh tomatillos*, husks discarded and tomatillos rinsed in warm water and halved
1 lb fresh poblano chiles (about 4), seeds and ribs discarded, and chiles coarsely chopped
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 lb large shrimp in shell (21 to 25 per lb)
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
Accompaniment: rice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine tomatillos, chiles, 4 garlic cloves, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 4-quart saucepan and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until tomatillos are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. (Chiles will not be tender.)

    Step 2

    While tomatillos are simmering, peel and devein shrimp. Rinse and pat dry, then toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt.

    Step 3

    Working in batches if necessary, purée tomatillo mixture, oil, and cilantro in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Force through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.

    Step 4

    Heat butter in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then add remaining 4 garlic cloves, 2 cups tomatillo sauce, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and simmer, stirring, 2 minutes. Add remaining sauce and simmer, stirring, until shrimp are just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.

  2. Step 5

    *Available at Latino markets and many supermarkets.

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.