While living on the Texas border back in the 80’s the family would often cross into Mexico to have dinner. This was one of my favorite dishes which came two ways, gratinados (mild) or a la diabla (spicy). Add as much chile as you like and experiment with different types of peppers; jalapeno, serrano or a combination of both.
-MBK
Camarones Gratinados
Ingredients
- 1 lb. raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 stick butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 large tomatoes blended
- 1/2 white or yellow onion chopped
- 8 oz. Monterrey jack cheese
- 1 chile serrano remove seeds, mince
Instructions
- Have all ingredients ready as this cooks quickly. Heat skillet over medium high heat. Using paper towels, pat the shrimp to remove as much moisture as possible. Add butter and oil to hot pan. Add shrimp (in a single layer) and garlic. Sear 1 minute per side to lightly brown. The shrimp should not be fully cooked. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside in covered bowl.
- To your pan, add 1/2 tablespoon oil, chopped onion and sauté until onion is translucent. Add chopped chile serrano, pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and blended tomato. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over medium low heat 5 – 10 minutes.
- Add partially cooked shrimp to the salsa and cook an additional 2 minutes. Turn heat off. Top shrimp with shredded cheese and cover the pan and let rest 5 minutes allowing the cheese to melt. Serve with garlic toasted bollios or French bread.