Imagine a culinary journey that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Santa Fe, where bold flavors and zesty ingredients collide in a mouthwatering explosion of taste. This Santa Fe Shrimp with Green Chile Tequila Sauce isn't just another seafood recipe—it's a fiesta on a plate that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of succulent shrimp, smoky green chiles, and a splash of tequila that adds a provocative kick, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup green chiles, diced
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Dice green chiles finely and measure out all ingredients before starting cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot but not smoking to achieve a proper sear on the shrimp.
- Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add diced green chiles and sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their aromatic flavors.
- Carefully add tequila to the skillet, using caution as it may flame briefly. Allow the alcohol to reduce by half, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the green chile tequila sauce. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving platter, garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately, ideally with warm tortillas, rice, or over a bed of mixed greens to complement the rich, spicy sauce.
Tips
- Shrimp Success: Always pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Tequila Technique: When adding tequila, remove the skillet from direct heat to prevent potential flare-ups. Let the alcohol reduce carefully.
- Cream Control: Add heavy cream slowly and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, luxurious sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh green chiles if possible, and don't skimp on the cilantro garnish—it adds a bright, fresh finish.
- Timing is Key: Shrimp cook quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm flour tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, or a crisp side salad to complement the rich sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
