Shrimp Tampico: A Flavorful Mexican Delight

Oleh Betty Bradtke June 13, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're a seafood lover, there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh shrimp cooked to perfection. When it comes to shrimp dishes, one standout is Shrimp Tampico. This dish hails from the coastal city of Tampico in northeastern Mexico and is known for its bold flavors that make your taste buds dance.

What is Shrimp Tampico?

Shrimp Tampico is a flavorful Mexican dish made with sautéed shrimp, garlic, butter, lime juice, and a variety of colorful vegetables. The dish is typically served over rice or with a side of warm tortillas.

History of Shrimp Tampico

Tampico, located on the banks of the Pánuco River, has been a hub for fishing since ancient times. The city's cuisine is renowned for its fresh seafood and combination of Spanish, indigenous, and French influences. Shrimp Tampico is believed to have originated in the 1950s when local fishermen wanted to create a dish that showcased their catch of the day.

Ingredients for Shrimp Tampico

To make Shrimp Tampico, you'll need:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lime, juiced

How to Make Shrimp Tampico

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic, bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Serve hot over rice or with warm tortillas.

Tips for Making Shrimp Tampico

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
If you can't find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp will work.
Don't overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery.
You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less jalapeño.
For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze additional lime juice over the finished dish.

Nutritional Information

Shrimp Tampico is a relatively healthy dish. One serving (without rice or tortillas) contains approximately:

Calories: 250
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 18g

Variations of Shrimp Tampico

There are many variations of Shrimp Tampico, depending on the chef and region. Some popular variations include:

Shrimp Tampico with Tequila: This variation adds a splash of tequila to the dish for an extra kick.
Shrimp Tampico with Cheese: This variation includes melted cheese on top of the sautéed shrimp and vegetables.
Shrimp Tampico with Cream: This variation adds cream to the skillet to create a creamy sauce.

Where to Find Shrimp Tampico

If you're traveling to Tampico, you'll find Shrimp Tampico on the menu at many local restaurants. However, if you can't make it to Tampico, you can still enjoy this dish at home by making it yourself.

Shrimp Tampico is a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who want to add some spice to their meal. Whether you're in Tampico or your own kitchen, Shrimp Tampico is sure to delight your taste buds.

FAQs about Shrimp Tampico

1. What is the origin of Shrimp Tampico?

Shrimp Tampico originated in Tampico, a coastal city in northeastern Mexico.

2. What are the ingredients for Shrimp Tampico?

The ingredients for Shrimp Tampico include shrimp, olive oil, butter, garlic, bell peppers, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.

3. How do you cook Shrimp Tampico?

To cook Shrimp Tampico, sauté the shrimp and set aside. Then, sauté the vegetables in butter, add garlic, and season with salt and black pepper. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in cilantro and lime juice. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.