• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

La Piña en la Cocina

Embracing my Mexican heritage and sharing all the wonderful flavors, colors and foods I grew up with. Join me on this journey as I also learn new foods and cooking techniques. Dedicated to my parents Ramiro and Blanca.

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Mexican at Heart
    • Media
  • Contact
  • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
Home » Mariscos~Seafood » Camarones~Shrimp » Camarones a La Cucaracha! Spicy Mexican Shrimp Appetizer!

Camarones a La Cucaracha! Spicy Mexican Shrimp Appetizer!

December 23, 2020Leave a Comment

1057 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Camarones a la cucaracha is a definite must try if you love spicy shrimp. Don’t let the title deter you from trying this super easy shrimp appetizer! Cucaracha in Mexico refers to a bug, that’s all I will say about that! Lol! Keep scrolling for more deliciousness!

Fried Version!

To Fry Or Not To Fry!?

If I had to choose which version I enjoyed the most, honestly, I would choose the fried version as in the video. The shells peeled off easier and the flavor all around was more tasty! Chef’s choice, as I like to say.

close up of spicy shell on shrimp appetizer
Non fried version

Yes! There Are Two Versions Of This Recipe Here! One Fried, One Not! Check It Out!

Fried Mexican Spicy Shrimp. Camarones a la Cucaracha! I forgot to add the maggi and hot sauce at the end of the video version! Lol! Oh, Boy!

What’s In a Name?

Remember that Shakespeare you learned in high school? Where am I going with this? I don’t know!! Lol! No, but seriously, there are a few dishes that come to mind that have funny names in Spanish. Atropellado (to be run over) is a delicious beef dish popular in Monterrey. Who thinks of these names? Did you google the translation of cucaracha yet, ha, ha, ha! Moving on!

Spicy Mexican Shrimp plated

One of these things looks like the other!

As I journey through everything Mexican gastronomy, I am finding similarities to popular American-style dishes. This recipe for camarones a la cucaracha is very similar to Cajun barbeque shrimp. Served with the shell on in a spicy rub and butter sauce! Perfect for dipping!

close up os spicy shrimp appetizer cooking in butter sauce

The shell is too much work!

Lol! This was my thought when I would see shrimp recipes prepared with the shells on. After tasting the difference with and without the shell, I vote for leaving the shells on! It is a little more work, but you get so much more shrimp flavor leaving the shells on.

spicy Mexican shrimp plated

What’s Best, Frozen or Fresh Shrimp?

Living in the northeast, my best option is to purchase frozen shrimp. After all it is flash frozen as soon as it’s caught fresh. Some seafood counters have their seafood out for hours. Do you really know how fresh it is sitting there? I opt for frozen seafood nine out of ten times. I have had good luck so far. If you live in an area where fresh seafood is abundant, than go for it! Lucky!

uncooked shrimp
uncooked, shell on gulf coast shrimp
Texas Gulf Shrimp is always different in color

Are you a spice hoarder?

I am! And proud of it! But, don’t just store it. Use them! What’s the point of having twenty different kinds of spices if you never use them? A good source of good quality inexpensive spices is a Mexican market. I stock up any chance I get. Keep them stored in a cool dark place. I sometimes even store them in my refrigerator.

Ingredients, thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, sliced limes and unsalted butter

Without further ado, Camarones a la Cucaracha!

Onions with melting butter in saute pan
Minced garlic in prep bowl
gulf coast shrimp in fine mesh strainer after rinsing with cold water
Bottle of Mexican hot sauce prepared with chiltepin
bottle of maggi brand seasoning
Spices being added to shrimp in butter before stirring and combining
Shrimp cooking with spices in a butter and lime sauce with sauteed onions and garlic
Adding lime juice with the help of my favorite lime juice tool
spicy shrimp in a butter and lime sauce in saute pan
Close up of plated spicy shrimp appetizer, garnished with cilantro, lime and radishes

Pinterest image of Camarones a La Cucaracha with header
close up of spicy shell on shrimp

Camarones a La Cucaracha! Spicy, Shell On Shrimp!

Easy and economical spicy shrimp appetizer! Don't let the Mexican name scare you! Lol!
4.45 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Botana
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 6-7 large cloves of garlic. minced
  • 1/3 onion sliced into thin strips
  • 1 1/2-2 lbs extra large shrimp shells on, previously deveined if possible. rinse well
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chile California or ancho powder or paprika to keep it mild
  • 1 tsp chile pasilla powder or chipotle
  • 1 tsp chile de arbol powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tsps Maggi or soy sauce
  • Your favorite hot sauce to taste
  • Juice of 1 large lime plus more to serve

Garnish

  • Cilantro to taste
  • 6 Radishes sliced
  • More lime wedges

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, add the butter and heat to medium. Once butter melts, add the onions and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat, slightly. Add the shrimp, all the chile powder varieties, pepper and salt , to taste. Stir well to combine. Mix in the maggi or soy sauce and hot sauce. Continue cooking, and stirring as needed.
  • When shrimp begins to turn pink and opaque, add the juice of 1 lime. Stir well to combine. Taste for salt. Cook just until shrimp is done. Transfer to serving plate. Garnish with radishes, cilantro and more lime.

Notes

RECIPE 2 VARIATION
First, find jumbo shrimp with shells on that are already deveined!! Game changer! 
You will need 2 lbs of Extra large or jumbo shrimp
1 1/2 cups of oil for frying
Follow Remaining Recipe Ingredients From Above
You will fry the uncooked, shell on shrimp in the preheated oil for about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.  
Saute onion and garlic in melted butter. Add shrimp on, spices, maggi and hot sauce. Ready to serve! 
 
 
Don’t let the Mexican word cucaracha, cockroach, deter you from trying this easy and delicious shrimp appetizer! It’s whimsical! Lol! The traditional recipe is prepared with shrimp that still has the heads on. They are not that easy to find most times. 
Tried this recipe?Mention @pinaenlacocina or tag #pinaenlacocina!

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Appetizers~Botanas, Camarones~Shrimp, Mariscos~Seafood Tagged With: Camarones, camarones a la cucaracha, Mariscos, Shrimp

Previous Post: « Albondigas Rellenas en Salsa(Stuffed Meatballs in Salsa)
Next Post: Costillas Con Nopalitos (Beef Ribs With Cactus) »

Reader Interactions

Would Love to Hear From YouCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, my name is Sonia Mendez Garcia. My parents Ramiro and Blanca Mendez moved to the United States from Monterrey, Mexico in 1963. I am first generation Mexican American born in Los Angeles, California. Cooking has always been one of my passions in life. This is my journey and I can't wait to see what the future holds. Read More…

Never Miss a Recipe

Get all the latest directly to your inbox

View Privacy Policy Before Subscribing

View our privacy policy

Mariscos-Seafood

Crispy Masa Crusted Shrimp and Poppers

popper with cheese and bacon filling

More Ceviche & Aguachile!

aguachile verde in a heart shaped cazuela

Filetes de Pescado al Ajillo-Garlic Butter & Lime Cod

Tacos Dorados! Cuatro Vientos!

crunchy tacos

You might also like…

Mushroom Tacos! Tacos de Champiñones

Chicken Pozole (Pozole Verde de Pollo)

Give Me More Chile Cascabel Salsa!

Copyright © 2025 LA PIÑA EN LA COCINA

1057 shares
MENU & SEARCH
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Mexican at Heart
    • Media
  • Contact
  • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie Settings Accept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d

      Rate This Recipe

      Your vote:




      A rating is required
      A name is required
      An email is required