If you have a craving for bright, bold, and refreshingly simple flavors, Easy Peruvian Shrimp is your new weeknight hero. This vibrant dish comes together in just 20 minutes and brings together the smoky kick of Aji Amarillo with juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp—all finished off with a tangle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that classic Peruvian punch. Whether you’re new to Peruvian cuisine Main Course
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Peruvian Shrimp lies in its thoughtfully chosen, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one is an important building block for creating the unique layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this dish absolutely irresistible.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Look for the freshest shrimp you can find—they’re the star of the show and will soak up every bit of the zesty sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This helps create a luscious base and adds subtle richness to the overall flavor profile.
- Aji Amarillo paste (1 tablespoon): The key Peruvian element! If you can’t find this spicy-sweet yellow chili paste, use a mild chili paste as a substitute for a gentle heat.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses everything with fragrance and depth—don’t skip it!
- Red onion (1/2, finely diced): Provides a slight bite and gorgeous color to the dish.
- Red bell pepper (1/2, diced): Adds natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the shrimp.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbal lift right at the end.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1/4 cup): This little bit of liquid helps meld all the flavors together and creates the perfect sauce for serving.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Squeezed in at the last moment, lime brightens every bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and highlighting all the big, bold flavors.
- Lime wedges (for serving): Because extra zest never hurts and your guests will love a customizable squeeze.
How to Make Easy Peruvian Shrimp
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
First things first: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, which helps them cook up plump instead of watery. Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. This tiny bit of seasoning is crucial—it lets every bite sing and sets the stage for all those big Peruvian flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced red onion and red bell pepper. Let them sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn fragrant. This not only draws out their sweetness, but also creates a colorful, irresistible base for your Easy Peruvian Shrimp.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Aji Amarillo Paste
Once your veggies are softened, add the minced garlic and the all-important Aji Amarillo paste. Stir and let everything cook for another 30 seconds. As soon as you smell that heady, spicy aroma, you know you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp and Build the Sauce
Now, add your seasoned shrimp to the skillet and immediately pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Nestle everything together and let the shrimp cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll notice the liquid bubbling into a slightly reduced, flavorful sauce—absolutely perfect for spooning over rice or dipping bread.
Step 5: Finish with Lime and Cilantro
Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Give everything a toss, making sure every shrimp is coated in that gorgeous sauce. The lime and cilantro add the final, signature sparkle that makes Easy Peruvian Shrimp so memorable.
How to Serve Easy Peruvian Shrimp
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, scatter a little extra chopped cilantro over the dish and nestle lime wedges alongside. The vivid green and zippy citrus not only look amazing, but also let everyone amp up the flavors to their taste. A sprinkle of flaky salt or a dash of chili flakes can boost both heat and texture, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
One of the joys of Easy Peruvian Shrimp is how well it plays with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the zesty sauce, or offer slices of crusty bread for sopping up every last drop. For a lighter touch, a crisp cucumber salad or a simple slaw can balance out the dish and make a meal that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your Easy Peruvian Shrimp for a dinner party? Try serving it on small tostadas for a vibrant appetizer, or pop a few shrimp onto skewers and pass them with extra lime as fun finger food. For a playful presentation, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups with a sprinkle of extra cilantro and a final drizzle of lime juice—perfect for parties or a light lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras (which rarely happens!), store any leftover Easy Peruvian Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Thanks to the zesty sauce, the flavors tend to become even more pronounced overnight.
Freezing
While cooked shrimp can be frozen, keep in mind that their texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you do want to freeze Easy Peruvian Shrimp, let it cool completely, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce seems dry. Shrimp cook quickly, so warm them just until heated through to avoid overcooking. For a bright boost, add a fresh squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Aji Amarillo paste?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Aji Amarillo paste, swap it out for a mild chili paste or a mix of yellow bell pepper and a little hot sauce. While you won’t get the exact same flavor, the result will still be deliciously vibrant and spicy.
Is Easy Peruvian Shrimp spicy?
The level of spice is totally up to you. Aji Amarillo is flavorful with a moderate kick, but you can use less (or more) paste to suit your heat preference, or even swap in a milder chili paste if you like things gentle.
What’s the best way to serve Easy Peruvian Shrimp at a party?
For gatherings, try threading the shrimp onto skewers or preparing bite-sized portions on crisp lettuce cups or mini tortillas. They look fantastic and let guests enjoy all those zingy flavors with minimal mess.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Frozen shrimp work beautifully! Just make sure to fully thaw, pat dry, and season before cooking to avoid any excess moisture. This helps you achieve that beautiful sear and plump texture every time.
Which sides pair best with Easy Peruvian Shrimp?
Steamed white or brown rice is a classic, but don’t overlook crusty bread, quinoa, or even roasted potatoes for heartier meals. A crisp salad with avocado or citrus also brings a fresh element to your plate.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that are big on flavor but short on effort, Easy Peruvian Shrimp deserves a spot on your regular menu. Every bite sparkles with color and zest, making it just as perfect for quick weeknight dinners as for impressing friends. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the lively aromas of Peru—you might just find a new favorite!
Print
Easy Peruvian Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A simple yet flavorful Peruvian shrimp recipe that is quick to make and packed with delicious Aji Amarillo paste, garlic, and lime juice.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Aji Amarillo paste (or substitute with mild chili paste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
- Add Flavor: Add garlic and Aji Amarillo paste, cook until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and broth, cook until pink and opaque.
- Finish: Stir in lime juice and cilantro, serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Adjust Aji Amarillo amount to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
