Shrimp Mozambique

If you’re craving bold, zesty seafood with a touch of spice and a golden, garlicky sauce, this Shrimp Mozambique is the dish for you. Inspired by Portuguese flavors and infused with vibrant seasonings, this shrimp dish is simmered in a saffron-tinted broth that’s both comforting and irresistible. It’s fast, full of flavor, and perfect served over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Bursting with Flavor – Garlic, spices, saffron, and tender shrimp combine beautifully.
Elegant Yet Simple – Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight.
Great for Entertaining – Serve with rice or bread and impress your dinner crowd.
Naturally Dairy-Free – No cream or butter needed to achieve a rich, silky sauce.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp Mozambique:

• 1½ lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked or sweet Spanish paprika)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp turmeric (for color and earthy flavor)
• Pinch of saffron threads (or ½ tsp extra turmeric if unavailable)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice or yellow rice
• Crusty bread (optional but highly recommended)
• Lemon wedges for squeezing

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Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Add paprika, red pepper flakes, turmeric, and saffron (if using).
Stir well and let the spices toast for 30 seconds to deepen their flavor.
This step is key for bringing out the signature warmth of the dish.

Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the tomato paste and stir until it coats the onions and garlic evenly.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Be careful not to overcook—the shrimp should be tender and juicy.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with rice or bread and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Mozambique
Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp – Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Don’t Skip the Saffron – It adds an unmistakable depth and color.
Go Easy on the Lemon – Add gradually and taste; you can always add more.
Customize the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice, or dial it back for milder flavor.
Serve Immediately – Shrimp cook fast and are best enjoyed right after they’re done.

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Serving Suggestions
White Rice – A neutral base that lets the sauce shine.
Yellow Rice – Boosts color and flavor, especially with turmeric or saffron.
Crusty Bread – Perfect for mopping up every drop of the golden sauce.
Steamed Veggies – Try green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
Roasted Potatoes – Another hearty, rustic option for soaking up sauce.

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How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let the dish cool, then transfer shrimp and sauce to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the shrimp and sauce together for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat. Avoid boiling to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
• Microwave: Reheat in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring gently between intervals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the origin of Shrimp Mozambique?
It’s a Portuguese-American dish, particularly popular in New England, with roots in Portuguese colonization in Africa and flavors adapted to local ingredients.

2. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Chicken or firm white fish like cod or haddock also work well with the sauce.

3. Is Shrimp Mozambique spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, cook the shrimp just before serving. You can prep the sauce earlier and add shrimp at the end.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet and cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

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Final Thoughts
Shrimp Mozambique is the kind of dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull off. With vibrant spices, a rich golden sauce, and juicy shrimp, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner. Serve it with rice or crusty bread, pour yourself a cool drink, and enjoy a taste of Portugal from the comfort of home.

Tried it and loved it? Leave a review below and tag your photos—I can’t wait to see how your Shrimp Mozambique turns out!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American (Portuguese-Inspired)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 750mg

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