I’ve been making Shrimp Mozambique for years and it’s always a showstopper at my dinner table.
The key to this dish is to not skimp on the garlic—trust me, it’s the heart of the flavor.
I love how the beer in the recipe adds a subtle depth that water just can’t match.
Every time I sauté the shrimp just right, getting that perfect golden sear, I know I’m in for a treat.
One thing I’ve learned is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready; this dish cooks fast!
The blend of spices, the heat from the sauce, and the succulent shrimp create a meal that’s both comforting and exotic.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes me feel like a pro in my own kitchen, and I’m excited for you to feel the same way.
How to Make Shrimp Mozambique
Ingredients List
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon hot Spanish paprika
- ½ cup white wine
- Hot sauce (such as Tabasco) to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-step Process
Step 1
Ensure that you have peeled the jumbo shrimp and removed any veins.
Set them aside.
Step 2
Sauté the onions and garlic. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, then cook until the onions become slightly golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
This will give the dish its signature African flavors.
Step 4
Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Step 5
Carefully pour the white wine into the skillet, stirring to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Step 6
Add the hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Let it cook for another 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve the shrimp Mozambique over cooked white rice, alongside crusty bread, or with your favorite side dish.
By following these steps, you will have a delicious and flavorful shrimp Mozambique dish to savor and share with others.
Side Dishes for Shrimp Mozambique
White Rice
White rice is a classic and simple accompaniment to Shrimp in Mozambique.
It allows the bold flavors of the shrimp dish to shine while providing a satisfying base to soak up the delicious garlic sauce.
To prepare, just follow the package instructions and serve alongside Shrimp Mozambique.
Ingredients Substitutes
Hot Sauce
If you don’t have your preferred hot sauce on hand, you can use a variety of substitutes.
Crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even fresh chili peppers like piri-piri, habanero, or New Mexican pequin are all available choices.
Adjust the quantity according to your desired heat level.
White Wine
If you’re out of white wine, you can substitute it with dry vermouth or white cooking wine.
Alternatively, use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth and a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to mimic the acidity.
Black Pepper
White pepper or ground green peppercorns can stand in as a substitute for black pepper.
However, their flavors may slightly differ, so adjust according to your palate.
Garlic Cloves
If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
Approximately ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder or ½ teaspoon of minced garlic can replace one clove of fresh garlic.
How to Store Shrimp Mozambique
Proper storage of Shrimp Mozambique is essential to maintain its flavor and quality.
Here, you will find a few methods to store this delicious dish properly.
Refrigerator
Properly stored in the refrigerator, Shrimp Mozambique will last for up to three days.
Once the dish has cooled, transfer the Shrimp Mozambique to another container before refrigerating because leaving the dish in the hot skillet may allow bacteria to grow.
Make sure to let the Shrimp Mozambique cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.
After that, place it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Freezer
In some cases, you might want to freeze Shrimp Mozambique for longer storage.
To do this, portion the dish into individual servings and place them in separate freezer-safe containers or sealable bags.
Press out any excess air in the bags before sealing.
Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer.
Frozen Shrimp Mozambique can last up to three months.
To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Remember these storage tips to ensure the best quality and flavor of your Shrimp Mozambique leftovers.
Enjoy the dish knowing that you’ve stored it properly, making the most of its delicious taste and aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Shrimp Mozambique:
Keeping Shrimp Dry
Before cooking the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel.
This will help the shrimp to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the sauce more effectively.
Selecting the Perfect Sweet Onion
Using a sweet onion is essential for the dish, as it adds a caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the bold piri-piri sauce.
Look for onions with a fresh, sweet aroma and firm outer layers.
Cooking the Shrimp Right
To achieve tender shrimp, make sure not to overcook them.
Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture.
Cook the shrimp until they just start to turn pink and have slightly curled.
This step is crucial for preserving their delicate texture and juiciness.
Achieving the Beautiful Yellow Color
To create the beautiful yellow color that’s characteristic of shrimp Mozambique, ensure that you include a high-quality saffron or turmeric in your ingredient list.
This will not only provide a striking appearance but also add a distinct depth of flavor to the dish.
Cooking Timing and Temperature
Finally, be mindful of the cooking time and temperature, as these factors play a significant role in achieving a perfectly cooked shrimp Mozambique.

Shrimp Mozambique Recipe
- Large skillet
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon hot Spanish paprika
- ½ cup white wine
- Hot sauce such as Tabasco to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Ensure that you have peeled the jumbo shrimp and removed any veins.Set them aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, then cook until the onions become slightly golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.This will give the dish its signature African flavors.
- Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Carefully pour the white wine into the skillet, stirring to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Add the hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.Let it cook for another 6-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley.Serve the shrimp Mozambique over cooked white rice, alongside crusty bread, or with your favorite side dish.By following these steps, you will have a delicious and flavorful shrimp Mozambique dish to savor and share with others.
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