Shrimp Picante

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant shrimp dish featuring spicy picante salsa, tender shrimp, and aromatic garlic, perfect for quick, flavorful meals that appeal to seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. jar picante salsa (mild, medium or hot)
  • 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp. Christopher Ranch garlic, drained
  • 20 medium shrimp, cooked, drained and shelled
  • 2/3 cup rice

Instructions

  1. Bring the picante salsa to a boil in a deep pan with butter, sliced onion, and drained garlic.
  2. Cut the cooked, drained, and shelled shrimp in half or leave whole.
  3. Add the shrimp to the boiling salsa mixture and cook until hot.
  4. Serve the shrimp picante over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider using hot picante salsa or adding a dash of cayenne pepper. If shrimp isn't available, try substituting with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein. Ensure the shrimp are fully cooked before adding them to the salsa to maintain their tender texture. This dish is great for a quick weeknight meal, especially when served with a side of warm tortillas or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp picante over a bed of fluffy rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of avocado slices or a fresh cilantro garnish can enhance the dish's presentation and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with seafood recipes like Seafood Nachos or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover shrimp picante can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp from becoming tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp Picante contains roughly 1649 calories, with 142g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (284% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1649 kcal 82% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 142g 100% DV
Total Fat 92.8g 100% DV
Carbs 52.2g 19% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1225mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 541.5mcg 60% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 553.7mg 43% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the dish. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker option. This will help maintain the shrimp's texture and prevent them from becoming rubbery.

What type of rice is best for serving with shrimp picante?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best for this dish as they are fluffy and absorb the flavors of the picante sauce well. You can also opt for brown rice for a healthier alternative, which will add a nutty flavor and more fiber.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables until tender before adding them to the salsa mixture, creating a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers great flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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