20 September 2026
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THE UNIVERSAL GASTRONOMY AUTHORITY
World Kitchen Journal
Shrimp tinga: easy recipe
Technique
By Claire Beaumont, the Technique desk · Latin America · 3 min ·

Shrimp tinga: easy recipe

Shrimp tinga is a delicious variation of the classic Mexican dish that combines juicy shrimp with a flavorful tomato, onion, and chipotle sauce.

Ingredients · Servings 2
  • 300 gr de camarones limpios y pelados
  • 2 tomates maduros medianos
  • 1 cebolla blanca grande en julianas
  • 1 diente de ajo
  • 1 chile chipotle en adobo
  • 1 cda de salsa de adobo
  • 1 cda de aceite vegetal
  • 1 cdita de orégano seco
  • Sal al gusto
  • Pimienta negra al gusto
  • Jugo de medio limón
  • Cilantro fresco picado
Method · 35 min
  1. Licúa los tomates, el ajo, el chile chipotle y la salsa de adobo hasta obtener una mezcla homogénea.
  2. Calienta el aceite en una sartén amplia y sofríe la cebolla durante 8 minutos hasta que quede suave y ligeramente dorada.
  3. Agrega la salsa licuada y cocina durante 5 minutos para concentrar los sabores.
  4. Incorpora el orégano, la sal y la pimienta al gusto.
  5. Añade los camarones y mezcla bien para cubrirlos con la salsa.
  6. Cocina entre 3 y 5 minutos o hasta que los camarones cambien completamente de color.
  7. Agrega el jugo de limón y remueve suavemente.
  8. Retira del fuego y deja reposar 2 minutos.
  9. Espolvorea cilantro fresco picado.

It's a quick, versatile recipe, perfect to enjoy with toast, tacos, or rice if you're looking for a different and special meal. Without further ado, let's get started!

How to make homemade shrimp tinga

  • 2 people
  • Easy
  • 320 Kcal
  • 300g of cleaned and peeled shrimp
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes
  • 1 large white onion, julienned
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 chipotle chile in adobo
  • 1 tbsp of adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Blend the tomatoes, garlic, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce until you get a smooth mixture.
  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the onion for 8 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
  • Add the blended sauce and cook for 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
  • Add oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Add the shrimp and mix well to coat them with the sauce.
  • Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the shrimp completely change color.
  • Add the lemon juice and stir gently.
  • Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.

Tips for making a delicious shrimp tinga

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid them becoming rubbery.
  • Sauté the onion well to obtain more natural sweetness.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle according to your spice tolerance.
  • Use ripe tomatoes for a tastier sauce.
  • Add the lemon at the end to preserve its freshness.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp and adjust the seasoning.
  • Cook over medium heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
  • Let the preparation rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Pair with avocado for added creaminess and balance.

Can you make shrimp tinga with frozen shrimp?

Yes. Just make sure to defrost them completely and dry them with paper towels before cooking.

What is the best side dish for shrimp tinga?

Mexican tostadas are the most popular option, although it's also excellent in tacos, burritos, or with rice.

Is shrimp tinga spicy?

It has a moderate level of spiciness thanks to the chipotle. You can reduce or increase it according to your taste.

How long does shrimp tinga last in the refrigerator?

It keeps for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to prevent shrimp from drying out?

The key is to cook them only until they acquire a uniform pink color and remove them from the heat immediately.

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