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15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini

15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini

This is coastal Oaxacan comfort food on a Tuesday timeline. We’re flash-searing shrimp so they actually snap, then dragging them through a smoky chipotle crema that tastes like a two-hour reduction but takes exactly three minutes in the blender. Serve it with blistered spring zucchini to lighten it up. We are not suffering for dinner, people.

María “Mari” Santiago
María “Mari” Santiago
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
4
easy
dinner
weeknight-shortcutseafoodflash-searskillet-dinner

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Timeline

14 minutes
0m5m10m14m
Prep Shrimp & Veg
3m
Blend Chipotle Crema
2m
Blister Zucchini
4m
Flash-Sear Shrimp
3m
Simmer & Toss
2m
Garnish & Serve

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp(peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
  • 2 medium zucchini or Mexican calabacitas(cut into thick half-moons)
  • 1/2 cup Crema Mexicana(Bodega Mode: Heavy cream works perfectly)
  • 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo(plus 1 tsp of the adobo sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic(peeled)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice(divided (from about 1-2 limes))
  • 2 tbsp olive oil(divided)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt(divided)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro(roughly chopped)
  • 8 whole corn tortillas(warmed)
  • 1 tsp adobo sauce(from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat 1 lb large shrimp completely dry with paper towels like your life depends on it. If they are wet, they will steam instead of sear. Toss them with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and set aside. Slice your 2 medium zucchini.

    3 min

    Tip: Dry shrimp = crispy edges. Don't skip the paper towel step.

  2. 2

    In a blender, drop in 1/2 cup Crema Mexicana, 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo along with 1 tsp adobo sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp lime juice, and the remaining 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Blend until totally smooth.

    2 min

    Tip: Taste it—then decide. If it's too fiery, add a splash more crema. If it's flat, add a tiny pinch of salt.

  3. 3

    Get a large skillet screaming hot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss in the sliced zucchini in a single layer. Let it sit untouched for 2 minutes to get those nice blistered char marks, then toss for 1 more minute. Scoop them onto a plate.

    4 min

    Tip: We want the zucchini charred on the outside but still crunchy inside.

  4. 4

    In that same skillet, lower the heat slightly to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. The butter will foam. Immediately add the dry shrimp in a single layer. Sear for exactly 1 minute per side until they just turn pink and curl into a loose 'C'.

    3 min

    Tip: A tight 'O' means overcooked. Look for the 'C'.

  5. 5

    Turn the heat down to low. Pour the blended chipotle crema straight over the shrimp, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift up any browned bits. Add the blistered zucchini back into the pool. Toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes just until the sauce is warmed through and hugs the shrimp.

    2 min

    Tip: Do not let the crema vigorously boil or it might separate. We just want it hot.

  6. 6

    Take the skillet off the heat before someone asks for a snack. Hit it with the remaining 1 tbsp lime juice to wake the whole dish up. Scatter 1/4 cup fresh cilantro over the top. Serve straight from the skillet with 8 corn tortillas.

    1 min

    Tip: Acid is your best friend with rich sauces. That final lime squeeze is non-negotiable.

Chef's Notes

Pantry Mode: If you don't have fresh zucchini, you can throw a handful of frozen corn right into the hot skillet to blister it, or just serve the shrimp a la crema over a quick batch of white rice. The magic is in the fast sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does 15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini take to make?

15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini takes about 15 minutes total. That includes 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings.

What skill level is needed for 15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for 15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini?

The main ingredients are: large shrimp, zucchini or Mexican calabacitas, Crema Mexicana, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, unsalted butter, kosher salt, fresh cilantro, corn tortillas, adobo sauce.

What type of meal is 15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini?

15-Minute Flash-Seared Shrimp "A la Crema" with Blistered Zucchini is categorized as: dinner.