Camarones Rancheros Recipe

Prep prawns

Pat prawns dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Set aside while you prepare salsa and vegetables (10 minutes).

Cook prawns

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned prawns in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear 1.5–2 minutes per side until opaque and just cooked through. Remove prawns to a warm plate and tent with foil.

Roast and blend

Place quartered tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped white onion, 2 garlic cloves and 1 serrano (stemmed) on a hot, dry skillet or on a sheet pan under a broiler. Roast or char until skins are blackened and softened (8–10 minutes), turning for even charring. Transfer to a blender, add 2 tablespoons cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 3/4 tsp sea salt. Pulse to a slightly chunky sauce. Taste and adjust salt or heat.

Finish salsa

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the skillet over medium heat. Carefully add blended salsa (it may splatter) and simmer 4–5 minutes to deepen flavor and reduce excess liquid. Keep warm.

Char poblano and prepare vegetables

Char the poblano over an open flame, grill, or under the broiler until blistered on all sides (6–8 minutes). Place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off blistered skin, remove seeds and slice into 1/2-inch strips. Meanwhile slice 1/2 cup onion into 1/2-inch slices and dice 1 roma tomato.

Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet used for salsa (wipe if needed), melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add sliced onion and diced roma tomato; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add sliced poblano and cook 1–2 minutes to combine and warm through.

Combine prawns and salsa

Return cooked prawns to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the warm salsa ranchera over the prawns and vegetables. Toss gently and cook 1–2 minutes to heat everything together and let flavors marry. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.

Serve

Transfer Camarones Rancheros to a serving platter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Recommended accompaniments: warm corn tortillas or steamed rice.