Aguachile en Molcajete

Dive into the vibrant flavors of coastal Mexico with this refreshing Aguachile en Molcajete recipe. Inspired by the traditional dish, this rendition combines plump butterflied shrimp with zesty garlic, tangy lemon juice, and the subtle heat of dried piquín chili, all expertly prepared in a rustic molcajete.

Each bite is a symphony of fresh ingredients, from crisp cucumber to piquant red onion, perfectly complemented by creamy avocado slices. Get ready to elevate your culinary journey with this tantalizing dish that captures the essence of seaside indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: This recipe bursts with fresh ingredients like clean butterflied shrimp, crisp cucumber, zesty lemon juice, and creamy avocado. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Bold and Spicy Kick: The addition of dried piquín chili adds a spicy kick to the dish, making it perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. It provides a flavorful depth that enhances the overall experience.

Traditional Preparation: Using a molcajete, a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock, adds authenticity to the dish. The process of grinding the ingredients in the molcajete not only imparts unique flavors but also showcases a cultural culinary technique.

Customizable to Taste: Aguachile en Molcajete is a versatile dish that allows for personalization. Individuals can adjust the amount of chili, lemon juice, or other ingredients to suit their preferred level of spiciness or acidity, ensuring a tailored culinary experience.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs, and heart-healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, this recipe offers a nutritious meal option without compromising on flavor.

Key Ingredients:

Butterflied Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a succulent and delicate seafood flavor. Ensure they are clean and deveined for optimal taste and texture.

Garlic: Infuses a robust, aromatic flavor into the dish, forming the base of the marinade and enhancing the overall savory profile.

Grain Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients while adding a subtle seasoning to the dish.

Black Peppers: Provides a mild spiciness and depth of flavor to the marinade, balancing the other ingredients.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma and taste to the dish, contributing to its vibrant and refreshing character.

Olive Oil: Provides richness and smoothness to the marinade, ensuring the shrimp is well-coated and moist during preparation.

Dried Piquín Chili: Offers a fiery kick to the dish, adding heat and complexity to the flavor profile. Adjust quantity according to desired spice level.

Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and tanginess, crucial for marinating the shrimp and balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

Cucumber: Adds crispness and a refreshing element to the dish, complementing the spiciness and acidity with its mild sweetness.

Red Onion: Contributes a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, adding depth to the overall taste profile.

Avocado: Offers creaminess and richness, serving as a luxurious garnish that enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.

How to make Aguachile en Molcajete

Ingredients:

400 g of clean butterflied shrimp

A garlic clove

A teaspoon of grain salt

Eight black peppers

A handful of cilantro

A tablespoon of olive oil

A tablespoon of dried piquín chili

3/4 cup lemon juice

Half chopped cucumber

1/4 chopped red onion

Half avocado

Instructions:

We put the garlic, salt and pepper in the molcajete. Molcajete until forming a garlic paste.

Add the cilantro and olive oil and form a paste again.

Add the piquín chili and pulverize it.

Add the lemon juice, shrimp, pepper and onion.

We decorate with avocado slices.

Notes:

Preparation Time: This recipe requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for a quick and flavorful meal option.

Marinating Time: While there’s no specified marinating time, allowing the shrimp to marinate in the lemon juice mixture for at least 15-20 minutes can enhance the flavor.

Adjusting Spice Level: The amount of dried piquín chili can be adjusted according to personal preference for spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and add more gradually to achieve the desired level of heat.

Freshness is Key: Ensure all ingredients, especially the shrimp, cilantro, cucumber, onion, and avocado, are fresh for the best taste and texture.

Molcajete Technique: Utilizing a molcajete for grinding the ingredients not only imparts a rustic charm but also helps blend the flavors seamlessly while adding a unique texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions: Aguachile en Molcajete is traditionally served chilled. Consider chilling the molcajete before serving to keep the dish fresh and cool.

Garnish Creativity: While avocado slices are mentioned as the garnish, feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as extra cilantro leaves, thinly sliced radishes, or a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning for added flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before using.

Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

How spicy is Aguachile en Molcajete?

The spiciness level can vary depending on the amount of dried piquín chili used.

Adjust the quantity according to your preference for heat.

Can I substitute fresh chilies for dried piquín chili?

Yes, you can substitute with fresh chilies like serrano or jalapeño, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Adjust the quantity based on your desired spice level.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp in the lemon juice mixture for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

You can marinate longer for more intense flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and chop the ingredients ahead of time.

However, it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Is Aguachile en Molcajete gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Just ensure that the ingredients you use are certified gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.

What can I serve with Aguachile en Molcajete?

It’s commonly served as an appetizer or light meal on its own.

You can also serve it with tortilla chips, tostadas, or alongside rice and beans for a complete meal.

Can I use a blender instead of a molcajete?

While a molcajete imparts a unique texture and flavor, you can use a blender or food processor as an alternative.

Just be cautious not to over-blend, as you want to maintain some texture in the marinade.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when cooked through.

Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Can I adjust the ingredients to suit dietary restrictions?

Yes, feel free to adjust the ingredients based on dietary preferences or restrictions.

For example, you can omit the onion or adjust the amount of chili according to taste or dietary requirements.