Camarones al Ajillo Arepas

Ingredients

• For the Arepas:
• 1 cup pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) 🌽
• 1 cup warm water
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp butter
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• For the Camarones al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp):
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• For Garnish:
• 0.5 avocado, sliced 🥑
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• Lime wedges 🍋

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Make the Arepas
2. 2In a bowl, mix cornmeal, warm water, salt, and butter until a dough forms.
3. 3Let sit for 5 minutes, then shape into small discs (½-inch thick).
4. 4Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook arepas for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
5. 52️⃣ Cook the Garlic Shrimp
6. 6In a pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
7. 7Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
8. 8Toss in shrimp, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
9. 9Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
10. 10Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with cilantro.
11. 113️⃣ Assemble & Serve!
12. 12Place cooked arepas on a plate and top with garlic shrimp.
13. 13Garnish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
14. 14Serve immediately and enjoy this flavor-packed dish!