The cockroach shrimp they do not contain cockroach, although the name of the dish suggests so. In Mexico, that name is given to a simple preparation that is classified as a snack, made with fried shrimp, to which lemon and a spicy sauce are added, the preparation of which varies according to the region.
For example, in Nayarit, the place where the preparation of the dish of cockroach shrimp, They accompanied the generally fried shrimp with a very spicy sauce called Huichol. Currently, some already make a sauce that contains as main ingredients chiles de árbol, Huichol sauce and paprika.
The cockroach shrimp It is a very attractive dish for Mexicans, especially those who live on the Pacific coast. They frequently taste it for its easy preparation, which is done quickly and is truly exquisite due to the flavor and spiciness of the dish.
There are also other variants such as the one presented in the dish prepared with butter, garlic and other spices. Each of the variants has an appeal in its flavor, in addition to the common appeal to all the variants, which is the speed and ease with which said dish is prepared.
History of shrimp to roach
It is claimed that the preparation of cockroach shrimp was born in Nayatit, where initially they were accompanied with Huirchol sauce. This sauce was prepared by the locals in the past using natural elements of the region, among which were chili, rattlesnakes, salt, vinegar and spices.
From Nayarit the preparation spread throughout the Mexican coast and from those places to other regions of Mexico. Currently, the sauce with the name of Huichol and other hot sauces have been marketed since 1946 by a well-known company in Mexico today.
As always happens when a particular culinary practice spreads, it is modified according to the most common tastes and products in each region. In each home where it is prepared, it is also adjusted to the particular tastes of the family and thus, from generation to generation, customs are maintained that, although with modifications, are still present.
There are variations where the shrimp are passed through flour before frying, leaving in these cases more crunchy and a darker golden color. Always accompanied by a spicy sauce, as is customary in Mexican meals. Some claim that the name of cockroach shrimp It comes because of how golden the already prepared dish looks.
Recipe to make cockroach shrimp
To make these delicious cockroach shrimp You need to have the following ingredients on hand:
Ingredients
1kg shrimp
3 tablespoons of butter
5 cloves of garlic
3 tablespoons tomato sauce
2 lemons
Salt to taste
From these ingredients, now we go to the preparation of the dish:
Preparation
Chop the garlic into slices or crush them and fry them in butter for approximately 2 minutes. Then, the shrimp are washed.
In a pot, add the shrimp along with the fried garlic, the juice of the two lemons, the tomato sauce, salt and cook until they change color.
Prepare the spicy sauce of your choice and add it to the shrimp if you wish.
Serve and taste. Enjoy!
Once prepared, they can be consumed as a starter to a main meal, as a snack or as a main meal if rice, salad, avocado or avocado or other additions are added according to the taste of the diners.
Tips for making cockroach shrimp
to season the cockroach shrimp You can do it like in Nayarit, with Huichol sauce, paprika and chile de árbol. Or simply with the hot sauce of your choice, made at home with natural products.
The cockroach shrimp It is a dish which people can consume in diets to lose weight. In these cases they must be cooked in a sauce with natural ingredients, avoiding, for example, butter or other additives that increase the calories of the dish.
The cockroach shrimp It is a dish that should not only be eaten by people with special diets. Actually it is convenient for everyone to eat them because of the high nutritional content, because of the amount of minerals, vitamins and other elements that provide great benefits.
Did you know….?
- There are people who have allergies to eating shrimp and other shellfish, which can be serious if not addressed quickly. Therefore, it is important that when children are first fed shrimp, they are kept under observation.
- Allergy symptoms can develop quickly or within hours of consumption. These symptoms are, among others, inflammation of the lips, mouth, throat, redness of the neck, itching, diarrhea, abdominal pain or breathing problems. If symptoms appear quickly, the child should be taken to a health center.
- When allergies have occurred due to the consumption of shellfish, it is important to remove them from the diet, to avoid major problems. In addition to taking care of what is eaten in meetings where you participate.
- Shrimp is the most consumed shellfish in all countries due to the exquisiteness of the dishes that contain it and the great benefits it brings to the body.
- Among the benefits of shrimp consumption, the following stand out:
- Shrimp contain antioxidants that are highly beneficial to the body, because they contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid that gives them their characteristic color. Antioxidants are claimed to prevent cancer and other diseases.
- They contain Omega 3, which are fatty acids that are attributed, among other things, to reducing bad cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing cancer and preventing arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- They contain vitamins D, B12, B9, B3, B6, E and A. In addition to minerals: selenium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, potassium and phosphorus.
- They contain proteins that help in the formation and healing of the muscles of the body.
