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Shrimp in Poblano Chili and Cilantro Sauce

Shrimp in Poblano Chili and Cilantro Sauce

Turn your shrimp vibrant green with poblano chili and cilantro sauce!

By Courtney HillJune 2, 2022

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    40 minutes
  • Rating

This recipe is a shrimp version of the classic Mexican fish dish pescado en salsa poblano, or fish in poblano sauce. To make the creamy, vibrantly hued sauce that cloaks plump, gently cooked shrimp, poblano chilies, with their earthy flavor and moderate heat, are pureed with cilantro, alliums and Mexican crema, a rich cultured cream similar to but milder than sour cream. If crema isn’t available, sour cream works in its place. Serve with warmed tortillas and, if you like, rice and beans.

Tip

Don’t be afraid to use the cilantro stems. Unlike parsley, cilantro has stems that are tender and will readily break down in the blender.

Ingredients
  • 2

    tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil

  • 2

    medium poblano chilies, stemmed, seeded and cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 2

    medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

  • ½

    medium white onion, thinly sliced, plus more to serve

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1 ½

    pounds extra-large (21/25 per pound) shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 1

    tablespoon lime juice, plus lime wedges to serve

  • 3

    cups lightly packed fresh cilantro, plus more to serve

  • ⅓

    cup Mexican crema or sour cream

Step 1

In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the oil until barely smoking. Add the chilies and cook, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots, 2 to 4 minutes.

Reduce to medium and add the garlic, onion, ¼ cup water and ½ teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss the shrimp with the lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; set aside.

Step 2

Transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender; reserve the skillet. To the blender, add the cilantro, crema and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Blend on high until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3

Pour the puree into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring often, until opaque throughout, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Off heat, taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional cilantro and sliced onion; serve with lime wedges.

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