Shrimp Mozambique

*Photo courtesy of Henry Krauzyk*

Shrimp Mozambique is one of the most unique and popular dishes in Portuguese cuisine and it comes from the rich historical past of Portuguese exploration. When Portuguese explorers encountered the local tribes of Mozambique in the 15th century, they learned of their use of “piri piri” or peppers, used in making hot sauces and dishes. This use of “piri piri” led to the creation of this unique shrimp dish, which happens to be my personal favorite and that of many around the world. There are many variations to this dish, but in my opinion this is the most simple and delicious way to enjoy it without much hassle.

Ingredients:
1 lbs shrimp
1 onion, minced
1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon piri piri sauce (you should be able to find this locally, if you not can buy some here on Amazon)
salt and pepper to taste
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 stick butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup white wine or beer
1.5 cups white rice
1 packet sazon goya con azafran

Directions:
1) In a bowl add the chopped garlic, piri piri sauce, packet of sazon goya, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix it together.

2) Add the olive oil and half of the butter to a frying pan with the onion and cook until soft, 4-5 minutes over medium heat.

3) Add the contents of the bowl to the pan, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add wine/beer, bring to boil and reduce for 2 minutes over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and the rest of the butter.

4) Cook over medium heat until the shrimp are done.

5) Place the shrimp and sauce in a serving platter and garnish with the parsley. Serve along with the rice. Enjoy!

21 Comments

  1. Shrimp Mozambique is one of my favorite dishes in the world

  2. Eddy

    I’ve made this dish many times but this was my first time using this recipe. I found that it was missing something in the taste. I added a Goya seasoning packet and it made it much better! Also, the recipe calls for olive oil but the directions never said when to put it in?

  3. janie baton

    Goya seasoning?

  4. janie baton

    What is it?

    • Pbicudo1

      It is called sazon goya con azafran. It can be added to the shrimp mozambique for extra flavor and spice although it isn’t traditionally used. You can find it in most south american food stores and online on sites like Amazon as well.

  5. I agree Sazon is a MUST when making shrimp mozambique it adds a whole new great flavor!

  6. Kathy

    you can buy the sazon in most grocery stores

  7. Liz

    I also add some lemon juice to this dish. (1/2 fresh lemon). Adds some zest to the whole flavor. Try it! Absolutely delish!

  8. Dot

    Liked the recipe n the sazon was a definite needed ingredient without it it wouldn’t have been good but i also added moist crushed pepper i like mine with tat spicy kick to it

  9. i love you portugueses recipes

  10. crisrobal azores

    Cilantro is better then parsley. If goya is not used . be sure to use 1tblspoon of paparika

  11. Debers17

    The recipe here is also missing the can of beer we traditionally use.

  12. Joe

    Mozambique shrimp dish was created in Fall River, Mass.
    not in Mozambique or Portugal as many websites advertise!

  13. susan

    Hi, Thank you for posting this recipe. Regarding the link for the peri peri, it seems you are suggesting to use one bottle for your recipe? Can you please confirm the amount of hot sauce you suggest for this dish?
    Thank you again

    • Pbicudo1

      All you need is 2 tablespoons of piri piri for this dish, you definitely don’t need one bottle, but I am pretty sure that Amazon link is the smallest quantity of piri piri you can buy online. If you don’t want to use piri piri you can also use hot sauce, as it works extremely well as a substitute, which you should be able to find in any local store. My favorite is Crystal hot sauce from Louisiana, which you should be able to purchase in many places throughout the US, and has the perfect amount of spice and flavor.

  14. mike

    ViVa…Fall River!!!!! Mmmmm so many great recipes from little Portugal!!

  15. Nellie

    I love this with spaghetti instead of the rice. I first tried it when visiting New Bedford and really prefer the spaghetti over the rice. Have some fresh bread handy to soak up the sauce. Viva comida portuguesa !

  16. MIKE_O

    The Clipper Restaurant in Fall River has an excellent Shrimp Mozambique. This recipe was kinda close.

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