Encocado de Camarones del Pacífico (Chocó Coconut & Herb Shrimp Stew) – Authentic Colombia Recipe

Ingredients for Encocado de Camarones del Pacífico (Chocó Coconut & Herb Shrimp Stew) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) plump shrimp, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups sweet bell peppers, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup ripe plum tomatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with rich coconut milk
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Colombia seasoning (culantro (cimarrón) and cilantro, achiote, lime)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown plump shrimp for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, rich coconut milk, and culantro (cimarrón) and cilantro, achiote, lime, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add sweet bell peppers and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in ripe plum tomatoes right before serving warm.