Gulf Coast Restaurant-Style Camarones a la Diabla

A Gulf Coast Restaurant-Style Copycat Recipe

Although this Gulf Coast Recipe does not come from a specific restaurant, it is a Traditional Favorite in South Texas and will be instantly familiar to you from dishes you have enjoyed at Favorite Local Restaurants along the Texas Gulf Coast between South Padre Island and Corpus Christi.

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Coastal Cravings: The Bold Taste of the Gulf

What do mesquite brisket, crawfish étouffée, and shrimp po’boys have in common? They’re all part of the flavorful quilt that is Gulf Coast cuisine—stretching across five states, countless cultures, and one endless appetite for bold, briny, and deeply satisfying food. Here, the South meets the sea, and every dish is infused with spice, story, and sunshine. Come hungry—this coast always delivers.

Spice and Smoke on the South Texas Coast

South Texas, that sunbaked stretch of coastline between South Padre Island and Corpus Christi, sizzles with mesquite smoke, sizzling Gulf shrimp, and bold Mexican flavors. Here, you’ll find Camarones a la Diabla, fish tacos, and brisket alongside warm tortillas and coastal ceviches. It’s where borderland spice meets surfside comfort—and every bite is vibrant, fresh, and fire-kissed.

The Devil’s Shrimp: South Texas-Style Camarones a la Diabla

Camarones a la Diabla—“Devil’s Shrimp”—is one of the Gulf Coast’s boldest and most beloved seafood dishes. Especially popular in the South Texas stretch from South Padre Island to Corpus Christi, this fiery plate reflects the region’s unique culinary fusion of coastal bounty and deep Mexican roots. The dish features fresh Gulf shrimp quickly sautéed and bathed in a sauce made from dried Mexican chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and spices—its deep red color and searing heat earning it its devilish name.

In Texas’s southernmost coastal cities, where Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors define the table as much as Gulf seafood, Camarones a la Diabla is a restaurant staple. It likely originated in central or coastal Mexico but became firmly rooted in the borderlands, where family kitchens and beachside grills gave it a spicy regional twist. Restaurants along Highway 77 serve it with rice, tortillas, and generous wedges of lime—a nod to both Mexican tradition and the local love for fresh, citrusy finishes.

The use of guajillo and arbol chiles in the sauce is key: the guajillo provides depth and earthiness, while the arbol brings fire. Unlike some versions that go for overwhelming heat, the South Texas style tempers the burn with tomato, a touch of vinegar, and butter, rounding out the flavors for balance. It’s the kind of dish that’s made for shrimp lovers who want something bolder than the usual fried platter.

More than a meal, Camarones a la Diabla captures the spirit of the Gulf: fresh, fierce, and unforgettable.

Abuelo’s Chile con Queso

Abuelo’s Chile con Queso is a creamy and indulgent dip made with melted cheeses, diced green chilies, tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful companion for tortilla chips or as a topping for Mexican dishes.

Make our Abuelo’s Chile con Queso Recipe at home. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Chile con Queso will taste just like Abuelo’s.

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Mexican Restaurant-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp

Mexican Restaurant-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp features tender shrimp sautéed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, often seasoned with lime, chili and fresh herbs for a flavorful and savory dish served with rice or tortillas.

Although this recipe does not come from a specific restaurant, it will be instantly familiar to you from dishes you have enjoyed at your favorite local Family Mexican Restaurant.

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Chi-Chi’s Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Chi-Chi’s Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a tangy and flavorful appetizer featuring chilled shrimp tossed in a spicy tomato-based sauce with onions, cilantro and avocado.

Make our Chi-Chi’s Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe at home. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail will taste just like Chi-Chi’s.

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Frontera Grill Shrimp Ceviche

Frontera Grill Shrimp Ceviche is a refreshing and zesty dish featuring fresh shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, shallots, cilantro and avocado.

Make our Frontera Grill Shrimp Ceviche Recipe at home. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Shrimp Ceviche will taste just like Frontera Grill.

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Be Sure to Try These Other Delicious Mexican Recipes from Your Favorite Restaurants and Our Readers and Friends

Click on any Name below for the Recipe

• Abuelo’s Jalapeno Cheese Fritters Recipe
• Chili’s Fire-Roasted Corn Guacamole Recipe
• Taco Bell Crispitos Recipe
• Queso Blanco Dip (White Cheese Dip) Recipe
• Z’Tejas Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe
• Chili’s Salsa Recipe
• Bahama Breeze Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
• Acapulco Restaurant and Cantina Crab and Avocado Enchiladas Recipe
• Moe’s Southwest Grill Chicken Burrito Recipe
• Olive Garden Caprese Flatbread Recipe
• Homemade Totino’s Pizza Rolls Recipe
• Chili’s El Presidente Margarita Recipe

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