Skip to main content

Prawns in Adobo

This vibrant prawns in adobo dish captures the deep, smoky essence of Mexican coastal cooking. By toasting dried ancho chillies and blending them with aromatic spices and tangy apple cider vinegar, you create a complex, earthy marinade that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. The prawns are chopped into small pieces before grilling, which ensures a high ratio of charred, spicy coating to tender meat in every bite.

As a naturally dairy-free recipe, this dish is an excellent choice for those seeking a light yet high-protein meal. The intense flavours of the adobo paste mean you do not need heavy sauces to make an impact. Serve these spicy prawns inside warm corn tortillas with a squeeze of lime and some crunchy shredded cabbage, or spoon them over toasted sourdough for a sophisticated savoury snack.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Prawns in Adobo

  • 6 dried ancho chillies, stemmed

  • 4 garlic cloves

  • 60ml apple cider vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more for seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • 900g small or medium uncooked prawns, preferably wild American, peeled, deveined, cut into 1/4" pieces

  • Ingredient info: Dried ancho chillies are available at specialty foods stores, Latin markets, and some supermarkets.

How to make Prawns in Adobo

Heat a large dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chillies; toast, turning often, until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool.

Using kitchen scissors and working over a medium bowl, cut chillies into 1" rings, reserving seeds. Cover chillies with 120ml hot water; let soak, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Transfer chillies with seeds and soaking liquid to a blender. Add garlic, vinegar, 2 teaspoons salt, oregano, cumin, and sugar and purée until a smooth, thick paste forms. Transfer adobo paste to a large bowl; add prawns and toss until evenly coated.

Preheat grill. Place prawns on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. Grill, watching closely and stirring halfway through, until prawns are just cooked through and are browned in spots, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.