Prawns in Adobo
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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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.
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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

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