Hello, fellow food enthusiasts!
Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite tapas dishes that’s sure to transport you straight to the streets of Spain: Garlic Shrimp, or as the Spanish say, Gambas al Ajillo. There’s something magical about the simplicity and vibrant flavours in this dish that I can’t get enough of.
My love affair with Spanish cuisine began during a holiday my wife and I took to Barcelona a few years back. Wandering through the bustling markets, tapas bars, and quaint cafes, we were constantly amazed by the rich diversity of flavors and the communal spirit of Spanish dining. Of all the culinary delights we sampled, the sizzling plates of Gambas al Ajillo left a particularly lasting impression.
Back home in the UK, I often find myself craving those garlicky, buttery shrimp. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the ingredients are likely ones you already have in your kitchen. There’s nothing better than recreating this dish to bring a slice of Spain into my own home.
One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is how swiftly it comes together. It’s perfect for when you want to whip up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
### Ingredients:
– 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced (optional, for serving)
### Method:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp rest for 1 minute to absorb the flavors.
8. Serve immediately, optionally with sliced baguette for soaking up the garlic-infused oil.
#### A Few Extra Tips:
– Make sure not to skimp on the olive oil – it’s essential for creating that luscious sauce you’ll want to mop up with every bit of the baguette.
– Fresh shrimp will yield the best results, but frozen ones work perfectly well. Just ensure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
– If you’re a fan of spice, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.
Whatever the occasion, this dish is fantastic for sharing, whether it’s for a cozy night in or entertaining guests. Each bite brims with bold garlic and paprika, balanced by the fresh lemon and parsley. Trust me, it’s bound to be a hit!
Until next time, happy cooking!
Al
Ingredients
– 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced (optional, for serving)
Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp rest for 1 minute to absorb the flavors.
8. Serve immediately, optionally with sliced baguette for soaking up the garlic-infused oil.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) as a delightful Spanish tapas!
