Gambas Al Ajillo Speedy Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Craving a Taste of Spain?
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? This Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe, or Gambas al Ajillo , is your ticket.
Honestly, it's like a mini holiday for your taste buds. This dish is all about simplicity and bold flavour, a true gem among Easy Spanish Dishes.
What's the Story Behind this Spanish Seafood Dinner?
Gambas al Ajillo hails from Spain, where it's a staple Tapas Dinner Ideas . This dish is a testament to how amazing simple ingredients can be.
It's quick, easy and ready in 20 mins. The recipe serves 2-3 people.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp Tapas
This Authentic Gambas al Ajillo recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats from the olive oil. It's perfect as a starter or as the main attraction! The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a Spanish taverna.
It's definitely a crowd pleaser.
Let's Talk Ingredients for your Shrimp with Garlic and Olive Oil
You only need a handful of ingredients. These are shrimp, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, sherry, and parsley. Don't forget some crusty bread for dipping.
The key here is using good quality extra virgin olive oil. It really makes a difference!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for the Gambas Al Ajillo
Ready to make some Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe ? This Spanish Seafood Gambas Al Ajillo (spanish style Garlic Shrimp) Recipe is ridiculously easy.
Honestly , you probably have most stuff already. We're aiming for Authentic Gambas al Ajillo , but don't stress if you need to tweak a bit!
Main Players: What You Need and Why
For this Spanish Shrimp Recipe Easy , grab 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp. Quality matters! Fresh or frozen, they should smell clean, not fishy.
Ew! You will also need 6 tablespoons (90ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Don't cheap out here . Good olive oil makes a HUGE difference.
Plus, 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. More garlic equals more flavour.
Don't forget 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or more if you're brave. You also need 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sherry.
Sherry is optional, but it adds a great depth. Trust me on this one. A handful of fresh parsley for garnish and some salt and pepper for taste.
Seasoning Notes for Quick Spanish Tapas
Garlic and red pepper flakes are your base. It’s that simple! Oh my gosh , the aroma is amazing. The sherry adds a nutty sweetness.
If you don't have sherry, a splash of dry white wine will do. It's not quite the same, but it's better than nothing.
No parsley? Use chives.
Essential Kit for Shrimp with Garlic and Olive Oil
You will need a large skillet or sauté pan. Something that can handle the heat. A pair of tongs will also do the trick.
Honestly , that's all you really need. If you don't have tongs, two forks work fine. No fancy gadgets required for this Spanish Seafood Dinner .
Don't forget a plate to serve and some crusty bread for dipping! Seriously , you HAVE to have the bread.
It's the whole point of Garlic Shrimp Tapas . Enjoy your Easy Spanish Dishes Gambas Al Ajillo !
Alright, let's whip up some Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe ! Or Gambas al Ajillo if you're feeling fancy. Honestly, this is one of my go-to meals.
It's like a little bit of sunshine on a plate and it tastes fantastic. Plus, it’s perfect for an easy Spanish Seafood Dinner .
We are talking proper Tapas Dinner Ideas material here, mates!
Let's Get Started: Making Gambas Al Ajillo Recipe Magic
This Spanish Seafood dish is so quick. I mean really quick. You can have it on the table in under 20 minutes.
That's quicker than ordering a takeaway, innit? Perfect for those nights when you just can't be bothered to cook.
Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, COOK!
First things first, the mise en place . Get your shrimp peeled and deveined. I always pat them dry with paper towels it helps them get nice and crispy.
Slice up 6 cloves of garlic thinly. Trust me, it makes a difference. Oh, and have your red pepper flakes and parsley ready to go.
Time saving tip: Do all this before you even turn on the hob!
step-by-step: Easy Spanish Dishes Simplified
- Pat 1 pound of shrimp dry. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 1- 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic !
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side , until pink and opaque.
- Optional : Deglaze with 1/4 cup of dry sherry. Simmer for a minute.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Pro Tips: Garlic Shrimp Tapas Secrets Revealed
Want to take your Authentic Gambas al Ajillo to the next level? Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. Seriously, you can taste the difference.
And don't overcook the shrimp! That's the cardinal sin. They should be juicy, not rubbery. You know? Serve immediately with that crusty bread.
This Quick Spanish Tapas is best enjoyed hot! My secret? A squeeze of lemon at the end. It just brightens everything up.
And for a twist, you could try adding a little diced chorizo for a spicy kick! So there you have it: my go-to Spanish Shrimp Recipe Easy .
You will be enjoying Shrimp with Garlic and Olive Oil in no time! Enjoy!.
Recipe Notes for Your Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Let's chat about making this Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe a smash hit! Honestly, this Gambas Al Ajillo (spanish style Garlic Shrimp) Recipe is dead easy.
But, a few extra tips will make it restaurant worthy, I promise.
Serving Suggestions: Tapas Dinner Ideas
Want to wow your mates? Ditch the boring plates. Serve this Spanish Seafood Dinner sizzling hot right in the skillet.
Grab some crusty bread for mopping up that glorious garlic oil. Trust me, they’ll thank you. A simple green salad on the side brightens it up.
A cold glass of Albariño will set this Spanish Seafood off perfectly. It's really awesome for a Tapas Dinner Ideas .
I remember once, I plated this up all fancy for a dinner party. Everyone just ended up dipping their bread straight from the pan anyway!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh
Okay, so leftover Garlic Shrimp Tapas is unlikely. But, if you have any, store it smart! Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’s good for about 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan don't nuke it in the microwave! Freezing? Mmm, not recommended.
The shrimp gets a bit rubbery. It is better to prepare it fresh. A great Spanish Shrimp Recipe Easy like this one, is best enjoyed right away.
Variations: Make it Your Own
Fancy a twist? Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for that extra zing! It also compliments the Shrimp with Garlic and Olive Oil .
Or, toss in some sliced chorizo with the garlic for a spicy kick. Want a veggie option? Try using thick slices of halloumi cheese instead of shrimp.
It soaks up all that garlicky goodness too. This Quick Spanish Tapas are amazing! If you're looking for Easy Spanish Dishes this is the one.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Authentic Gambas al Ajillo is not just tasty. It’s also packed with protein from the shrimp. It's also loaded with heart healthy fats from the olive oil.
Plus, garlic has loads of health benefits! Each serving comes in at around 350 calories, with 30g of protein, 25g of fat, and 5g of carbs.
Remember, these are just estimates.
So, go on! Give this Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe a go! It's one of my favourite Easy Spanish Dishes , and I reckon it’ll become one of yours too. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe from being rubbery?
The key to avoiding rubbery shrimp is to not overcook them! Shrimp cook very quickly. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the heat immediately to prevent them from continuing to cook in the residual heat of the pan.
Can I make this Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe spicier?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to add more heat. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a finely chopped fresh chili for an extra kick. Remember to add a little at a time and taste as you go to get it just right.
What if I don't have sherry for the Gambas al Ajillo? Can I still make the Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Don't worry if you're all out of sherry you can absolutely still make a delicious Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp! A splash of dry white wine works well as a substitute. Alternatively, a little chicken broth can also add some moisture and flavour to the sauce.
If you use chicken broth, consider adding a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten the flavour.
How should I store leftover Spanish Garlic Shrimp? And how long will they last?
Leftover Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll generally last for up to 2 days. When reheating, it's best to do so gently in a pan over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. They are lovely tossed into pasta the next day!
What's the best way to serve Simple Spanish Garlic Shrimp? Any suggestions for sides?
Gambas al Ajillo are fantastic as a tapas dish or a light meal. Definitely serve them with plenty of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious garlic infused oil! Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) are a classic pairing, as is a cold glass of Spanish white wine or a crisp beer.
A fresh green salad can also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
Gambas Al Ajillo Speedy Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
