Sizzling Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

Bring Spain home with this Sizzling Garlic Shrimp recipe! Gambas al Ajillo is ready in minutes – a flavour bomb that’s perfect as an appetizer or light dinner. Get the recipe!

Right, let's talk garlic shrimp recipe . ever had that craving for something quick, flavourful, and kinda fancy-feeling? honestly, this sizzling spanish garlic shrimp, or gambas al ajillo, is the answer.

It is one of my favourite cooked shrimp recipes .

Sizzling Spanish Garlic Shrimp: A Taste of Spain at Home

This beauty comes straight from spain. it is traditionally served as tapas. it's easy to make at home. we are talking 15-ish minutes total.

You'll get about 4 appetizer servings. or, make it a light dinner for two.

Imagine this: juicy shrimp swimming in garlicky, paprika-infused olive oil. i used to think that shrimp recipes healthy couldn’t taste this good.

But trust me, it does. plus, shrimp is packed with protein. this makes it a quick healthy dinner option. it's especially good if you need shrimp recipes for dinner quickly!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp

What makes this garlic shrimp recipe so special? it is simple elegance. it is the perfect seafood dinner to impress friends without slaving away in the kitchen.

Plus, you can totally customise it to your spice level. it is one of my favourite shrimp recipes easy . it's also a top contender for a health dinner recipes option.

You can have some super quick healthy food too!

Ready to dive into these amazing shrimp dishes ? Next up, let's gather our ingredients. I will be sharing the tips to make this dish incredible.

Right, let's chat about what you need to whip up some seriously tasty garlic shrimp. It's all about the ingredients, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced. Honestly, don't skimp.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped.
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional).
• Salt and pepper to taste.

For shrimp, look for firm flesh that smells fresh. If it smells fishy, avoid it. These shrimp recipes healthy and quick healthy because of the low cook time and natural ingredients.

Seasoning Notes

Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes give that authentic spanish kick. can't find smoked paprika? use regular, but the flavour will differ.

Want it milder? use less red pepper. these spices make excellent shrimp recipes for dinner

If you love seafood dinner dishes, garlic is your friend. It gives the dish a lot of flavours and aroma.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (cast iron is amazing).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.

Don't have a cast iron skillet? any large skillet will do. just watch the heat. i’ve used a regular non-stick pan loads of times.

It still tastes amazing. quick healthy dinner is on the table in minutes, shrimp dishes really is a perfect health dinner recipes .

And just like that, you're sorted. Now get cooking those cooked shrimp recipes .

Alright, gather 'round, 'cause we're diving headfirst into a garlic shrimp recipe that'll make your taste buds sing. i mean, seriously, who doesn't love cooked shrimp recipes ? this ain't your average scampi, though.

This is gambas al ajillo , spanish garlic shrimp, and it's the bee's knees.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential prep is key, mate. no skimping here. first, peel and devein 1 pound of large shrimp. pat them dry with a paper towel.

Then mince 6 cloves of garlic . yes, you read that right, six ! trust me on this. chop up 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and measure out your spices.

Get everything ready. this sets you up for success.

Time-Saving Tip: Mince that garlic ahead of time. Honestly, prepping that bit will save your bacon when the pan is hot!

Sizzle Time: Let's Get Cookin'!

Here's the lowdown on how to get this show on the road.

1. Season Up: Season your prepared shrimp with salt and pepper.
2. Garlic Gold: Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in that minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1- 2 minutes till it's fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye. Burnt garlic is not the vibe.
3. Shrimp Shower: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side , until they're pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp? Nobody wants that rubbery situation.
4. Sherry Splash (Optional): Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of dry sherry (if you're feeling fancy). Simmer for about 30 seconds , scraping up those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Next, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
5. Parsley Power: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Give it a taste and adjust your seasonings.
6. Serve Hot: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping. Because honestly, what's better than mopping up that garlic-infused oil?

Pro Moves for Garlic Shrimp Glory

• High Heat Heroics: Get that skillet hot ! It's key for a good sear on the shrimp.
• Don't Crowd the Pan: Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding lowers the pan temp, and you want a sizzle, not a steam.
• Make-Ahead Hack: You can prep the garlic, parsley, and even the shrimp ahead of time. Just don't cook it until you're ready to serve.

This shrimp recipes easy is absolutely delicious and it also falls into the shrimp recipes healthy category, making it a win-win situation.

Looking for quick healthy dinner options? this is your shout! enjoy these amazing shrimp dishes !

Honestly, this seafood dinner is so quick and quick healthy . perfect for a busy weeknight. plus, it's a brilliant addition to any health dinner recipes .

So, there you have it! this garlic shrimp recipe isn't just delicious; it's an experience. go on, give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's chat about this amazing garlic shrimp recipe . I’ve tweaked it to perfection. Honestly, it's one of those quick healthy dinner options that's become a staple at my place.

Recipe Notes: Getting it Just Right

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so you've got this glorious garlic shrimp recipe cooked up. now what? presentation, my friend! think rustic. serve it straight from the skillet (if it's oven-safe, obvs!) for that authentic tapas vibe.

A scattering of fresh parsley is essential. crusty bread is non-negotiable. for sides, consider patatas bravas if you want to go all out.

A crisp glass of albariño? chef's kiss .

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? honestly, i doubt it, but okay. store the seafood dinner , particularly the shrimp dishes , in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, gently sauté in a pan until heated through. freezing isn't really recommended, as the shrimp can get a bit rubbery.

It's better fresh, you know?

Variations: Your Way, Every Day

Want to mix things up? this garlic shrimp recipe is super flexible. for a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Need a shrimp recipe healthy ? ditch the sherry to lower the sugar and keep it clean. lemon garlic cooked shrimp recipes are also amazing.

Just add the zest and juice of a lemon during the last minute of cooking. shrimp recipes for dinner are all about adapting to your mood, isn't it? i would not recommend any ingredient swap because the ingredients are carefully selected to provide the best and optimum taste.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This garlic shrimp recipe isn't just delicious; it’s actually pretty good for you. it's packed with protein from the shrimp.

The olive oil provides healthy fats. plus, garlic is practically a superfood, you know? one serving will clock in around 220 calories, 25g of protein, 12g of fat, and 3g of carbs.

A great option for a health dinner recipes or even a quick healthy meal, right?

Honestly, this garlic shrimp recipe is a winner. I know you'll love it. Get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my garlic from burning in this garlic shrimp recipe?

Burnt garlic is a total kitchen disaster! The key is to keep the heat at medium and watch it like a hawk. Stir the minced garlic constantly while it's sautéing in the olive oil. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately or even take the pan off the burner for a few seconds. Remember, you want it fragrant and golden, not black and bitter!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a kitchen staple. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of sautéing it properly, which is a no-no. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results, or use the quick thaw method: place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over it until thawed.

What's the best way to store leftover garlic shrimp?

Leftover garlic shrimp is still delicious the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook it, or the shrimp will become rubbery. A splash of olive oil while reheating can help keep it moist, too. Think of it as a posh version of "bubble and squeak" for seafood!

Is this recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations for this garlic shrimp recipe?

Garlic shrimp can be a relatively healthy dish, as shrimp is a great source of protein and low in carbohydrates. However, it does contain a fair amount of fat from the olive oil. To make it even healthier, you could reduce the amount of olive oil slightly. If you're watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the salt you add. Serve with a side of steamed greens for a balanced meal! Also note the estimate nutritional information is provided and could vary based on the products used.

I don't have sherry. What can I substitute in this garlic shrimp recipe?

No sherry, no worries! While sherry adds a lovely depth of flavor, you can easily substitute it. A dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will work well. If you don't have wine on hand, chicken broth is a perfectly acceptable substitute. It won't have quite the same flavor complexity, but it will still deglaze the pan nicely and add moisture. Remember, cooking is all about improvising like Delia Smith would!

Can I add some vegetables to this garlic shrimp recipe to make it a complete meal?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a brilliant way to make this dish a more substantial and balanced meal. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Simply sauté the vegetables in the olive oil with the garlic before adding the shrimp. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan; cook the vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they brown nicely. Now you're cooking like Jamie Oliver!

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