Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
If you’re looking for a dish that embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine, look no further than Garlic Shrimp, or Gambas al Ajillo. This classic recipe showcases tender shrimp sautéed in a rich blend of olive oil and butter, infused with the bold flavors of garlic and paprika. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to please a crowd. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Garlic Shrimp and learn how to bring this flavorful dish to your kitchen.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) is not just about taste; it’s about the experience. Here are some reasons why this recipe will become a favorite:
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes creates a mouthwatering medley that bursts with flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer, toss it with pasta, or serve it over rice—this dish fits seamlessly into any meal.
- Healthy Delight: Packed with protein and healthy fats, Garlic Shrimp is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
What to Buy
To create the perfect Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo), you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large raw shrimp: Look for shrimp that are deveined and peeled for convenience.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil works best for flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dish; you can substitute with a plant-based butter if desired.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for the best flavor.
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced: The star of the show! Adjust to your taste preference.
- 1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika: This gives the dish its signature smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Use more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Getting the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet: A wide skillet allows for even cooking and good heat distribution.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and tossing the shrimp.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Knife and cutting board: For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
- Lemon squeezer: Optional, but it makes juicing lemons a breeze.
Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo): Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious result:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if they are not already prepared. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley for garnish.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Butter
In a large skillet, combine the 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become hot but not smoking.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced 4-6 garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the 1 pound large raw shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice
Once the shrimp are cooked through, pour in the 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for about a minute.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the Garlic Shrimp to a serving dish, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
If you’re looking to adapt this recipe for a vegan or vegetarian diet, consider these swaps:
- Replace shrimp with plant-based shrimp: Look for vegan shrimp alternatives in stores.
- Use plant-based butter: Substitute unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative.
- Try mushrooms: Large mushrooms like portobellos can provide a meaty texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
- Use vegetable broth: Instead of butter and oil, sauté garlic in vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Slip-Ups to Skip
While preparing Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Burning the garlic: Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Using pre-cooked shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, always start with raw shrimp.
- Skipping the fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the oil and butter.
Save It for Later
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), here are some tips to save them:
Store the Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp moist. Alternatively, you can add it to pasta or rice dishes to create a new meal.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve with Garlic Shrimp?
Garlic Shrimp pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as part of a tapas spread with other Spanish dishes.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They will curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will curl into an “O” shape and become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to bring the flavors of Spain into your kitchen with this delectable Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) recipe. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the tantalizing aroma and taste of this Mediterranean classic. Happy cooking!
Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the ingredients by peeling and deveining the shrimp if necessary. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
- In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
- Add the raw shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for about a minute.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep moist.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based shrimp and butter.
