If you're looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish, look no further than gambas al ajillo, also known as garlic shrimp. This Spanish classic has been enjoyed for centuries and is a staple in many tapas bars and restaurants throughout Spain.
The dish consists of succulent shrimp that are cooked in olive oil and seasoned with plenty of garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
To make gambas al ajillo, start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Then, in a large skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for a minute or two, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Once the shrimp are cooked, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and serve hot with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
While gambas al ajillo is a simple dish, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. First, make sure to use fresh shrimp, as they will have the best flavor and texture. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as this can result in tough and rubbery shrimp.
Another tip is to use a good-quality olive oil, as this will provide the base for the dish's flavor. And, of course, don't skimp on the garlic! The more garlic you use, the better the dish will taste.
In Spain, gambas al ajillo is often served as a tapa, or small appetizer, but it can also be served as a main course with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. And while it's a classic Spanish dish, it's also popular in many other parts of the world, including Latin America, where it's known as camarones al ajillo.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish, gambas al ajillo is a great choice. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, it's sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top of the shrimp and serve hot with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as this can result in tough and rubbery shrimp.
Use a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
The more garlic you use, the better the dish will taste.
