Gambas al Ajillo

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the flavors of Spain to your kitchen, Gambas al Ajillo is a must-try. This sizzling shrimp dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into one pan.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
  • Authentic Spanish flavors with minimal ingredients.
  • Pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
  • Impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1-2 small red chilies, sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to start cooking but not smoking.

Next, add the garlic and chilies. Stir them occasionally, watching closely as the garlic turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it, as it can become bitter.

Increase the heat to high, and toss in the shrimp. Spread them out in the pan so they cook evenly. You’ll notice they turn pink and opaque fairly quickly, usually in about 3-4 minutes.

Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to your taste. This step is crucial for balancing the flavors.

Remove the pan from the heat, and sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley. This adds a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread for dipping into the luscious garlic-infused oil.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a large pan to avoid overcrowding, ensuring the shrimp cook evenly.
  • Adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice preference.
  • Keep an eye on the garlic; once it’s golden, it’s ready — this makes a big difference in flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Gambas al Ajillo is perfect as part of a tapas spread. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Albariño or a light, fruity red such as Garnacha. Add a simple salad with a vinaigrette to complement the richness of the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp to ensure they absorb the flavors and don’t become overcooked.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can work in a pinch, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
How can I make it less spicy?
Simply reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds to cut down on the heat.

Ingredients Explained

Shrimp — The star of the dish, it cooks quickly and absorbs the garlicky, spicy flavors beautifully. Go for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best results.

Olive oil — A good quality extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and helps carry the flavors of garlic and chili throughout the dish.

Garlic — Thinly sliced, it becomes aromatic and slightly sweet as it cooks, infusing the oil with its essence.

Red chilies — They add just the right amount of heat. Adjust the quantity to your liking depending on your spice tolerance.

Lemon juice — A splash of acidity brings brightness and balances the richness of the oil.

Fresh parsley — Adds a pop of color and freshness, tying all the flavors together.

Crusty bread — Ideal for soaking up every last drop of that deliciously infused oil.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and chilies to the pan, stirring occasionally until the garlic is golden brown.
3. Increase the heat to high and add the shrimp to the pan, cooking until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
6. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

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