**Let's Savor the Exquisite Flavors of Gambas Al Ajillo: A Culinary Journey to Catalonia**
Embark on a culinary adventure to the vibrant region of Catalonia, where the tantalizing aromas of Gambas Al Ajillo await. Immerse yourself in the symphony of flavors as succulent shrimp, also known as prawns, come together with the vibrant trinity of garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili pepper. Discover the secrets behind this classic Spanish tapa, which translates to "shrimp with garlic." Delight in its simplicity, yet marvel at the complex interplay of flavors that make Gambas Al Ajillo an enduring favorite. Our comprehensive guide offers three delectable recipes, catering to various preferences. Whether you prefer the traditional method, a modern twist with sun-dried tomatoes, or a zesty rendition featuring lemon and white wine, we have a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to relish the perfect balance of savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy notes that define this iconic dish.
SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP (GAMBAS AL AJILLO)
Every Spanish restaurant serves this dish of shrimp cloaked in garlic-infused olive oil with smoky hints of paprika and a touch of sweetness from sherry. Make sure you have all your ingredients together before you head to the stove since, start to finish, this cooks in mere minutes. It's great for a tapas party, since you can prep everything ahead of time. Just spoon the shrimp and sauce over toasted bread and sprinkle more cayenne and parsley on top to enjoy.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Tapas
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Slice garlic thinly. Season shrimp with kosher salt and paprika. Mix to coat.
- Heat garlic and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until garlic starts to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp and increase heat to high. Toss and turn shrimp with tongs until starting to curl but still undercooked, about 2 minutes. Pour in sherry. Cook, stirring continuously, until sauce comes up to a boil and shrimp is cooked through, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley with a spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.2 calories, Carbohydrate 2.5 g, Cholesterol 172.6 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 18.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 344.3 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
GAMBAS AJILLO: SHRIMP IN GARLIC
The Spanish tend to use a cazuela when cooking this dish as that is the most traditional method. A cazuela is an earthenware dish that can be used either on top of the oven over a gas flame or for baking inside the oven. Remember to cool this dish before washing, as it may crack due to extreme, rapid changes in temperature. A deep frying pan is a suitable alternative to cook this recipe, however, transfer the ingredients into a more attractive hot dish before serving.
Provided by Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings as a tapa or appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place the cazuela over a medium flame. Add the olive oil. When hot (steam comes off the surface, do not burn the oil, you will know because it will smell rancid) add the garlic. Sizzle until golden in color, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chiles and leave for 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat just as the garlic starts to turn brown. (If the garlic turns brown you have over cooked it and will need to start again.)
- Add the shelled shrimps and leave for 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt.
- Serve with some fresh bread.
GAMBAS AL AJILLO (SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP RECIPE)
In just 10 minutes, you can make this easy gambas al ajillo recipe with extra juicy shrimp swimming in a garlicy olive oil sauce. Just add your favorite crusty bread to dunk in the sauce!
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with kosher salt. Set aside for now.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat up to 60 seconds or until the garlic gains some color (be careful not to burn it).
- Add the shrimp and paprika. Cook briefly, tossing regularly, and watching that the flesh turns opaque with a pearly pink color (about 3 minutes or so; this will depend on the size of the shrimp). Remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in sherry, lemon juice and parsley.
- Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving bowl. Serve with your favorite crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.5 kcal, Carbohydrate 2.4 g, Protein 16 g, Fat 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Cholesterol 190.5 mg, Sodium 982.2 mg, Fiber 0.4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
GRILLED SHRIMP WITH GARLIC (GAMBAS AL AJILLO)
Steps:
- Heat the grill to medium.
- Whisk together 1/4 cup of the oil, 2 tablespoons of the thyme, ancho powder and chopped garlic in a small bowl. Skewer the shrimp and brush with marinade.
- Place the remaining 1/2 cup of the oil in a small saucepan, add the sliced garlic and cook until the sliced garlic is lightly golden brown. Remove the garlic slices with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the oil.
- Increase the heat of the grill to high.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade, season with salt and pepper and grill until golden brown on each side, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skewers, transfer to a platter and drizzle with some of the reserved garlic oil and the garlic chips. Sprinkle with the remaining thyme and garnish with oregano leaves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 407 calorie, Fat 38 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Cholesterol 107 milligrams, Sodium 652 milligrams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fiber 1 grams, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 0 grams
GAMBAS CON AJILLO (SHRIMP WITH GARLIC)
Provided by Food Network
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil to medium/high. Add garlic and cook stirring until garlic is fragrant. Increase heat to high and add shrimp.Cook stirring until garlic is beginning to brown and shrimp are cooked through. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with parsley if using.
GAMBAS AL AJILLO ( GARLIC SHRIMP)
This is probably one of the most famous Spanish tapas, available throughout Spain. Although my recipe is original, it is authentic as I have constantly revised it duplicating the flavors and consistency I have had in the best tapas bars. Although this can be made in any oven proof dish, I recommend a "cazuela" (terra cotta dish). Although difficult to find, it can be purchased online through "www.tienda.com".
Provided by An American in Spain
Categories Spanish
Time 18m
Yield 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place the shrimp in the oven proof ceramic dish, approximately 8 inches in diameter and at least 1 inch high.
- Add garlic and pepper slices and cover with oil.
- Sprinkle paprika and salt on top of oil.
- If the dish can be used on the stove burner, heat on top of stove over medium high heat for about 5 minutes until the oil is bubbly and the shrimp are cooked.
- If dish can not be used directly on the burner, place under the broiler in the oven and broil until the oil is bubbly and the shrimp are cooked (about 5 minutes after the oil starts to bubble) Do not overcook as the shrimp will become tough.
- Serve with crispy french bread.
- Great for soaking up the heated garlic oil.
GARLIC SHRIMP (GAMBAS AL AJILLO)
This is a wonderful Spanish appetizer (tapa), and is so easy to make! It is delicious served with crusty french bread and red wine. It may be made up to a day in advance, and then cooked right before serving.
Provided by canarygirl
Categories Spanish
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Coat the bottom of an 8" round ceramic dish with olive oil.
- Arrange shrimp to cover bottom, and sprinkle with garlic slices and pepper flakes.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Just before cooking, lightly salt.
- Cook over medium high heat, until shrimp is cooked through, and garlic begins to brown, about 5-10 minutes.
- If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, while the shrimp is still sizzling, with crusty french bread.
- This dish may be made on the stove, or grill.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 243.2, Fat 15.5, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 172.8, Sodium 168.9, Carbohydrate 1.8, Fiber 0.1, Protein 23.2
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Peel and devein the shrimp before cooking. This will make them easier to eat.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough.
- Use a good quality olive oil. This will add flavor to the dish.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of peppers. You can use mild, medium, or hot peppers, depending on your preference.
- Serve the gambas al ajillo immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan.
Conclusion:
Gambas al ajillo is a delicious and easy-to-make Spanish tapa. It is a great way to enjoy fresh shrimp and garlic. This dish can be served as an appetizer or main course. It is also a great way to impress your friends and family.
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