Gambas al Ajillo, also known as Spanish Garlic Shrimp, is a classic tapas dish that combines the flavors of juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and fiery chili peppers in a luscious olive oil sauce. Originating from the southern region of Spain, particularly Andalusia, this dish has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its simplicity, affordability, and incredibly delicious taste. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of making this exceptional dish, with variations ranging from traditional to modern interpretations.
**Recipes:**
1. **Classic Gambas al Ajillo:** Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Spain with this authentic recipe that showcases the harmonious blend of garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers.
2. **Spicy Gambas al Ajillo:** Elevate your taste buds with this fiery variation that adds a generous dose of chili peppers, creating a dish that packs a flavorful punch.
3. **Gambas al Ajillo with Lemon:** Experience a refreshing twist on the classic recipe with the addition of zesty lemon juice, enhancing the dish's vibrancy and adding a delightful citrusy note.
4. **Gambas al Ajillo with Sherry:** Indulge in the rich, nutty flavors of sherry in this sophisticated variation that adds a touch of elegance to the traditional dish.
5. **Gambas al Ajillo with Herbs:** Explore the aromatic world of herbs in this recipe, where a medley of parsley, thyme, and rosemary complement the shrimp, creating a harmonious and flavorful symphony.
6. **Gambas al Ajillo with Tomatoes:** Embark on a vibrant culinary adventure with this variation that incorporates juicy tomatoes, adding a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
7. **Gambas al Ajillo with Chorizo:** Experience the smoky, spicy flavors of chorizo in this delightful recipe that combines two Spanish culinary staples, resulting in a tantalizing and unforgettable dish.
8. **Gambas al Ajillo with Bacon:** Create a smoky, savory masterpiece with this variation that introduces crispy bacon, adding an extra layer of richness and texture to the classic combination of shrimp, garlic, and olive oil.
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 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.
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 AL AJILLO (SHRIMP W/ GARLIC) CATALONIA
While this is usually served as a tapa, it is too good not to eat as a main course. After trying the ones that were posted here on Zaar, I found myself still searching for the gambas we had in Barcelona. Finally I found the recipe with the flavor and creaminess of the dish we fell in love with in Spain! The same dish can be made with squid, cut into rings, or scallops. Serve with lots of warm crusty bread to sop up the sauce.... You will not want to waste a drop! (Make sure you are "warming" the olive oil and the butter, not cooking it off..... cause you'll want every last bit of it for the sauce)
Provided by NcMysteryShopper
Categories Squid
Time 13m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a wide, shallow sauté pan over high heat, warm the Olive Oil and the Butter; add the Shrimp and Garlic and sauté quickly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, paprika, pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Transfer to a warmed serving dish, sprinkle with the parsley and serve at once.
Tips:
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than frozen shrimp.
- Clean the shrimp properly: Devein the shrimp and remove the shells. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water.
- Use good quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil has a fruity, peppery flavor that complements the shrimp.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly.
- Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque: Do not overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the shrimp immediately: Gambas al ajillo is best served immediately after cooking, while the shrimp are still hot and juicy.
Conclusion:
Gambas al ajillo is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The combination of shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and white wine is classic, and the dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Next time you're looking for a seafood recipe, give gambas al ajillo a try. You won't be disappointed!
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