Garlic Shrimp recipe

In this Spain From The Cuisine article, we are going to see one of the most traditional recipes of Spanish cuisine, the Garlic Shrimp recipe. 

The origin of the dish garlic shrimp recipe (gambas al ajillo in Spanish) is Spanish. It is a traditional tapa (appetizer) that is commonly found in bars and restaurants all over Spain. The dish is believed to have originated in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, where it is said to have been created by fishermen as a way to quickly and easily prepare the catch of the day. The dish is known for its simplicity and bold flavors, with garlic and olive oil being the key ingredients. It’s also very common to find this dish in the coastal towns of Spain. The dish has now become popular in many other countries and continues to be a staple of Spanish cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 6 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional)
• 1/4 cup of white wine
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons of parsley (chopped)

Ingredient substitutions for garlic shrimp recipe

Here are some notes and ingredient substitutions for the recipe of gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp recipe  in English):

• Shrimp: You can use any type of shrimp for this recipe, but large shrimp work best. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, you can use frozen shrimp that has been thawed.
• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is the traditional oil used in this recipe, but you can also use regular olive oil.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor, but you can also use pre-minced garlic from a jar if you are short on time.
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne: If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used.
• White wine: You can also use dry sherry or dry vermouth instead of white wine. If you prefer not to use alcohol you can use chicken broth or water.
• Parsley: Cilantro or basil can be used instead of parsley, or you can use a combination of different herbs.
• Salt: Adjust the amount of salt to your liking.
• Lemon wedges: These are used for serving and it’s optional, you can also use lime wedges.

By keeping these notes and ingredient substitutions in mind, you can make adjustments to the recipe to suit your taste preferences or to work with the ingredients you have on hand.

Directions of garlic shrimp recipe

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes or cayenne (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
4. Pour in the white wine, stir everything together and let it cook for an additional minute.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
7. Enjoy your gambas al ajillo!

Tips for garlic shrimp recipe

Here are some tips for making a great dish of gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in English):

• Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp can be used, but it may not be as flavorful or have the same texture as fresh shrimp.
• Use high-quality olive oil: The dish is mainly made with olive oil, so it is important to use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for best results.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic: Garlic is one of the main flavors in this dish, so don’t be afraid to use a lot of it. Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely for the best flavor.
• Cook the shrimp quickly: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them and take them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and are cooked through.
• Experiment with herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, cilantro, or oregano to add a nice freshness to the dish.
• Adjust the heat: Adjust the heat to your liking, if you prefer more heat you can add more red pepper flakes.
• Serve it hot: Serve it as soon as it’s cooked, it will be at it’s best when hot.
• Pairing: This dish is perfect for pairing with a cold beer or a glass of dry white wine.
• Enjoy: The most important thing is that you enjoy the dish and the experience of cooking it.

By following these tips, you’ll make sure that you have a delicious gambas al ajillo dish.

Suggestions for serving

Here are some suggestions for serving gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in English):

• As a Tapa: Gambas al ajillo is a traditional Spanish tapa, so it is perfect to serve as an appetizer.
• Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of white or yellow rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
• With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for a delicious pasta dish.
• With Bread: Serve the shrimp with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic and lemon sauce.
• As a Main Course: The dish could be served as a main course, it could be accompanied with a green salad or a side of vegetables.
• With a Cold Beer: This dish pairs well with a cold beer, it’s perfect for a summer evening.
• With a White Wine: A dry white wine like a Verdejo or a Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this dish.
• With a salad: you can serve the gambas al ajillo with a simple green salad like a mix of arugula and rocket, or a tomato salad.
• With a Guacamole: You can serve the gambas al ajillo with a guacamole on top of them as a nice touch of creaminess.

By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your gambas al ajillo are served in the best way possible, and your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills.

FAQs

Here are some possible FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that people may have about making gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp in English):

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using them.
• What type of shrimp should I use? You can use any type of shrimp for this recipe, but large shrimp work best.
• Can I make this dish without alcohol? Yes, you can make this dish without alcohol. You can use chicken broth or water instead of white wine.
• Can I make this dish spicy? Yes, you can make this dish spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or using a different type of hot pepper.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish is best when it’s served right after it’s cooked.
• Can I make this dish with other types of seafood? This dish is traditionally made with shrimp, but you can also use other types of seafood such as scallops, squid, or clams.
• How long should I cook the shrimp? The shrimp should be cooked for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
• Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar? Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar, but freshly minced garlic will have a better flavor.
• How can I store leftovers? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.