Imagine a dish that captures the heart of Spanish cuisine in just 20 minutes - a culinary magic trick that transforms simple shrimp into a mouthwatering explosion of garlic, olive oil, and Mediterranean flavors. Gambas al Ajillo is not just a recipe; it's a sensory journey that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Spain, where every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and irresistible taste. Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your cooking game with this classic tapas dish that's guaranteed to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly and prevent excess moisture.
- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat to prevent garlic from burning.
- Add thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil, gently sautéing until garlic becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high and immediately add shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to achieve proper caramelization.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and develop a slight golden color, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt to taste, tossing the shrimp to evenly distribute the seasoning and garlic-infused oil.
- Remove from heat and transfer shrimp and all pan juices to a serving dish.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, preferably with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic-infused olive oil.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Low and Slow Garlic Technique: Start with low heat when sautéing garlic to avoid burning, which can make it bitter and ruin the entire dish.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your shrimp space to caramelize by cooking in a single layer - this ensures beautiful color and prevents soggy shrimp.
- Timing is Critical: Shrimp cook quickly! Two to three minutes per side is all you need to achieve that perfect pink, tender texture.
- Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the most authentic and delicious result.
- Bread is Your Best Friend: Always serve with crusty bread to soak up the incredible garlic-infused olive oil - it's liquid gold!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 180mg
