Gambas al ajillo or gambas al pil pil is a traditional Spanish tapa or appetizer. It consist of large juicy shrimp sautéed in olive oil and garlic, and usually enriched with dry sherry and chili flakes. It is a very simple dish to prepare but is highly flavorful and aromatic. This dish is a popular choice for a quick and easy meal due to its simple ingredients and fast preparation. Gambas al ajillo is a popular dish in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, and is often served as tapas in bars and restaurants. It is also a common dish to serve at parties and gatherings. The dish is typically served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
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
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 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.
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.
Tips:
- Use fresh, large shrimp: This will ensure that the shrimp are plump and juicy.
- Clean the shrimp properly: Make sure to devein and remove the shells from the shrimp.
- Use a good quality olive oil: This will add flavor to the dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly.
- Cook the shrimp over medium heat: This will help to prevent them from overcooking.
- Add the garlic and chili flakes at the end of cooking: This will help to preserve their flavor.
- Serve immediately: Gambas al ajillo is best served hot.
Conclusion:
Gambas al ajillo is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is also a great appetizer or tapas dish. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes. The dish is typically served with bread or rice.
This dish is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of shrimp. It is also a healthy and affordable meal. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to cook shrimp, give gambas al ajillo a try.
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