Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish Garlic Shrimp
User Reviews
5
Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Description
This dish uses large shrimp sautéed in olive oil heated until nearly smoking, which helps quickly sear the shrimp while preserving tenderness. Garlic and chiles are added to the hot oil and shrimp, releasing fragrant oils and mild heat. The shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink, about two minutes, ensuring they remain juicy and tender without overcooking.
The addition of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and balances the rich olive oil and garlic. Gambas al Ajillo can be served immediately to retain warmth or cooled to room temperature or chilled for serving as a flavorful tapas appetizer. It's a straightforward recipe that highlights the quality of the shrimp and simplicity of the seasoning.
The method focuses on high heat and brief cooking time to create tender, flavorful shrimp without complexity. The choice of fresh or dried chili peppers offers flexibility in heat level and availability.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 to 2 pounds Shrimp large, preferably spot prawns
- salt
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic roughly chopped or sliced thin
- 1 or 2 chile pepper or 2 dried, hot chiles, crumbled, small, hot, sliced thin
- lemon juice of a
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over high heat. When it just barely begins to smoke, add all the shrimp and toss to coat with the oil.
- Add the garlic, chile and salt the pan well. Cook over high heat, tossing and/or stirring, until all the shrimp just barely turn pink, about 2 minutes, tops. Toss with the lemon juice and serve at once.
Notes
- The dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for appetizers.
- Adjust chili quantity to control the spice level according to preference.
- Use large, preferably spot prawns for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 286mg | 95% |
| Sodium | 882mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 103mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 27IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 170mg | 17% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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