Ah, Spanish Garlic Shrimp, or “Gambas al Ajillo” as they say in Spain! This dish has a special place in my heart because it captures the essence of Spanish cuisine—simple, fresh ingredients bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I tried this classic dish at a little tapas bar in Barcelona, and it was love at first bite! The combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up at home. You’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a festive gathering with friends. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Make sure your shrimp are fresh and ready to go—nothing beats that sweet flavor! And don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s the star of the show! Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness right before serving. You’ll want to have everything prepped and measured out, so you can dive straight into the cooking process without a hitch!
How to Prepare Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Now, let’s get cooking! This Spanish Garlic Shrimp is so quick and easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Trust me, it’s all about timing and the magic of garlic and olive oil. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!
First off, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—just enough to make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much; burnt garlic is a no-go!
Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, letting the shrimp mingle with that garlicky goodness.
Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink color and curl up slightly. Yum!
Once cooked, season with salt to taste. Give it a gentle stir to ensure every shrimp is coated in that irresistible garlic oil.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that vibrant pop of color. Your Spanish Garlic Shrimp is now ready to be served!
Seriously, it’s that easy! Serve it right away and watch your family and friends swoon over this delightful dish. Enjoy the flavors, and don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up that luscious garlic oil!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation—ready in just 20 minutes!
Incredible flavors that transport you straight to Spain
Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings
Simple ingredients that pack a big punch
Great for sharing with friends and family, or savoring all by yourself
Honestly, once you try this, you’ll be hooked! It’s the kind of dish that impresses but doesn’t stress you out in the kitchen. What’s not to love?
Tips for Success
To make your Spanish Garlic Shrimp truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your olive oil is of good quality; it makes all the difference in flavor. When sautéing the garlic, keep an eye on it—burnt garlic can turn your dish bitter, so stay close! If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, but remember to taste as you go. And don’t forget—serve this dish immediately for the best experience! Freshness is key, so have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the Spanish Garlic Shrimp cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to help bring back that delicious flavor and moisture. Give it a quick stir until heated through, and voila! You’ve got yourself a delightful meal ready to enjoy once more.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can dilute that delicious garlic flavor.
What if I don’t like spicy food? No problem at all! You can simply omit the red pepper flakes or use just a pinch to keep it mild. The garlic and olive oil will still deliver tons of flavor!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? I suggest cooking it fresh for the best results, but you can prep your ingredients in advance. Just chop the garlic and parsley and keep the shrimp ready to go. When it’s time to eat, you’ll be just minutes away from a fantastic meal!
What should I serve with Spanish Garlic Shrimp? This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up the garlic oil, or you could serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier meal. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice touch too!
Can I add other ingredients? Feel free to get creative! Some people love to add sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious Spanish Garlic Shrimp is approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying yet light dish. You’ll get around 14g of fat, 28g of protein, and just 3g of carbohydrates. It’s not only tasty but also a healthy choice for any meal!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Spanish Garlic Shrimp, you’ve got plenty of delicious options to elevate your meal! I love pairing it with some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful garlic oil—it’s an absolute must! You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside pasta for a heartier dish. A fresh, vibrant salad on the side adds a nice crunch and balances the richness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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