Shrimp Ajillo, or Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish that packs a flavorful punch with minimal ingredients. With its juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky olive oil sauce and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
What is Shrimp Ajillo?
Shrimp Ajillo is a traditional Spanish dish commonly served as tapas in Spain. The name “Ajillo” refers to garlic, one of the key ingredients. The dish highlights large shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and a hint of spice from dried chili or red pepper flakes.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Ajillo
- Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp you can find and a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The flavors of this dish rely heavily on the simplicity and quality of these ingredients.
- Garlic Technique: Slice the garlic thinly rather than mincing it. This ensures it caramelizes evenly without burning, which would turn it bitter.
- Controlling the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. If you’re serving this to a crowd, consider keeping the heat mild and providing chili flakes on the side for those who prefer a kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Shrimp Ajillo is traditionally served with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil. You can also pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a heartier meal.
How to Serve Shrimp Ajillo
One of the best parts of Shrimp Ajillo is how versatile it is. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
On Pasta: Toss the shrimp and garlic oil with linguine or spaghetti for a quick and delicious seafood pasta.
With Bread: Serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil. The bread is almost as important as the shrimp in this dish!
Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of white rice or Spanish rice to absorb all the juices.
As Part of a Tapas Spread: Shrimp Ajillo is perfect for a tapas-style dinner alongside other Spanish favorites like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and olives.
Variations of Shrimp Ajillo
While the traditional recipe is hard to beat, there are a few variations you can try to keep things interesting:
- Add Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) will add a slightly smoky depth to the dish.
- Chorizo Twist: Add slices of Spanish chorizo to the oil before cooking the shrimp. The sausage will render its fat, adding even more flavor to the dish.
- Butter Upgrade: For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of butter at the end, swirling it into the oil before serving.
- Cilantro Instead of Parsley: Swap out parsley for fresh cilantro for a slightly different herbal note that complements the garlic and spice.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Ajillo
While Shrimp Ajillo is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers:
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, note that shrimp tend to get tougher when reheated.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more olive oil if needed. Avoid using a microwave, as it can overcook the shrimp.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Shrimp Ajillo, as the texture of the shrimp may become mushy when thawed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Ajillo?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can dilute the flavors.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. The flavor of the oil plays a big role in the final dish, so you don’t want to skimp on it.
How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes total. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Can I make Shrimp Ajillo ahead of time?
Shrimp Ajillo is best served fresh, as the shrimp can become overcooked and rubbery if reheated. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook it quickly just before serving.
Shrimp Ajillo
Shrimp Ajillo, or Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish that packs a flavorful punch with minimal ingredients. With its juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky olive oil sauce and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry or dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them generously with kosher salt. Set aside for later.
- Infuse the Oil: In a large skillet, heat up the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Toss in the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, and let them sizzle for about 60 seconds, just until the garlic gets fragrant and golden (careful not to burn it!).
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp and paprika to the skillet. Keep tossing everything around until the shrimp turns that perfect opaque, pinkish hue—about 3 minutes, depending on the size. You want them juicy and tender!
- Finish with Flavor: Take the pan off the heat and stir in the dry sherry (or white wine), lemon juice, and fresh parsley for a burst of brightness.
- Serve It Up: Transfer the shrimp and that luscious garlic-infused sauce into a serving bowl. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 306Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 160mgSodium 828mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 18g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Ajillo is a dish that proves simplicity can be the height of sophistication. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a tapas night, this garlicky, spicy shrimp recipe is a surefire hit. With a few high-quality ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring the flavors of Spain into your kitchen.
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