Authentic Spanish Gambas al Ajillo: A Symphony of Shrimp and Garlic
Enjoy a Luxurious Spanish Dish at Home: Gambas al Ajillo! A Complete Guide from Shrimp Preparation to Pasta Pairing
Indulge in the delightful combination of plump, fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, and luscious olive oil! ‘Gambas al Ajillo’ is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious, transforming ordinary days into special occasions. This magical dish is so easy to make that anyone can follow along, perfect for home parties or impressing your dinner guests. Serve it with crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful olive oil!
Basic Ingredients- 12 large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 10 cherry tomatoes, washed and halved
- 12 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 4 dried red chili peppers (peperoncino), adjust to taste, can be crushed for extra spice
- 1 cup (approx. 200ml) extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt, for final seasoning
- Pinch of black pepper, for final seasoning
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step to a fantastic dish is preparing your ingredients! For the shrimp, remove the heads and shells. Make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp and carefully remove the dark vein with a toothpick. This step ensures a tender and cleaner eating experience.
Step 2
Thinly slice the garlic cloves. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. Slicing them thinly allows their aromatic flavor to infuse beautifully into the olive oil.
Step 3
Wash the vibrant cherry tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. These will add a burst of sweetness and moisture as they cook.
Step 4
Finely chop the onion. The chopped onion will caramelize slightly when sautéed, adding sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 5
Place the prepared shrimp in a separate bowl. (Heads removed, shells removed, deveined)
Step 6
After peeling the shrimp, make a shallow incision along the back. Insert a toothpick into the incision and gently pull out the dark intestinal tract. This process helps remove any unpleasant fishy taste and makes the shrimp more enjoyable to eat.
Step 7
Season the prepared shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Pre-seasoning the shrimp will enhance their natural flavor.
Step 8
Now, let’s start cooking! Pour about 1 cup (approx. 200ml) of extra virgin olive oil into a deep skillet or an oven-safe dish (like a terracotta pot). The olive oil is crucial not only for cooking but also for carrying the wonderful flavors of the ingredients.
Step 9
Once the olive oil is in the pan, add the sliced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté over low heat, allowing the aromatics to gently release their fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic; aim for a light golden color and a sweet aroma.
Step 10
As the garlic begins to turn golden and fragrant, add the dried red chili peppers (peperoncino). Crushing them slightly before adding will release more of their spicy essence into the olive oil, creating a richer flavor. If you prefer less heat, you can add them whole or use fewer.
Step 11
Carefully add the pre-seasoned shrimp to the fragrant olive oil infused with garlic and spices. Ensure they are placed in a single layer, not overlapping too much.
Step 12
Cook the shrimp over medium-low heat, turning them occasionally, until they turn pink and become opaque and firm. Shrimp cook quickly, so avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
Step 13
Once the shrimp are almost cooked through, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them briefly until they just begin to soften, but avoid letting them become mushy. The tomatoes will add a lovely sweetness and moisture to the dish.
Step 14
When all ingredients are cooked to perfection, season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the olive oil itself can have a slight saltiness, so taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Step 15
Your delicious, bubbling ‘Gambas al Ajillo’ is ready! The enticing aroma of warm olive oil and fresh ingredients will surely whet your appetite.
Step 16
Serve the Gambas al Ajillo hot with warm, toasted baguette slices or your favorite crusty bread. Pile the garlic, tomatoes, onions, and shrimp onto the bread for an incredibly delicious bite. Don’t forget to dip the bread into the flavorful olive oil!
Step 17
Topping your bread with the perfectly cooked, plump shrimp creates a delightful mouthful, where the rich olive oil and savory shrimp flavors meld together for an unforgettable taste. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily create at home!
