Gamba al Ajillo: A Delicious Spanish Tapas Recipe to Enjoy at Home
Easy ‘Coffee Friends’ Style Gambas Recipe
We’re revisiting the beloved Gambas al Ajillo recipe, inspired by the popular show ‘Coffee Friends’! This guide will help you recreate this delightful dish at home. Experience the perfect harmony of plump shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich olive oil. Simple yet elegant, it’s ideal for home parties or when hosting guests.
Main Ingredients- 1/3 cup (approx. 80ml) Olive Oil
- 10 White Shrimp (medium size)
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 8 Cherry Tomatoes
- 5 Peperoncino (or dried chili peppers)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
For Serving- Baguette or sliced bread, as needed
- 2 sprigs Rosemary (optional)
- Baguette or sliced bread, as needed
- 2 sprigs Rosemary (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the 10 cloves of garlic and thinly slice them. You can use any type of shrimp, but white shrimp will make the dish look even more appealing.
Step 2
Wash the 8 cherry tomatoes thoroughly, remove the stems, and then cut them in half.
Step 3
Rinse the shrimp under cold water, peel them, and make a cut along the back to remove the devein. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous 1/3 cup of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and cook slowly. It’s important to gently cook the garlic until it turns a light golden brown and releases its aroma, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5
Once the garlic starts to turn golden, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. (Tip: If you have mushrooms like button or shiitake, adding them at this stage will enhance the flavor. It’s okay to omit them if unavailable.)
Step 6
After the cherry tomatoes have softened slightly and released some juice, arrange the prepared shrimp evenly in the pan. Placing the shrimp so they are in direct contact with the pan bottom ensures even cooking.
Step 7
Roughly crush the 5 peperoncino peppers with your hands and add them to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir gently to combine the ingredients. (Tip: Adding two sprigs of fresh rosemary will infuse a lovely aromatic flavor, making your gambas extra special.)
Step 8
Once all the ingredients are cooked and delicious, carefully transfer the hot gambas to a serving dish. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley and garnish with rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
Step 9
Serve with warm toasted baguette or bread slices to dip into the flavorful olive oil. This special gambas dish is perfect for making year-end gatherings or special meals more festive and romantic. Don’t miss out on trying it!
