Shrimp Gambas: Aromatic and Elegant
Effortlessly Create Restaurant-Quality Gambas at Home for an Elevated Dining Experience
For all you shrimp lovers out there, I’m sharing a secret to enjoying restaurant-quality Gambas right in your own kitchen! It’s the perfect choice for when you want to create a special ambiance without the hassle of going out or the hefty restaurant prices. This incredibly simple recipe comes together in a flash with just a few key ingredients.
Ingredients- 15 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (cocktail shrimp)
- 10-15 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 dried red chili peppers (peperoncino)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- Generous amount of olive oil (enough to submerge shrimp)
- 6 slices of baguette, toasted
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, if using frozen shrimp, rinse them under cold water to thaw. Once thawed, gently pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial to prevent oil splattering and ensure the shrimp cook beautifully.
Step 2
Season the dried shrimp with a pinch of black pepper and salt. This simple step helps to enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of the shrimp.
Step 3
Wash the peeled garlic cloves and trim off the tough root end. Slice the garlic thinly into ‘chips’ or slivers. Thinly sliced garlic will infuse the olive oil with its aromatic essence as it cooks.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the cooking vessel. Choose a skillet or a charming earthenware dish. Pour in enough olive oil to generously cover the sliced garlic. Don’t be shy with the olive oil; it’s essential for infusing flavor and preventing the garlic from burning.
Step 5
Place the skillet over low heat. Gently cook the garlic slices, allowing them to slowly ‘fry’ in the olive oil. Avoid high heat, as this will quickly burn the garlic. The goal is to slowly extract the garlic’s aroma into the oil.
Step 6
Stir the garlic occasionally to ensure even cooking. Continue to cook until the garlic turns a beautiful golden brown. This indicates that the garlic has released its full flavor into the oil.
Step 7
Once the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, add the dried red chili peppers (peperoncino) to the oil. Sauté for about another minute. The chilies will add a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the Gambas.
Step 8
Immediately add the seasoned shrimp to the hot oil. Gently stir them to ensure they are coated in the flavorful oil. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the shrimp tough.
Step 9
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove from heat. Sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, perfect for dipping into the warm, garlicky olive oil. Enjoy your delicious homemade Gambas!
