Shrimp Oil Gambas: An Authentic Recipe Packed with Shrimp Flavor
A Genuine Gambas Recipe Made with Rich Shrimp Oil (Featuring Shrimp Heads)
Hello everyone! This is Repanam, bringing you recipes with purpose. Today, I’ve prepared ‘Shrimp Oil Gambas,’ infused with the full essence and aroma of shrimp, made using real shrimp oil. If you want to truly experience the deep, authentic flavor of shrimp, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 15 Whiteleg shrimp
- 20 cloves garlic
- 2 ladles of olive oil (approx. 200ml)
- 8 dried chili peppers (peperoncino)
- 1 sprig fresh Italian parsley
- 10 leaves baby greens (e.g., red romaine, beetroot sprouts)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 tablespoons paprika powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 15 fresh Whiteleg shrimp. The freshness of our star ingredient is key!
Step 2
Let’s start cleaning the shrimp. While peeling, remove any sharp pointy bits near the head (like the rostrum or ‘teeth’) as they can be sharp and potentially cause injury.
Step 3
Neatly trim off the shrimp antennae. This will give the dish a cleaner, more appealing look.
Step 4
Remove the ‘water jet’ or the vein-like tube along the belly of the shrimp. This part can burst when cooked in oil, causing splattering, and can also result in a tougher texture.
Step 5
Next, twist off the shrimp heads. Carefully collect the orange or yellow ‘tomale’ (digestive gland) from inside the heads – this is where the concentrated shrimp flavor lies and is crucial for our rich oil!
Step 6
Now, peel the shrimp bodies. For a better presentation, leave the shells on the head and tail, peeling only the middle section.
Step 7
Also, collect the intestines from the shrimp heads, if any are visible after detaching the head.
Step 8
If you see a thin, white vein running along the underside of the shrimp body, gently pull it out. This is the intestinal tract and can sometimes impart a bitter taste.
Step 9
Season the cleaned shrimp with 2 pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper. This is the basic seasoning to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Step 10
Add 2 tablespoons of paprika powder and gently massage it into the shrimp. Paprika powder adds a subtle color and flavor, and also helps to mask any slight gaminess.
Step 11
Prepare the collected shrimp heads. We will mash these to extract their flavorful oil.
Step 12
Now, let’s make the shrimp oil. Pour a generous amount of olive oil into a pan. This will form the base for our flavorful oil.
Step 13
Add the shrimp heads to the pan and sauté over high heat for about 1 minute. You’ll notice the heads turn a brighter red and release their aroma.
Step 14
Pour in 200ml (about 2 ladles) of extra virgin olive oil. A sufficient amount of oil is needed to properly infuse with the shrimp essence.
Step 15
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This slow simmering allows the flavors and aromas from the shrimp heads to deeply infuse into the oil.
Step 16
While simmering, press down on the shrimp heads with a fork or spoon about 3-4 times. This helps to release more flavor into the oil.
Step 17
After 10 minutes, strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve, separating the shrimp heads from the infused oil. We want to capture all that delicious essence!
Step 18
Press down on the remaining shrimp head solids in the sieve with a spoon to extract every last drop of the flavorful shrimp oil concentrate.
Step 19
Season the extracted shrimp oil with 1/2 tablespoon of salt. This step amplifies the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Step 20
Prepare the garlic. Trim the ends off 20 cloves of garlic, peel them, and slice them thinly (about 0.3cm thick).
Step 21
Set aside 2 tablespoons of the seasoned shrimp oil. This will be used to sauté the garlic.
Step 22
In a clean pan, heat the reserved 2 tablespoons of shrimp oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 4 minutes, infusing the oil with garlic aroma without burning it.
Step 23
Once one side of the garlic slices turns a beautiful golden brown, it’s time to add the shrimp.
Step 24
Carefully add the 15 seasoned shrimp to the pan. Adding them when the garlic is fragrant ensures they cook without any fishy smell.
Step 25
Add 8 dried chili peppers, split in half, to the pan for a touch of heat. Remove the seeds if you prefer less spice.
Step 26
Add 1 tablespoon of paprika powder and cook for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds, allowing all the flavors to meld. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Step 27
Now for the presentation! Finely chop 1 sprig of Italian parsley. The fresh herbal notes will elevate the dish.
Step 28
Choose a white or light-colored serving dish that will showcase the vibrant color of the shrimp oil beautifully.
Step 29
Carefully transfer the cooked gambas to the prepared serving dish. Be mindful of the hot oil!
Step 30
Sprinkle the chopped Italian parsley evenly over the gambas. This adds both visual appeal and fresh aroma.
Step 31
Finally, garnish with a few sprigs of baby greens (like beetroot sprouts) for a touch of color and freshness.
Step 32
And there you have it! Your ‘Repanam’s Authentic Shrimp Oil Gambas’ is complete, featuring succulent shrimp and an intensely flavorful oil derived from shrimp heads and innards. Enjoy with crusty bread!
