Simple Home Party Menu: Easy ‘Gambas al Ajillo’ Recipe
Effortless Gambas Recipe for Wine Pairing and Home Parties
Today, we’re making ‘Gambas al Ajillo,’ a quintessential Spanish tapa perfect for wine nights and home gatherings. This recipe is incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor!
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful of cocktail shrimp (approx. 150g, thawed and patted dry)
- 1 Korean chili pepper (or other hot pepper), seeded and finely chopped
- 1 handful of peeled garlic cloves (approx. 10-15 cloves, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 handful of broccoli florets (cut into small pieces and lightly blanched)
- Generous amount of olive oil (approx. 200ml, extra virgin)
- 4-6 slices of rye bread or baguette
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the garlic by trimming off the hard, brown end (the ‘butt’) of each clove. This step helps prevent bitterness and potential stomach discomfort. Thinly slice the garlic cloves for even cooking.
Step 2
Pour a generous amount of olive oil into your cooking pan (a small skillet or cazuela is ideal). You want enough oil so that the ingredients will be submerged about halfway.
Step 3
Gently heat the olive oil over low heat. Be careful not to let it get too hot, as splattering can occur when adding ingredients. Once the oil is warm, carefully add the chopped chili pepper and sliced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning.
Step 4
While the garlic and chili are infusing, prepare the shrimp. Pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the shrimp with 1/2 Tbsp of red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. This pre-seasoning adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
Step 5
Once the garlic is halfway cooked and fragrant, add the seasoned shrimp and the blanched broccoli florets to the pan. Continue to cook over low heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the garlic is lightly golden. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove from heat. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with toasted slices of rye bread or baguette for dipping into the delicious garlic-infused olive oil. Enjoy!
