Simple Shrimp Gambas al Ajillo
How to Make Delicious Shrimp Gambas al Ajillo at Home
Introducing Gambas al Ajillo, a delightful shrimp dish. This recipe features succulent shrimp simmered in fragrant olive oil infused with garlic and chili peppers. It’s perfect served with crusty baguette slices for dipping into the flavorful oil. Leftover oil can be used to create a delicious pasta dish, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or a special weeknight meal. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients- 15 large cocktail shrimp, thawed
- 6-7 dried chili peppers (peperoncino)
- 12-15 cloves garlic, peeled
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- Dried parsley flakes, for garnish
- 150-200ml extra virgin olive oil
- Baguette slices, for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thaw the frozen cocktail shrimp if you haven’t already. Rinse them gently under cold running water. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering during cooking. Season both sides of the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper to lightly marinate them.
Step 2
Slice the peeled garlic cloves thinly. Slicing them thinly will help infuse the olive oil with a wonderful garlic aroma and flavor.
Step 3
Pour about 150-200ml of extra virgin olive oil into a cast-iron skillet or a deep pan. Heat the oil over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm and just beginning to shimmer, add the sliced garlic. Let the garlic cook gently, allowing it to infuse the oil with its flavor without burning, until it’s lightly golden.
Step 4
As the garlic turns a light golden brown, add the dried chili peppers (peperoncino) to the pan. This adds a touch of heat and a wonderful aroma to the dish. Be careful not to let the garlic or chilies burn.
Step 5
Once the garlic and chilies have infused the oil with their flavors, add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
Step 6
Taste the oil and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. The goal is a well-seasoned, flavorful oil that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of dried parsley flakes over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your delicious Gambas al Ajillo immediately with warm baguette slices, perfect for soaking up the flavorful olive oil.
