Super Simple & Delicious Shrimp Gambas al Ajillo
Homemade Spanish Delight: Easy Shrimp Gambas al Ajillo Recipe
Create a restaurant-quality Gambas al Ajillo at home with this incredibly simple yet flavorful recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this dish features plump shrimp simmered in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of chili. Serve with crusty bread for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients- 8-10 large cocktail shrimp (frozen or fresh)
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes
- 8-10 cloves garlic
- 3-4 dried red chili peppers (peperoncino)
- 100-120 mL extra virgin olive oil
- A few fresh basil leaves
- A pinch of dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. I’ve used pre-cooked cocktail shrimp for convenience, but you can use fresh raw shrimp with the same cooking process. If using raw shrimp, ensure they are peeled and deveined. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. For the dried chili peppers, cut them in half and remove the seeds if you prefer less heat. Finely chiffonade the fresh basil leaves. (Optional: Halving the cherry tomatoes can also be beneficial.)
Step 2
Now, let’s start cooking! Take a skillet or a small pot with relatively high sides. Pour in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and the halved dried chili peppers. Place the skillet over very low heat and gently simmer, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil with its aromatic essence. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it to become fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 3
Once you notice the edges of the garlic slices starting to turn a light golden brown, it’s time to add the shrimp. Add the prepared cocktail shrimp to the skillet. They will begin to turn pink as they cook. If you are using raw shrimp, continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
Step 4
After adding the shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor. Let the shrimp cook for about 2-3 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together in the olive oil. The olive oil should be gently bubbling, creating a delicious broth infused with garlic and shrimp essence.
Step 5
We’re nearing the end! Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them just until their skins begin to soften and wrinkle slightly. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy.
Step 6
Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the freshly chiffonaded basil leaves and a sprinkle of dried parsley. Your delicious Gambas al Ajillo is ready! Serve immediately while it’s warm, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful olive oil. It’s perfect as a wine accompaniment or a light meal.
