Garlic-Infused Gambas al Ajillo with Shrimp, Squid & Mushrooms
Garlic-Infused Gambas al Ajillo with Shrimp, Squid & Mushrooms
A Detailed Recipe for Gambas al Ajillo Featuring Tender Shrimp, Succulent Squid, and Earthy Mushrooms – A Spanish Tapas Delight for Your Home
Juicy, plump shrimp that are always a crowd-pleaser, paired with tender squid and firm, delightful shiitake mushrooms. This Gambas al Ajillo is so irresistible, you’ll find yourself reaching for bite after bite until it’s all gone! Enjoy this classic Spanish tapas dish, perfect for elevating any meal or occasion.
Ingredients- 11 large frozen cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cleaned squid body, sliced into 1cm rings
- 6 small fresh shiitake mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 3 dried red chilies (or similar mild chili), broken into pieces
- 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped
- 200ml high-quality olive oil
- 1 Tbsp coarsely minced garlic
- 1/3 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 3 pinches of salt
- 4 Tbsp sake (or cooking wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by marinating the shrimp. Place the thawed shrimp in a bowl and pour over the sake (or cooking wine). Gently toss to coat, then let it sit for about 5 minutes to help reduce any fishy odors.
Step 2
Prepare the squid by slicing it into approximately 1cm thick rings. This ensures a pleasant bite-sized piece that cooks evenly without becoming too tough.
Step 3
Crucially, pat the shrimp and squid thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is vital to prevent the hot olive oil from splattering, ensuring a safer cooking experience.
Step 4
For the chilies, crumble them into smaller pieces with your hands, discarding any seeds if you prefer less heat. Lightly crush the whole black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife to release their aromatic oils.
Step 5
Heat the olive oil in a skillet or a heatproof earthenware dish over medium heat. Once the oil is warm (shimmering slightly, but not smoking), add the marinated shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and crumbled chilies. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the ingredients to infuse the oil with their flavors.
Step 6
Now, add the sliced squid, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and crushed black peppercorns to the dish. Stir everything together and continue to cook over medium-low heat for another 5-6 minutes, or until the squid is tender and cooked through. Be mindful not to burn the garlic; adjust the heat as needed.
Step 7
Your delicious Gambas al Ajillo is ready! Serve it hot, accompanied by crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful garlic-infused olive oil. Enjoy every last drop!
