Gamba al Ajillo: Authentic Spanish Shrimp Delight
Gamba al Ajillo: Authentic Spanish Shrimp Delight
[Easy Recipe] Elevate Your Dinner: How to Make Spanish Shrimp Dish ‘Gamba al Ajillo’
An exquisite taste that rivals restaurant quality! Savor the delightful combination of olive oil, garlic, and a hint of chili in Spain’s signature shrimp dish, Gamba al Ajillo, easily made in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients- 12 fresh shrimp (medium size recommended)
- Baguette bread (as needed)
- 230ml high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 10 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 8 dried chili peppers (peperoncino, crushed)
- Fresh parsley, a small bunch (chopped)
Shrimp Marinade- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (or sake)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (or sake)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and crush the peperoncino peppers. Finely chop the fresh parsley and set aside.
Step 2
Clean and prepare the shrimp. Remove the heads, peel the shells, and devein the shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back and pulling out the dark vein with a toothpick. Removing the vein ensures a cleaner taste.
Step 3
Rinse the prepared shrimp under cold water and gently pat them dry. Place the shrimp in a bowl and season with 1 Tbsp cooking wine, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix to marinate. (Tip: For best results, lightly pat the marinated shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking to reduce splattering and enhance texture.)
Step 4
Slice the baguette into desired pieces. Toast them lightly in a pan or oven until golden brown and crispy. This will create the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful olive oil.
Step 5
Pour a generous amount of olive oil into a deep pan or skillet. Heat the oil over medium-low heat. Once warm, add the sliced garlic and gently fry until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. This slow infusion is key to the dish’s flavor.
Step 6
Add the crushed peperoncino to the pan and continue to fry for about 30 seconds over medium-low heat. This will infuse the olive oil with a gentle spicy kick.
Step 7
Add the marinated shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp in the infused olive oil over medium-low heat, almost as if you are frying them gently.
Step 8
Cook the shrimp, turning them occasionally, until they are fully cooked and turn a beautiful pinkish-orange color. They should be plump and firm. You can add a little more salt and pepper at this stage if desired.
Step 9
Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and stir gently to combine. Your Gamba al Ajillo is now ready!
Step 10
Serve the hot Gamba al Ajillo in a beautiful dish, accompanied by the toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy this delightful Spanish culinary experience!
