Spanish Garlic Shrimp Tapas
Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of Spain with this authentic Garlic Shrimp Tapas recipe. Gambas al Ajillo is a beloved dish served in tapas bars across Spain, showcasing perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in rich garlic-infused olive oil, complemented by the warmth of chilies and the smoky essence of paprika. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also brings a taste of Spanish culture and conviviality to your dining table. Ideal for sharing, serve it alongside crusty French bread to soak up the luscious garlic oil. Dive into this delightful culinary journey that will surely impress your family and friends!
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shrimp
1/2 lb (peeled and deveined)
garlic
6 cloves (thinly sliced)
olive oil
1/3 cup
chili peppers or jalapeño peppers
2 (thinly sliced)
paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven broiler to high if you are using the broiler method.
2
In an 8-inch diameter ovenproof ceramic dish (ideally a cazuela), arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp evenly at the bottom.
3
Add the thinly sliced garlic and chili peppers over the shrimp, then pour the olive oil evenly to cover all the ingredients.
4
Sprinkle the paprika and salt over the top of the oil, ensuring even distribution.
5
If using a dish that can be placed on the stovetop, heat over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the oil is bubbling and the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
6
For the broiler method, place the dish under the broiler and cook for about 5-7 minutes, watching closely until the oil is bubbling, and the shrimp are cooked through. Again, avoid overcooking to maintain the tenderness of the shrimp.
7
Once cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately with crispy French bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic oil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish Garlic Shrimp Tapas?
Also known as Gambas al Ajillo, it is a classic Spanish dish featuring shrimp cooked in garlic-infused olive oil with chilies and paprika.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 3 people.
What size of shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of medium shrimp.
Should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before starting the recipe.
How much garlic is needed for Gambas al Ajillo?
You will need 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil to create the rich garlic infusion.
Can I use jalapeño peppers?
Yes, you can use either chili peppers or 2 thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for heat.
How much paprika is included?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of paprika.
What is the recommended cooking dish?
An 8-inch diameter ovenproof ceramic dish, ideally a cazuela, is recommended.
How do I cook the shrimp on the stovetop?
Heat the dish over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the oil bubbles and the shrimp turn pink.
Can I use a broiler to cook this dish?
Yes, place the dish under a high broiler for 5-7 minutes until the oil is bubbling and shrimp are cooked through.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque.
What should I serve with Spanish Garlic Shrimp?
It is best served immediately with crusty French bread to soak up the garlic-infused oil.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a simple appetizer to prepare.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features vibrant and bold flavors with a smoky essence from paprika and warmth from chilies.
Can I overcook the shrimp?
You should be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include seafood, appetizer, spicy, tapas, and Spanish cuisine.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
Is this a traditional Spanish dish?
Yes, Gambas al Ajillo is a beloved dish served in tapas bars across Spain.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 main ingredients required for this recipe.
How do I arrange the shrimp in the dish?
Arrange the shrimp evenly at the bottom of the dish before adding other ingredients.
When do I add the paprika and salt?
Sprinkle them over the top of the oil before cooking to ensure even distribution.
Is the oil supposed to bubble?
Yes, the oil should be bubbling when the dish is properly heated and cooked.
What type of cuisine is this?
This recipe belongs to the Spanish category.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it includes chili peppers or jalapeños, giving it a spicy tag.
Can I use a regular baking dish?
As long as it is an 8-inch ovenproof dish, it will work for the broiler method.
What is the role of olive oil in this dish?
The olive oil acts as a poaching liquid that becomes infused with garlic and chili flavors.
Why serve it with French bread?
The bread is essential for dipping into and enjoying the luscious, flavorful garlic oil.
How long does the stovetop method take?
It takes approximately 5 minutes on medium-high heat.
What makes this dish authentic?
The combination of garlic, olive oil, chili, and paprika cooked in a ceramic dish defines its authenticity.