Sizzling Spanish Garlic Prawns Gambas Al Ajillo

Sizzling Gambas al Ajillo Recipe Spanish Tapas in 10
By Jordan Kim

Sizzling Spanish Garlic Prawns: Tapas Time!

Ever dreamt of a sunny holiday? Fancy a taste of Spain? This Gambas al Ajillo recipe brings the tapas bar to you! Plump prawns swim in garlicky, chilli infused olive oil.

It's pure sunshine on a plate.

What's the Deal with Gambas al Ajillo?

Gambas al Ajillo tapas are a staple in Spain. This simple Spanish garlic prawns recipe highlights fresh ingredients. It's quick to make and unbelievably tasty.

This dish serves four as tapas or two as a light meal.

Easy Garlic Shrimp Recipe: Ready in Minutes!

Honestly, this garlic shrimp recipe easy is a lifesaver. We are talking 10 minutes max!. The key? Don't burn the garlic, mate! Low and slow is the way to go.

Benefits Beyond the Flavour Bomb

These sizzling garlic prawns are not just delicious. They are also packed with protein!. Serve this up at your next get-together.

It is a real crowd pleaser. What makes this Authentic Gambas al Ajillo so special? It is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavour.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Gambas al Ajillo Lowdown

Right, so let's talk about what you'll actually need to make some seriously good Gambas al Ajillo tapas . This isn't rocket science, honestly. It's a Spanish garlic prawns recipe made simple.

Main Ingredients: Keep It Real

  • 4 tablespoons (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. Get the good stuff if you can.
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely sliced. Don't skimp on the garlic.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust to your spice level, yeah?
  • 200g (7oz) raw prawns, peeled and deveined. Fresh is best, obvs.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Juice of ½ lemon . Freshly squeezed, always!
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Gives it that authentic Spanish flavour.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. For a bit of freshness.

Pro-Tip : For the olive oil, look for a fruity, peppery one. It makes a difference! When selecting the raw prawns, check that they are firm, smell fresh like the ocean and they are not slimy.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce

For this garlic shrimp recipe easy , a simple combo is key. Garlic and chilli is the soul of this.

Honestly, the smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. Got no smoked paprika? Regular will do, but try to get the smoked one! No worries if not, as you'll still nail the authentic Gambas al Ajillo .

Fancy a bit of sherry? A splash in the oil before the prawns is chef's kiss. Trust me. It helps make a good garlic infused olive oil recipe .

Equipment: No Fancy Bits Needed

All you need is a decent sized frying pan. Honestly, a small bowl for prepping the prawns helps. No need for a lemon juicer, just squeeze with your hand, you know?

Cooking Method: Sizzling Up Some Spanish Magic

Alright, let's talk Gambas al Ajillo recipe , or as some might call it, Spanish garlic prawns recipe . I remember the first time I tried to make this.

Total disaster! Burned garlic, rubbery prawns... the whole shebang. But don't you worry, I've nailed it now, and I'm gonna share all my secrets for achieving that perfect Authentic Gambas al Ajillo .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters

First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means get everything ready before you start cooking. Chop your 4 cloves garlic , measure out your 4 tablespoons of good olive oil (seriously, the good stuff matters), and peel those 200g raw prawns .

I like to toss the prawns with a little salt and pepper in a small bowl while I'm prepping, gives 'em a head start.

Oh, and a heads up, keep a close eye on that garlic. Burnt garlic is the devil, honest.

From Cold Pan to Sizzling garlic prawns : The step-by-step

Here's where the magic happens:

  1. Cold start! Put your olive oil, sliced garlic, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes in a large frying pan.
  2. Heat it up slowly over medium heat. You want a gentle sizzle, not a raging inferno. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute , until it's fragrant but not brown. Don't burn the garlic!
  3. Turn up the heat just a touch, then toss in your prawns.
  4. Cook them for about 3- 4 minutes , stirring now and then, until they're pink and opaque. Visual cue: they curl up nicely.
  5. Squeeze in the juice of ½ lemon and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Serve immediately!

Garlic shrimp recipe easy : My Pro Tips

Want to elevate your Gambas al Ajillo tapas game? Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way.

  • Garlic infused olive oil recipe is key! Gently cooking the garlic is crucial for getting that delicious flavour.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan. This lowers the temperature and steams the prawns instead of searing them.
  • Serve it right away! This dish is best hot, so get it on the table as soon as it's ready, alongside some crusty bread. Trust me, you will want to soak up that Sizzling garlic prawns infused oil.

Honestly, this Quick prawn appetizer is such a winner. It’s a go-to Spanish tapas recipes for a reason, and with this guide, you can totally nail it.

Why not enjoy this amazing Spanish seafood recipes , perhaps even a Gambas al Ajillo with sherry ? It's easier than you think, and the result is pure tapas bliss.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Gambas al Ajillo Tapas

Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You've got the basic Gambas al Ajillo recipe , but what about those little touches that make all the difference? Honestly, this is where you can really put your own stamp on it.

Serving Suggestions: Sizzling Garlic Prawns Showstoppers

Presentation is key, innit? Don't just chuck it in a bowl! For a proper tapas vibe, serve your Authentic Gambas al Ajillo in individual earthenware dishes.

A sprinkle of extra paprika and a generous squeeze of lemon. Think Spanish tapas recipes , think rustic charm. Grab some crusty bread for dipping and mop that Garlic infused olive oil recipe ! Pair it with a crisp glass of dry sherry Manzanilla works a treat.

Storage Tips: Savouring Leftover Spanish Garlic Prawns recipe

Okay, so maybe you've got some left over. Unlikely, I know! But if you do, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezing isn't ideal; it can make the prawns a bit rubbery. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan with a splash of olive oil or quickly in the microwave and don't overcook it!

Variations: Twist on the Garlic Shrimp recipe easy

Fancy mixing it up? For a dairy-free version, obviously skip the cheese, it doesn't include cheese. Feeling adventurous? A splash of sherry (Amontillado works brilliantly) during cooking adds a lovely depth of flavour.

Got some fresh chorizo knocking about? Dice it up and chuck it in with the prawns for a smoky kick.

Nutrition Basics: Quick Prawn Appetizer Goodness

Let's keep it real: this isn't exactly a health food. But hey, prawns are a good source of protein, and olive oil is packed with healthy fats.

Think of it as a treat. I'd say a serving has about 175 calories, a rough estimation, obviously. Spanish seafood recipes often are good for you.

Honestly, this Gambas al Ajillo with sherry is so versatile and the most important thing is to have fun with it.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the flavours! You'll soon be whipping up the best Sizzling garlic prawns this side of the Mediterranean!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Gambas al Ajillo, and why is it so popular?

Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish tapas dish consisting of prawns cooked in garlic infused olive oil, seasoned with chilli flakes, paprika, and lemon. It's incredibly popular because it's quick, easy to make, and packed with flavour.

Think of it as Spain's answer to a speedy, flavourful prawn dish perfect with some crusty bread for mopping up that delicious oil!

Help! My garlic always burns when I try to make this Gambas al Ajillo recipe. What am I doing wrong?

Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish! The key is to heat the olive oil and garlic gently over medium low heat. Allow the garlic to slowly infuse the oil with its flavour without actually browning too quickly. Keep a close eye on it and reduce the heat if necessary.

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to garlic!

Can I use frozen prawns for this Gambas al Ajillo recipe, or are fresh prawns a must?

You can definitely use frozen prawns! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before adding them to the hot oil. Excess moisture will cause the oil to splatter and prevent the prawns from browning properly. Just like a good cuppa, preparation is key!

I'm not a huge fan of spicy food. Can I still enjoy Gambas al Ajillo?

Absolutely! The chilli flakes are optional, so feel free to reduce the amount or omit them entirely. You'll still get plenty of flavour from the garlic, olive oil, and paprika. Maybe add a pinch of smoked paprika to give it a little smokey flavour.

How long will Gambas al Ajillo last in the fridge, and is it worth saving leftovers?

While Gambas al Ajillo is best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, the prawns can become a bit rubbery upon reheating, so keep that in mind. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan with a little extra olive oil, but try not to overcook them.

I'm trying to be health conscious. What are the nutritional considerations for Gambas al Ajillo?

Gambas al Ajillo is relatively low in carbohydrates and a good source of protein, thanks to the prawns. However, it's also quite high in fat due to the olive oil. You can reduce the fat content slightly by using less olive oil, but remember that the oil is a key flavour component.

Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Sizzling Spanish Garlic Prawns Gambas Al Ajillo

Sizzling Gambas al Ajillo Recipe Spanish Tapas in 10 Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:5 Mins
Cooking time:5 Mins
Servings:4 as tapas, 2 as meal

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories175
Fat15g
Fiber4g

Recipe Info:

CategoryTapas
CuisineSpanish

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