RestaurantsMi EspañaGambas Al Ajillo Recipe

Gambas Al Ajillo Recipe

Inspired by Mi España
Time25m
Serves4

Sauteed Garlic Shrimp & Guindilla Peppers

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Ingredients

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Shrimp & Main

Method

Prep

1

Prepare shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika if using; set aside.

2

Thinly slice garlic cloves and slice guindilla peppers (if using pickled, drain and slice into 1/4-inch strips). Finely chop parsley and cut lemon for juice and wedges.

Cook Garlic & Peppers

3

Heat a large skillet (10–12 inch) over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Warm until butter melts and oil shimmers but does not smoke (about 1–2 minutes).

4

Add the thinly sliced garlic and the sliced guindilla peppers to the oil. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden at the edges, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic — lower heat if it browns too quickly.

5

If using red pepper flakes for extra heat, add 1/4 tsp now and stir for 10 seconds to release aroma.

Sauté Shrimp

6

Increase heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 30–45 seconds to develop slight sear, then stir or flip and cook another 30–60 seconds until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through (total 2–3 minutes depending on size).

7

As shrimp finish, pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Allow wine to reduce by half, about 1 minute.

8

Squeeze in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch more salt or pepper if desired.

Finish & Serve

9

Turn off heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley over the shrimp. Give everything a final toss so shrimp are well coated in garlicky oil.

10

Transfer shrimp and oil to a warm shallow serving dish. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the garlic oil and lemon wedges on the side.

11

Notes: For authentic Spanish style, use more olive oil (up to 3/4 cup) and serve in a cazuela; use pickled guindilla for a mild vinegary pepper heat. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning.

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