Super Simple Homemade Gambas al Ajillo
Is This Too Easy? The Ultimate Gambas al Ajillo & Aglio e Olio Pasta Recipe
Incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with flavor! Gambas al Ajillo is a Spanish delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 150g Fresh Shrimp (medium-sized recommended)
- 7 Cloves Garlic
- 7 Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 Shiitake Mushrooms
- A pinch of Peperoncino or Dried Chili Peppers (adjust to taste)
- Baguette or crusty bread, lightly toasted
- Cooked Spaghetti (optional)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Pinch of Salt
- A little Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Generous amount of Olive Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, season the cleaned shrimp with a pinch of black pepper and salt. This step enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Step 2
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly into rounds. Slicing them ensures the garlic flavor infuses beautifully into the olive oil.
Step 3
Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve them. Trim the stems off the shiitake mushrooms and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them not too small will give a better texture.
Step 4
Crush the peperoncino or dried chili peppers with your hands to add a touch of heat. Removing the seeds will make it less spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
Step 5
Prepare your baguette or other crusty bread. Lightly toast slices in a dry pan until golden and slightly crisp. This provides a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 6
All your ingredients are prepped! While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for retaining heat, any pan will work. Pour a generous amount of olive oil into the pan, enough to mostly submerge the ingredients. The olive oil is key to the dish’s flavor.
Step 7
Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook over medium-low heat. Avoid high heat, as this can burn the garlic quickly. Gently infusing the oil with garlic aroma is the goal.
Step 8
Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, add the crushed chili peppers and the seasoned shrimp. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; you want them to remain plump and tender.
Step 9
When the shrimp turn pink and are about halfway cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften and absorb the delicious garlicky, shrimp-infused oil.
Step 10
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. That’s it – incredibly simple, right? You can have this ready in under 15 minutes!
Step 11
Serve the hot gambas immediately with the toasted bread. Dipping the bread into the warm, flavorful olive oil is a delightful experience, and the combination is absolutely delicious. It’s also a fantastic appetizer for beer or wine!
Step 12
If you’d like to turn this into Aglio e Olio pasta, cook your spaghetti separately while the gambas are being prepared. Then, toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the gambas and sauce. The infused olive oil will coat the pasta, creating a phenomenal Aglio e Olio.
Step 13
It’s so incredibly delicious, you won’t be able to stop eating it! Simply the best!
