Easy Homemade Gambas al Ajillo: A Taste of Spain
Simple and Delicious Gambas al Ajillo Recipe for Home Cooking
Craving authentic Gambas al Ajillo but find restaurant portions a bit small? Make it yourself at home with this incredibly simple recipe! Enjoy the rich flavors of fresh shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a hint of spice from chili peppers, all swimming in luscious olive oil. Perfect for a quick, impressive meal or a delightful appetizer.
Main Ingredients
- 200g Olive Oil (Extra Virgin recommended)
- 6-7 large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, more if desired)
- 5-6 Dried Chili Peppers (like Peperoncino, adjust to spice preference)
- 18-20 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
Seasoning & Spices
- Herb Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- Herb Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent oil splattering and to ensure the ingredients cook beautifully. Season the dried shrimp generously with herb salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2
Pour 200g of olive oil into a skillet or a small pot suitable for serving at the table. Gently heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warm and shimmering slightly, add the thinly sliced garlic. Allow the garlic to infuse its aroma into the oil as it simmers, turning lightly golden.
Step 3
As the garlic begins to bubble gently, add the dried chili peppers. You can add them whole, or if you prefer a more intense heat, lightly crush them before adding. Adjust the number of chili peppers based on how spicy you like your Gambas. This will add a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 4
Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Shrimp cook quickly, so aim to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough.
Step 5
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the dish is bubbling gently, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more herb salt if needed. Serve hot with crusty baguette slices for dipping into the flavorful oil. This oil is also fantastic for tossing with pasta for a quick second course!
