Garlic Shrimp (Camarones al Ajillo): A Quick & Flavorful Delight

Camarones al Ajillo, or garlic shrimp, is a classic Spanish tapas dish that’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect appetizer, light meal, or addition to a paella. The key to this dish is using good quality shrimp and not overcooking them. This recipe is quick, simple, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience the magic of garlic, olive oil, and succulent shrimp in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Camarones al Ajillo Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, olive oil, and paprika creates a delicious and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a main course with rice or pasta, or as part of a larger Spanish feast.
• Impressive: Looks and tastes gourmet, but requires minimal effort.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined (preferably large or jumbo shrimp). Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves, thinly sliced. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the star of the show.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, extra virgin olive oil. High-quality olive oil makes a difference in flavor.
• Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup (optional, but highly recommended). Adds depth and acidity to the sauce. Alternatives include chicken broth or clam juice.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (pimentón). Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. You can use regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste). For a touch of heat.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. For garnish and freshness.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Crusty Bread: For serving (optional, but highly recommended for soaking up the delicious sauce).

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Camarones al Ajillo

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect garlic shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely in the pan. In a mixing bowl, lightly season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer (avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

If using, pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth/clam juice) and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

Step 5: Add Seasonings

Stir in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Camarones al Ajillo immediately. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious garlic sauce. You can also serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside a salad.

Tips for Perfect Camarones al Ajillo

• Use Good Quality Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will make a big difference in the taste and texture of the dish. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a fresh, sea-like smell.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish. Keep a close eye on the garlic and reduce the heat if necessary.
• Use Good Quality Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil has a richer flavor than regular olive oil and will enhance the taste of the dish.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference for spice.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh. The shrimp will continue to cook even after they are removed from the heat, so serve them right away.
• Thoroughly Pat Dry the Shrimp: This step is crucial for achieving a good sear on the shrimp. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of allowing them to brown properly.
• Use a Hot Pan: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the shrimp. A hot pan will help create a nice sear and prevent the shrimp from sticking.
• Consider Adding a Splash of Sherry: For an even more authentic Spanish flavor, add a splash of dry sherry along with the white wine.

Variations and Adaptations

• Spicy Camarones al Ajillo: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also use a hot paprika.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Increase the amount of lemon juice for a more pronounced citrus flavor. You can also add lemon zest.
• Shrimp Scampi: Add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor. Increase the white wine to 1/2 cup and add a squeeze of lemon. Serve over linguine.
• Camarones al Ajillo with Chorizo: Add sliced chorizo to the skillet along with the garlic for a smoky and savory twist.
• Serve with Different Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes, such as chopped cilantro, green onions, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or rice if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Camarones al Ajillo is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizer: Serve it as a tapas with crusty bread for dipping.
• Main Course: Serve it over rice, pasta, or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• In Paella: Add it to paella for extra flavor and protein.
• With Salad: Serve it with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

While Camarones al Ajillo is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance to save time:

• Slice the Garlic: You can slice the garlic a few hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Chop the Parsley: You can chop the parsley a few hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover Camarones al Ajillo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become tough. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly rubbery.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

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Enjoy!

This Camarones al Ajillo recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a go-to dish for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the taste of Spain in your own kitchen! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below. ¡Buen provecho!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Q: Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?
A: Yes, you can use regular paprika, but smoked paprika will give the dish a more authentic flavor.

Q: Can I make this dish without wine?
A: Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth or clam juice.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the garlic and reduce the heat if necessary. You can also add the garlic towards the end of the cooking process.

Q: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
A: The shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.

Q: Can I make this dish spicier?
A: Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q: What kind of bread should I serve with this dish?
A: Crusty bread is the best option for soaking up the delicious garlic sauce. Baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough bread all work well.

Q: Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
A: While olive oil is traditional, you can use butter for a richer flavor, or a combination of both.

Q: How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
A: The shrimp typically take 2-3 minutes per side to cook, depending on their size. Avoid overcooking them.

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