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Close-up of cooked shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, topped with chopped herbs and bits of garlic, served on a shallow dish. The shrimp appear juicy and flavorful with a glistening finish.

Gambas Al Ajillo

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Classic Spanish-style garlic shrimp: sweet, plump shrimp cooked in infused olive oil with garlic and mild chile, finished with sherry vinegar and parsley.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Seafood
Cuisine: Spanish Inspired
Calories: 1335

Ingredients
  

  • 12 garlic cloves 4 minced, 4 smashed, 4 sliced
  • 1 lb large shrimp @seatopia, peeled (reserve shells)
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 Pinch red pepper flakes or 1-inch dried guajillo chile
  • 1 ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Skillet

Method
 

Marinate the Shrimp
  1. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, shrimp, 3 tablespoon olive oil, ¾ teaspoon salt, and baking soda. Toss to coat.
Make the Garlic Oil
  1. In a skillet, combine shrimp shells, smashed garlic cloves, remaining olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Cook over medium-low heat 10 minutes until shells turn red and oil is aromatic.
  3. Strain through fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Discard shells and garlic.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. Heat garlic-infused oil in skillet over medium until shimmering.
  2. Add sliced garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes until just cooked through.
  4. Stir in sherry vinegar and parsley. Season with salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 1335kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 64gFat: 113gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 79gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 572mgSodium: 2854mgPotassium: 705mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 1494IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 323mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Storage: best eaten right away. If needed, refrigerate the shrimp and oil separately for up to 1 day and reheat gently over low heat so the shrimp doesn't overcook.

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