Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo style)

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, offering a tender and juicy texture.

Garlic: Thinly sliced to release its full flavor and aroma when cooked.

Olive oil: Used to cook the garlic and shrimp, adding richness to the dish.

Red pepper flakes: Provide a subtle heat that complements the garlic and shrimp.

Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy finish to the dish.

Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it adds a burst of color and freshness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

When preparing shrimp, ensure they are peeled and deveined properly to avoid any gritty texture. Slice the garlic thinly to achieve an even golden brown without burning. Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor profile. Cooking the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side ensures they remain tender and juicy. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the dish, while fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative to shrimp.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well if garlic is unavailable.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice to the dish.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the dish well.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp and garlic mixture into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. The shrimp will retain its flavor and texture during this period.
• For longer storage, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
• Avoid microwaving the shrimp as it can become rubbery. Instead, opt for a gentle stovetop reheating to preserve its succulent texture.
• If you have leftover parsley, chop it fresh before serving to add a burst of color and flavor to the reheated dish.
• Serve the reheated shrimp with fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic and olive oil sauce.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain the olive oil and garlic flavors without overcooking the shrimp.
• Use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan and gently reheat the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This keeps the shrimp juicy and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
• Microwave the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Steam the shrimp by placing them in a steamer basket over simmering water for about 3-4 minutes. This method preserves the delicate texture and infuses the shrimp with moisture.
• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the shrimp in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method can give the shrimp a slight crispiness while keeping them tender inside.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp and garlic mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and flipping the shrimp to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the garlic thinly.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the garlic and chopping the parsley.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil and lemon juice accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the red pepper flakes and salt.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the shrimp in the skillet.

• Serving dish: For presenting the cooked garlic shrimp.

• Small bowl: Useful for holding the chopped parsley until needed.

• Citrus juicer: Helps extract lemon juice efficiently.

Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein the shrimp in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-sliced garlic: Buy pre-sliced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Measure spices beforehand: Have your red pepper flakes and salt measured out and ready to go.

Chop parsley early: Chop the parsley ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Quick lemon juice: Use bottled lemon juice to save the time of squeezing fresh lemons.