Camarones al ajillo is a classic Spanish dish that is known for its deliciously spicy garlic sauce and succulent shrimp. It's a popular appetizer or main course that can be found in many Spanish restaurants worldwide. The dish is quite simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. In this article, we will show you how to make this delicious dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined - 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 tsp of paprika - 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper - 1/2 cup of olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup of white wine - 1/4 cup of chopped parsley - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Start by cleaning the shrimp under cold running water. Remove the shells and devein them by making a small slit along the back of each shrimp and removing the dark vein. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Seasoning the Shrimp
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture onto the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are slightly browned. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough.
Step 4: Making the Garlic Sauce
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove any browned bits. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped parsley and stir.
Step 5: Combining the Shrimp and Garlic Sauce
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss them in the garlic sauce until they are well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Serving
Garnish the dish with lemon wedges and serve hot. Camarones al ajillo can be served as an appetizer or as a main course with rice, bread, or potatoes.
Nutrition
This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats. One serving of camarones al ajillo (4 oz of shrimp with sauce) contains approximately 300 calories, 21 grams of fat, 19 grams of protein, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
Conclusion
Camarones al ajillo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you're a seafood lover or not. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a flavorful and spicy dish that will impress your family and friends. So next time you're in the mood for some Spanish cuisine, give this recipe a try!