Gambas al Ajillo, also known as Garlic Prawns, is a traditional Spanish tapas dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s made with succulent prawns that are sautéed in a garlic-infused olive oil and finished with a splash of white wine. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course.
The dish is a staple in Spanish cuisine, and it’s a must-try for any food lover. The simplicity of the dish allows the flavors of the prawns and garlic to shine through, creating a dish that’s both rich and flavorful.
The combination of garlic, olive oil, white wine, and parsley creates a delicious and aromatic dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
The dish is also very versatile, you can serve it as an appetizer or a main course, with some crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic oil, or even over some pasta or rice. And with the right wine pairing, it will elevate the flavors of the dish and create a memorable dining experience.
Wine Pairing:
Gambas al Ajillo is a dish that pairs well with a variety of white wines. The wine should be dry and acidic, to balance the richness of the dish and the flavors of the garlic and olive oil. Some recommended options include:
- A dry and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which will complement the flavors of the dish and cut through the richness of the olive oil.
- A dry and floral Verdejo, which has a similar acidity to Sauvignon Blanc and will complement the flavors of the dish.
- A dry and minerally Albarino, which will balance the flavors of the dish and bring out the sweetness of the prawns.
Alternatively, you can also pair the dish with a dry and light bodied Spanish Cava or a dry Sherry. The acidity and dryness of these wines will complement the flavors of the dish and bring out the sweetness of the prawns.
When serving wine with Gambas al Ajillo, it’s important to remember to serve the wine chilled, to help cut through the richness of the dish and refresh the palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of prawns, peeled and deveined
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of white wine
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions:
- If you’re unable to find fresh prawns, you can use frozen prawns that have been thawed.
- If you’re out of white wine, you can use dry sherry or vermouth as a substitute.
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the prawns to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and cooked through.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the white wine. Be careful as the pan will sizzle.
- Return the pan to the heat and cook for another minute, or until the wine has reduced slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Season the prawns with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the prawns hot with some crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic oil.
Tips and Tricks:
- When cooking the prawns, make sure not to overcook them. They should be pink and cooked through, but still juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil before adding the prawns.
- If you want to add some heat to the dish, you can add a diced chili pepper to the pan with the garlic.
- For a different flavor, you can use butter instead of olive oil to sauté the garlic and prawns.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use chopped cilantro or basil instead.
Final Words
Gambas al Ajillo is a delicious and easy-to-make Spanish tapas dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of technique, you’ll be able to make a flavorful and succulent dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Keep these tips and tricks in mind and you’ll be sure to create a delicious Gambas al Ajillo that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a simple but delicious meal, Gambas al Ajillo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Another great aspect of this dish is the wine pairing, it brings an added layer of complexity and pleasure to the meal. The right pairing can elevate the flavors of the dish and create a memorable dining experience.
So, why not give it a try and surprise your friends and family with this traditional Spanish dish tonight! And don’t forget to pair it with a good glass of wine, and enjoy the flavors and aromas that will dance on your palate.
One tapas is never enough, that’s why we recommend you also check out our recipes for Jamon Serrano and Calamares Fritos.
