Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) Recipe

[Photographs: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

Gambas al ajillo is one of the most classic Spanish tapas, and for good reason. Big, sweet shrimp are marinated with salt and garlic, before cooking in olive oil. The shrimp are tender, and the flavorful oil is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread, or drizzling over rice. Here, we toast shrimp shells in the oil first to build flavor, before straining them out and cooking the shrimp with a little sherry vinegar. When the shrimp are done, you’ll want to slurp up the remaining oil. We’d do the same.

Ingredients

• 12 cloves garlic
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, shells reserved
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch red pepper flakes, or a 1-inch piece dried guajillo chili
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. 1.

   Finely mince 4 garlic cloves and place in large bowl. Smash 4 cloves under the flat side of a knife and place in a large skillet. Thinly slice remaining four garlic cloves and set aside.

2. 2.

   Add shrimp to bowl with minced garlic. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and baking soda. Toss to combine thoroughly and set aside at room temperature.

3. 3.

   Add shrimp shells to skillet with smashed garlic and add remaining olive oil and pepper flakes. Set over medium-low to low heat and cook, stirring and tossing occasionally, until shells are deep ruby red, garlic is pale golden brown, and oil is intensely aromatic, about 10 minutes. Oil should be gently bubbling the whole time. When ready, strain through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl, tossing and pressing the shrimp shells to extract as much oil as possible. Discard shells and garlic.

4. 4.

   Return flavored oil to skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until pale golden brown, about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook, tossing and stirring constantly until shrimp are barely cooked through, about 2 minutes. Add sherry vinegar and parsley and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt. Serve immediately.

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