Prepare to indulge in a delightful Spanish-inspired culinary experience with this mouthwatering Garlic Shrimp recipe. Bursting with flavors and cooked to perfection, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. The shrimp are cooked in extra virgin olive oil, allowing the juices to infuse the oil, creating a divine taste that will leave you craving more. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments such as bread, rice, pasta, or even stuffed into tacos for a delightful treat.
In addition to shrimp, you can also explore using similar-sized scallops for a delectable alternative. The simplicity and speed of this recipe make it ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this irresistible Garlic Shrimp dish.
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: About 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, or more as needed
- 3 or 4 big cloves garlic, cut into slivers
- About 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, 20 to 30 per pound, peeled, rinsed, and dried
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large, broad ovenproof skillet or heatproof baking pan over low heat. Ensure that the bottom of the pan is covered with enough olive oil; do not skimp. Add the garlic and cook until it turns golden, which should take a few minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp, along with some salt, pepper, ground cumin, and hot paprika. Stir well to blend the flavors and continue cooking, shaking the pan once or twice and turning the shrimp occasionally, until they turn pink all over, and the mixture becomes bubbly. This process should take about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish the Garlic Shrimp with chopped fresh parsley leaves and serve immediately for an irresistibly flavorful treat.
VARIATIONS:
- Shrimp Scampi: Omit the cumin and paprika in Step 2 and season the shrimp with salt and pepper. When the shrimp turn pink on one side, turn them over and add chopped fresh parsley leaves. Raise the heat slightly and cook until the shrimp are done, which will take about 2 minutes more. Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, dry sherry, vinegar, or white wine if desired. Cook for another 30 seconds before garnishing with more parsley and serving.
- Shrimp with Spicy Orange Flavor: Use the Shrimp Scampi variation and add 2 or more small dried hot red chiles and the roughly chopped zest of 1 orange along with the garlic. Add the juice of the orange along with the shrimp and spices. Substitute cilantro for parsley if desired.
- Garlic Shrimp with Tomatoes and Cilantro: Omit the cumin and paprika and double the amount of garlic, slicing it thinly if preferred. Dice 4 plum tomatoes and substitute fresh cilantro for parsley. In Step 2, scatter the tomatoes into the pan along with the shrimp; cooking time will be increased by a couple of minutes. Garnish with cilantro for a refreshing twist.
With this Garlic Shrimp recipe and its delightful variations, you can enjoy a delightful Spanish-inspired meal that’s bursting with flavor and quick to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is bound to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Bon appétit!
