Prawn Gambas Recipe: How to Make This Classic Spanish Dish at Home

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, prawn gambas is the perfect recipe for you. This classic Spanish tapa is made with succulent prawns cooked in a garlic and chilli-infused olive oil. The dish is typically served with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

To make prawn gambas, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including prawns, garlic, chilli flakes, olive oil, and parsley. The preparation is quick and easy, and the dish can be ready in just 10 minutes. Simply sauté the garlic and chilli flakes in olive oil, add the prawns and cook until they turn pink, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Prawn gambas is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a tapas spread. It's perfect for entertaining guests or for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its bold flavours and easy preparation, prawn gambas is sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection.

Key Takeaways

• Prawn gambas is a classic Spanish tapa made with garlic and chilli-infused olive oil.
• The dish is quick and easy to prepare, and can be ready in just 10 minutes.
• Prawn gambas is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a tapas spread.

Ingredients and Preparation

Selecting Prawns

When it comes to making a prawn gambas recipe, selecting the right prawns is crucial. You want to use fresh, high-quality prawns that are sustainably sourced. If you're buying fresh prawns, look for ones that have a firm texture and a slightly sweet smell. If you're using frozen prawns, make sure they're properly thawed before cooking.

Essential Spices and Seasonings

To give your prawn gambas recipe that signature flavour, you'll need some essential spices and seasonings. Garlic is a must-have ingredient, as it adds a rich, savoury flavour to the dish. You'll also need some salt and pepper to season the prawns, as well as some chilli flakes or fresh chilli for a bit of heat. Smoked paprika is another key ingredient that adds a smoky, earthy flavour to the dish.

Oils and Acids

To cook your prawns, you'll need some oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is a great choice, as it has a rich, fruity flavour that complements the prawns. You'll also need some butter to add richness and depth to the dish. Lemon juice or a splash of dry sherry can be added to brighten up the flavours and add acidity. Sea salt is also a great addition to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Cooking and Serving

Cooking Techniques

Cooking your prawn gambas is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Start by heating up some olive oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add your jumbo shrimp or cooked prawns, garlic, and chillies. Fry the prawns for a few minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. You can also add some brandy or sherry to the pan to give your gambas al ajillo a little extra flavour.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Prawn gambas are a perfect starter or tapas dish. Serve them with some crusty bread to mop up the spicy garlic sauce. You can also pair them with a simple salad or some olives to balance out the flavours. If you're serving gambas al ajillo as part of a tapas spread, try pairing them with other classic Spanish tapas dishes like patatas bravas, chorizo al vino, or Spanish tortilla.

To make your prawn gambas even more delicious, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving. If you like your gambas al ajillo extra spicy, add some cayenne pepper or extra chillies to the pan.

When it comes to storing and reheating your prawn gambas, be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep for a few days, but they're best eaten fresh. To reheat your gambas al ajillo, simply pop them in the microwave or heat them up in a frying pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making the juiciest prawn gambas?

The secret to making the juiciest prawn gambas is to not overcook the prawns. Overcooked prawns can become tough and rubbery. Make sure you cook them just until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Also, be sure to use fresh prawns for the best flavour.

Can you suggest some sides that pair well with gambas al ajillo?

Gambas al ajillo, or garlic prawns, are traditionally served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic and chilli oil. You could also serve them with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

What exactly goes into a traditional Spanish gambas dish?

A traditional Spanish gambas dish usually consists of prawns cooked in garlic and chilli oil. Other common ingredients include paprika, white wine, and parsley. Some variations may also include tomato or onion.

How can I put a Korean twist on a prawn gambas recipe?

To put a Korean twist on a prawn gambas recipe, try adding some gochujang (Korean chilli paste) or gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) to the garlic and chilli oil. You could also serve the gambas with some kimchi on the side.

Could you guide me through preparing a simple yet authentic gambas recipe?

To prepare a simple yet authentic gambas recipe, start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Add sliced garlic and chilli flakes and cook until fragrant. Add raw prawns and cook until pink. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

What's the difference between gambas and regular shrimp dishes?

Gambas is the Spanish word for prawns, so a gambas dish specifically refers to prawns cooked in garlic and chilli oil. Regular shrimp dishes can refer to any dish that includes shrimp as an ingredient, regardless of the cooking method or flavour profile.