Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.

Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic infuses the oil with a robust and aromatic flavor.

Olive oil: A high-quality olive oil is essential for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.

Red pepper flakes: These add a subtle heat that complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the final dish.

When cooking shrimp, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet. This ensures even cooking and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of searing. For the best flavor, use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic. Thinly slicing the garlic allows it to cook quickly and release its aroma without burning. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative for shrimp in this dish.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish well if garlic is not available.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in cooking.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat and spice to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, which can be a good alternative to parsley in this recipe.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy shrimp.

• Transfer the cooled shrimp into an airtight container. If you have a lot of shrimp, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding.

• If you plan to consume the shrimp within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents the shrimp from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.

• Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking to maintain the shrimp's tender texture.

• If you have leftover garlic and red pepper flakes from the recipe, store them separately in airtight containers. The garlic can be refrigerated for up to a week, while the red pepper flakes can be kept in a cool, dark place for several months.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp.
  4. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Be careful not to overcook to avoid rubbery shrimp.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.
  5. Check occasionally to ensure they don't dry out.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or a splash of water to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check the shrimp and continue heating in 30-second intervals if needed.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the shrimp in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
  4. This method helps retain the shrimp's moisture and texture.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the shrimp and garlic.

• Spatula: A tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift food. Useful for turning the shrimp.

• Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently. Optional, but can be used if you prefer crushed garlic over sliced.

• Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients. Needed for measuring the olive oil.

• Measuring spoons: Small spoons used to measure small quantities of ingredients. Useful for measuring the red pepper flakes and salt.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting. Used for slicing the garlic and chopping the parsley.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for various kitchen tasks, including slicing, chopping, and dicing. Essential for preparing the garlic and parsley.

• Tongs: A tool used to grip and lift objects, often used to handle food. Useful for turning the shrimp in the skillet.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present and serve food. Needed for serving the cooked shrimp.

Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein the shrimp in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-sliced garlic: Buy pre-sliced garlic to skip the slicing step.

Heat oil while prepping: Start heating the olive oil while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cook in batches: If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Use a large skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook all the shrimp at once, saving time.