Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)

Sizzling shrimp in garlic-infused olive oil with chili — Spain''s most popular tapa.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 dried guindilla pepper (or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
• 1 tbsp sherry
• Fresh parsley
• Crusty bread for dipping

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet or cazuela over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and chili. Cook 1-2 min until garlic is golden (not brown).

3. Increase heat to high. Add shrimp. Cook 1.5 min per side.

4. Add sherry (it will sizzle). Sprinkle parsley.

5. Serve immediately in the pan with crusty bread to soak up the oil.

What You're Practicing

• The garlic-infused oil IS the sauce — use your best olive oil.
• Serve in the cooking vessel (a cazuela if you have one) — the sizzling presentation is part of the experience.