Description
Shrimp Al Ajillo is a flavorful Spanish-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked quickly in olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers, complemented by a savory white wine reduction and fresh herbs. Served with crusty bread, it’s a perfect appetizer or light meal bursting with aromatic garlic and a subtle kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 5 chile de arbol, broken into small pieces
- 3/4 cup Sauvignon Blanc
- 4.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp chives
- 1 lemon
- Bread, crusty for serving
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels. Season liberally with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors before cooking.
- Sear the Shrimp: Preheat a pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Add olive oil and reduce heat to medium-high. Place the shrimp in the hot pan and sear for 25 seconds on each side until just cooked and lightly browned. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Reduce: Lower heat to medium. Add finely chopped shallots and thinly sliced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning, allowing flavors to meld. Add broken chile de arbol pieces and pour in the Sauvignon Blanc. Let the mixture reduce by half over approximately 5 minutes to concentrate the sauce.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the seared shrimp to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, letting them absorb the flavors. Squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp. Stir in fresh parsley and chives for brightness, then remove the pan from heat. Finally, stir in the unsalted butter to add richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp al ajillo immediately with toasted crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. Provide the remaining lemon on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- Patting shrimp dry before seasoning ensures better searing and caramelization.
- Adjust the amount of chile de arbol to control the heat level.
- Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and depth but can be substituted with dry white wine or grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: Shrimp Al Ajillo, Spanish shrimp, garlic shrimp, Chile de Arbol shrimp, seafood appetizer, quick shrimp recipe, white wine shrimp
