How to make gambas pil pil
Gambas pil pil is a classic Spanish dish that is beloved for its intense flavors and spicy kick. This dish is traditionally made with succulent, fresh prawns that are cooked in a sizzling hot garlic and chili oil. The prawns are infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic, chili, and parsley, creating a dish that is bursting with taste.
Making gambas pil pil is surprisingly easy and requires just a handful of ingredients. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy a touch of heat in their meals.
To start making gambas pil pil, you will need a generous amount of garlic and chili. The garlic is thinly sliced or minced, while the chili can be either fresh or dried, depending on your preference. The heat of the dish can be adjusted by adding more or less chili, so feel free to spice it up to your taste.
The prawns, which are the star of this dish, should be fresh and deveined. You can leave the shells on or remove them depending on your preference. To unlock the full flavor of the prawns, they should be cooked quickly over high heat in a good quality olive oil.
Ingredients for gambas pil pil
To prepare gambas pil pil, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Make sure to gather these ingredients before starting your gambas pil pil recipe for a tasty and flavorful dish.
List of ingredients for gambas pil pil
Here is a list of ingredients you will need for making gambas pil pil:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Note: The quantity of the ingredients can be adjusted according to your preferences and the number of servings you are planning to make.
Step by step guide to make gambas pil pil
Gambas pil pil is a delicious Spanish dish made with prawns, garlic, and chili. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that is commonly served as an appetizer. Follow the steps below to make your own gambas pil pil at home:
Step 1: | Peel and devein the prawns, leaving the tails intact. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. |
Step 2: | Finely mince the garlic cloves. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fewer cloves. |
Step 3: | Heat a frying pan over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté them for a minute until fragrant. |
Step 4: | Add the prawns to the pan and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly browned. Make sure not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. |
Step 5: | Remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle with lemon juice and fresh parsley. The residual heat will help release the flavors of the lemon juice and parsley. |
Step 6: | Serve the gambas pil pil hot, directly from the pan. It is traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce. Enjoy! |
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Before you can begin making gambas pil pil, it is important to gather and prepare all of the necessary ingredients. Here is what you will need:
- 500 grams of large raw prawns
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 red chili peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 a lemon
Make sure to wash and pat dry the prawns before using them. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves, removing any green shoots if necessary. Thinly slice the red chili peppers and remove the seeds if you prefer less spice. Chop the fresh parsley, discarding any tough stalks.
Gather all of your ingredients together on a clean working area, and you are now ready to move on to the next step of making your delicious gambas pil pil!
Step 2: Heating the oil
Once you have prepared the gambas pil pil ingredients, the next step is to heat the oil. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to submerge the garlic and chili pepper.
As the oil heats up, add the minced garlic and sliced chili pepper to the pan. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the oil. The garlic and chili pepper will infuse the oil with their flavors, creating a delicious base for the gambas pil pil.
Let the garlic and chili pepper cook in the oil for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn them, as this can give the oil a bitter taste.
Once the garlic and chili pepper are cooked, you can proceed to the next step of adding the prawns to the pan. The infused oil will provide a rich and flavorful base for the prawns to cook in, enhancing their taste and adding a subtle heat to the dish.
Step 3: Cooking the shrimp
To make the perfect gambas pil pil, you need to cook the shrimp just right. Follow these steps to achieve a delicious and succulent dish:
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Prepare the shrimp
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Heat the oil
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Cook the shrimp
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Add the sauce
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Serve immediately
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to remove any impurities. You can leave the shells on or remove them, depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before proceeding.
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and red chili flakes if desired. Cook for a minute or until the garlic becomes aromatic and slightly golden.
Add the shrimp to the pan, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Once the shrimp is cooked, pour the sauce over them. The sauce is made by combining olive oil, chili flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the shrimp to simmer in the sauce for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Transfer the cooked gambas pil pil to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or steamed rice on the side. Enjoy this delicious Spanish dish!
Step 4: Adding garlic and chili flakes
Once the olive oil is heated, add the minced garlic cloves and chili flakes to the pan. Stir them together and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can easily become bitter. Keep stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent any burning.
The aroma of the garlic and chili flakes will fill the air and tantalize your senses, giving the dish its signature flavor and kick of spice.