Garlic Shrimps, or as we say in Portuguese, “Gambas à guilho” or “Gambas ao alho” are a delightful seafood dish that brings the flavours of the ocean to your table. This traditional Portuguese delicacy combines the pungent aroma of garlic with the delicate sweetness of succulent shrimps, creating a symphony of flavours that will transport you to a culinary ecstasy.
This recipe takes this classic combination to new heights, ensuring a harmonious balance that will leave you craving every juicy bite.
If you’ve been following along, you know that a few weeks ago I gathered some Danish friends and prepared a feast of Portuguese delicacies for them. I’ve already shared the Octopus Salad and the Portuguese Custard Tarts. Both were a hit and everyone loved them. The same happened with these Garlic Shrimps, which I accompanied with super crispy baked potatoes and a fresh and colourful salad.
Garlic shrimps: an explosion of flavours
Among all seafood, shrimps are one of the most beloved. They can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled or fried. My Garlic Shrimps recipe is one of the many versions of fried shrimps, but with the intense flavour of garlic. These fresh shrimps are delicately sautéed with garlic, olive oil and a touch of lemon, resulting in a divine explosion of flavours. I’m certain that Garlic Shrimps recipe is one of the most popular in Portugal, especially during the summer months. It truly is an incredible and incredibly tasty treat. The fried garlic gives it an amazingly delicious flavour.
Tips & Tricks for preparing garlic shrimps
This recipe is undoubtedly simple and quick to prepare. However, there are a few tricks to ensure your shrimps turn out perfect.
- Firstly, it’s important to peel the shrimps, although you can leave the heads on if you prefer.
- Crush the garlic cloves as it will impart even more flavour to your garlic shrimps.
- To ensure the shrimps are tender and juicy and not overcooked and dry, be careful not to fry them for too long. Once they turn from gray to orange/pink, they are cooked.
- Also, pay attention to the garlic, so it doesn’t burn and give an unpleasant taste to this delicious treat.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle this dish with chopped coriander, trust me, it makes all the difference.
This is a treat that pleases everyone and if you serve it with slices of fresh bread or even toasted bread to dip into the sauce, it will be the best part of it all.
Baked potatoes: the perfect accompaniment for garlic shrimps
Could we have paired these delicious garlic shrimps with french fries? Sure, we could! But these baked potatoes are an ideal side dish for this Portuguese tapas table.
With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they are undoubtedly a mouthwatering temptation.
In this recipe, I used large cut potatoes, which you can cut into strips or squares, depending on your preference. These potatoes are seasoned with olive oil and spices. Once baked, they turn golden and crispy, ready to be enjoyed or even dipped into the incredible sauce from the shrimps. It’s truly a temptation, I guarantee.
Light, fresh and crispy salad
Nothing pairs better with succulent shrimps than a refreshing tomato and lettuce salad. This simple yet flavourful salad is the perfect side to balance the main dish. With fresh ingredients and a combination of textures, it adds a special touch to your meal.
To make this salad, you’ll need fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and seasonings like salt and pepper. The key to a tasty salad lies in choosing high-quality ingredients and dressing them properly. Add a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar to enhance the natural flavours of the vegetables. It’s a light and healthy option to balance the palate.
So, gather your friends and loved ones, bring out the vibrant flavours of garlic shrimps with baked potatoes and a crispy salad. It’s a Portuguese delight that will have everyone savouring every bite and celebrating the joy of good food, good company, and the beauty of culinary exploration.
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Now, find the complete recipes below, with detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Give this recipe a try and tell me if it isn’t absolutely delicious.
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