Garlic and Chili Shrimp

Shrimp with garlic and chili is a simple and tasty preparation inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. Here is the recipe to prepare this dish:

Ingredients

• 400 g peeled and cleaned shrimp
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 fresh chili pepper (or dried if you prefer)
• Fresh chopped parsley, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Dry white wine, a small glass (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by peeling the garlic cloves and slicing them thinly or crushing them with the appropriate tool.
2. Wash and dry the fresh chili pepper well, then remove the stem and seeds if you don’t want it too spicy, and cut it into rounds or small pieces.
3. Heat plenty of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan. Add the garlic and chili and let it sauté over medium-low heat until the garlic becomes lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it as burnt garlic has an unpleasant bitter taste.
4. At this point, increase the heat and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they have turned pink and slightly golden.
5. If desired, deglaze with a bit of dry white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
6. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
7. Serve the garlic and chili shrimp immediately while hot.

Italian Variations:

For an even more pronounced Italian touch, you can add a handful of cherry tomatoes cut in half or quarters during the cooking of the shrimp. This will add a bit of sweetness and acidity that will balance with the spiciness of the chili and the flavor of the shrimp.

Fun Fact

Garlic and chili shrimp is a versatile dish found in various cuisines around the world with slight variations. In Spain, for example, it is very common as tapas under the name of “gambas al ajillo”.

Enjoy!