Imagine a sizzling pan of succulent shrimp dancing with crispy ham and vibrant bell peppers, infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and paprika. This Spanish-style garlic shrimp recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean cooking right to your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 100g ham, diced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing and patching dry the shrimp. Remove shells and devein if not already done. Slice bell peppers into thin strips and dice the ham into small cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be wide enough to allow ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Add diced ham to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to slightly crisp and release its flavors.
- Introduce sliced bell peppers to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Sprinkle paprika over the ingredients, stirring to distribute the spice evenly and enhance the Spanish-style flavor profile.
- Add shrimp to the pan, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently tossing all ingredients to ensure even seasoning.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
- Serve hot, preferably with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious garlic and olive oil sauce.
Tips
- Shrimp Perfection: The key to tender shrimp is quick cooking. Watch for the color change from gray to pink, which indicates they're done – overcooking will make them tough.
- Garlic Wisdom: Use fresh garlic and sauté it quickly to release flavor without burning. If the garlic starts to brown, start over to prevent a bitter taste.
- Pan Selection Matters: Use a wide skillet or paella pan to ensure ingredients cook evenly and develop a beautiful caramelization.
- Seasoning Secret: Add paprika before the shrimp for maximum flavor infusion. This technique helps distribute the spice evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious garlic-infused olive oil sauce.
- Ingredient Prep: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don't steam in the pan.Pro tip: For an extra authentic touch, use Spanish olive oil and consider adding a splash of white wine for depth of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 250mg
