Imagine a warm Mediterranean evening, the aroma of freshly sizzled garlic, and tender shrimp that melts in your mouth… This is the magic of Spain's famous Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp in Olive Oil), a staple dish found in the finest tapas bars of Madrid and Barcelona.
The ultimate secret to this dish is that olive oil is not just a cooking medium here—it serves as the main sauce, perfectly designed for dipping pieces of warm, crusty baguette. This is exactly why professional chefs use exclusively Extra Virgin Olive Oil Picual, thanks to its rich, stable, and slightly pungent flavor profile.
Here is how you can recreate this gastronomic masterpiece in your own kitchen in just 10 minutes:
Ingredients:
- Shrimp (peeled or whole) — 400g
- Garlic — 4-5 cloves (thinly sliced)
- Chili pepper — 1 small piece (optional, for a kick of heat)
- Fresh parsley — a small bunch (finely chopped)
- Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Picual — 1/2 cup (generously)
- Salt — to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Warm the Oil: Pour the Extra Virgin Picual olive oil into a skillet and place it over low heat. It is crucial to use a Cold Extracted oil so that it retains all its natural health benefits and unforgettable aroma when heated.
- Infuse the Aromatics: Add the sliced garlic and chili pepper to the oil. Sauté for just 1–2 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown, releasing its full aroma straight into the Picual olive oil.
- Cook the Shrimp: Turn up the heat, add the patted-dry shrimp to the pan, and season with salt. Sauté for about 1.5–2 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful pink color.
- The Final Touch: Turn off the heat, toss in the fresh parsley, let it sit for a minute, and serve directly from the sizzling hot pan.
🥖 Chef's Tip: Always serve this dish with warm, crusty bread or a fresh baguette. Dip the bread into the premium olive oil that has been heavily infused with garlic and savory shrimp juices—it is pure bliss.
Why Extra Virgin Picual is the Heart of This Dish
Generic, refined cooking oils lack flavor depth and will simply make the dish greasy. On the other hand, Extra Virgin Olive Oil Picual, sustainably sourced from Spain, is naturally packed with polyphenols (Rich in Antioxidants). It boasts a high smoke point and thermal stability, meaning it won't produce harmful toxins when heated, allowing it to fully retain its wellness properties and Support Heart Health.
Order the Taste of Spain on the Beyston Marketplace
Want your "Gambas al Ajillo" to taste exactly like it does in authentic Spanish tapas bars? Order your original Extra Virgin Olive Oil Picual (0.5L) in its premium, light-protected dark glass bottle directly from the Beyston international platform.
👉 Bring premium European quality to your kitchen. Click the link to secure yours today: Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil Picual on Beyston