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Garlic Shrimp with Olive Oil & Lemon

Serves 4 Entree seafood, Fish

Garlic Shrimp with Olive Oil & Lemon

Garlic Shrimp with Olive Oil & Lemon is inspired by the Spanish tradition of gambas, where simple ingredients are celebrated in their purest form. This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean home cooking, with olive oil and lemons as staples of the pantry. It's an everyday meal that evokes the sea breeze and the sun-drenched gardens of the coast, making it a delightful choice for a casual dinner.

Each bite should taste like a splash of the sea, with the shrimp's natural sweetness enhanced by the pungent garlic and a zing of lemon. The olive oil provides a silky mouthfeel, while a hint of chili adds a gentle warmth. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hint of green, and season lightly with sea salt and black pepper to elevate the flavors without overwhelming them.

Ingredients

  • 600 gshrimp
  • 6 clovesgarlic
  • 100 mlextra virgin olive oil
  • 1lemon
  • pinchchili flakes
  • to finishparsley
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by patting the 600 g shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures they sear properly and don't steam. Season the shrimp lightly with fine sea salt, which will enhance their natural sweetness and help them cook evenly.
  2. Peel and thinly slice 6 cloves of garlic. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, pour in 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil and set the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic and a pinch of chili flakes to the oil. Stir gently to infuse the oil with the garlic's aroma and toasting the garlic until it is golden but not brown, which should take a few minutes.
  3. Once the garlic is ready, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Allow the shrimp to cook without moving them for about a minute until the edges start to turn pink and slightly curl.
  4. Flip the shrimp over using tongs or a spatula. Cook the other side until the shrimp are just opaque and firm to the touch. This indicates they are perfectly cooked and not overdone, which would make them rubbery.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp. This will brighten the flavors and add a fresh, tangy finish. Toss the shrimp gently in the skillet to coat them evenly with the lemon juice and the infused olive oil.
  6. Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Season with additional fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors at their peak.