Looking for a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable? ๐คฉ Meet your new favorite: Garlic Butter Shrimp โ or as we love to call them, Camarones al Ajillo!
This classic dish is a celebration of rich, buttery goodness and the irresistible aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil. Itโs a staple in many Latin American kitchens, and once you try it, youโll understand why! ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ด
Whether youโre planning a cozy family dinner or need a stunning appetizer for guests, this shrimp recipe will steal the show every time.
Letโs dive into the magic! โจ
Ingredients Youโll Need ๐
Here’s everything youโll need for this mouthwatering recipe:
- 500 grams shrimp (peeled and deveined) ๐ฆ
- 10 cloves garlic ๐ง
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, sliced ๐ถ๏ธ
- ยผ cup olive oil ๐ซ
- 200 grams butter ๐ง
- Salt, to taste ๐ง
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp ๐งโ๐ณ
Follow these easy steps to bring this deliciousness to life!
Step 1: Prep the Garlic
- Finely chop 6 cloves of garlic and set aside. โ๏ธ๐ง
- Crush the remaining 4 cloves lightly with the side of your knife. No need to chop โ we want big flavor pieces! ๐ฅ
Step 2: Infuse the Butter
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and pour in the olive oil. ๐ณ๐ซ๐ง
- Add the crushed garlic and sliced guajillo chiles.
- Sautรฉ gently until the garlic turns golden and aromatic โ about 2โ3 minutes. ๐โจ
- Remove the garlic and chile from the pan to prevent burning. Set aside. ๐ฅ
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In the same flavorful butter mixture, toss in the chopped garlic.
- Quickly add the shrimp.
- Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. ๐ฆ๐ณ
Step 4: Season and Finish
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt to taste. ๐ง
- Toss everything together to coat in that heavenly garlic butter.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate your shrimp beautifully and spoon over any extra sauce from the pan. ๐ฝ๏ธ
- Garnish with the reserved crispy garlic and guajillo slices for an extra punch of flavor and a stunning presentation! ๐
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp ๐ง โจ
- Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook very quickly. Once they curl and turn pink, they’re done. Overcooking makes them rubbery. โฑ๏ธ
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp work too โ just thaw them completely first! โ๏ธ๐ฆ
- Low and slow on garlic: Garlic burns fast. Keep the heat at medium and stir often to get that perfect golden color without bitterness. ๐ฅ๐ง
Delicious Variations and Substitutions ๐ฝ๏ธ
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra spicy version! ๐ถ๏ธ
- Citrusy Twist: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp right before serving for a bright, zesty flavor. ๐
- Butter Swap: Use vegan butter to make this dish dairy-free without sacrificing that rich taste. ๐ฑ
- Chile Options: Can’t find guajillo chiles? Substitute with dried ancho or pasilla chiles, or even fresh jalapeรฑos if you want extra heat! ๐ฅ
Serving Suggestions ๐ด๐
Wondering how to serve your garlic butter shrimp? Here are some delicious ideas:
- Tacos: Stuff these shrimp into warm corn tortillas, top with shredded cabbage, and drizzle with crema. ๐ฎ
- Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice to soak up all that buttery, garlicky sauce. ๐
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked spaghetti or fettuccine for a heavenly pasta dish. ๐
- Appetizer: Skewer the shrimp and serve them as a party appetizer with a garlic aioli dip. ๐ข๐
No matter how you serve them, theyโll disappear fast โ so you might want to make a double batch! ๐
Final Thoughts ๐ฌ๐
This Garlic Butter Shrimp (Camarones al Ajillo) is a true showstopper โ packed with flavor, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to impress. ๐ฝ๏ธโจ
Give it a try tonight and taste the magic for yourself! When you do, Iโd love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below, snap a picture of your beautiful dish, and share your experience! ๐ธ๐
Happy cooking, amigos! ๐ง๐ฆ๐