So...one of my favourite cuisine is Spanish. And with this COCO going on and now that my tapas restaurants are closed...I finally settle myself to make one of my favourite tapas to order! GAMBAS!! This garlicky, spicy goodness which I usually dip bread in is really easy and quick to make at home. It can even make a meal. And this only takes 20 minutes!!
Fun fact, I'm actually allergic to prawns. HAHAHA. But I still order gambas every time because my friends will eat the prawns while I focus on the dip. Prawns make my mouth itch quite a bit and makes my chest feel weird. BUT I won't die from it, it is just uncomfortable. And some prawns get to me more than others. Really orangey prawns, like those Chinese steamed Drunken Prawns? That will definitely send my entire mouth/chest into crazy zeng zeng zeng activity (zeng zeng is me verbalising how my chest feels). But dim-sum bicarb prawns are fine, sort of.
ANYWAY, just justifying why I have prawns at home in the first place...since my friends whom I cooked these for, asked wth do I have prawns and why am I even making this. WHEN I AM KIND AND NICE ENOUGH TO COOK THESE DELICIOUS PRAWNS THAT THEY ENJOYED. It is because I AM SELFLESS, OK?!?! Kidding. I just like the idea of prawns cos they're quick to cook but I don't really like to eat them (cos I don't like the taste of it or the texture) nor can I really eat them. So I wanted to make prawn tacos for days when I'm lazy and when I want a quick meal, but I sort of regretted it after.
If you're thinking how can someone who doesn't eat prawns cook good prawns?! And if you're doubting me...you've got to be kidding me. By now, you should know that I am very good at what I do. Also, this has been certified delicious by prawn-eaters. And I can guarantee you the sauce goodness. Okay, so let me do my thanggggg. DATZ RIGHT.
Oh yes, I've got to pre-empt you that I like spicy so I added A LOT of chilli flakes. Please adjust accordingly to your cowardly tastebuds. Start with a little and you can always add more as you taste during the cooking process. This is a free world.
SPANISH SPICY GARLIC SHRIMP (Gambas al Ajillo)
Serves 3
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
1/3 cup olive oil
3 big handful of frozen shrimps (est. 22-25 shrimps)
2 tbsp of spicy chilli flakes
2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to season
8 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
1. Slightly thaw your frozen shrimps. Then marinade shrimps with the paprika and salt.
2. In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil. Add the chilli flakes and garlic slices, fry till garlic turns golden brown and add in shrimps.
3. Fry shrimps till thoroughly cooked, about 3-5 minutes!
4. Add in more chilli flakes/salt to taste. Ready to serve!
I recommend you serve with slices of toasted sourdough. OH SO GOOD AND QUICK TO MAKE!