Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant coastal regions of Spain! This Shrimp Pil Pil is not just a recipe; it's a sensory explosion that combines the bold flavors of garlic, spicy dried chilies, and succulent shrimp in a white wine sauce that will have you craving more with every single bite. Whether you're a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates extraordinary cuisine, this dish promises to revolutionize your home cooking experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 dried red chilies
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Slice the garlic cloves thinly, and chop the fresh cilantro for garnish. Have the dried red chilies ready, and measure out the white wine and olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking; this will help infuse the flavors of the garlic and chilies into the oil.
- Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden, but not browned.
- Next, add the dried red chilies to the skillet. Stir them into the oil and garlic mixture, allowing them to toast slightly for about 1 minute. This will enhance their flavor and add a bit of heat to the dish.
- Once the garlic is fragrant and the chilies are toasted, increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- After the shrimp are cooked, pour in the white wine. Stir the mixture gently, scraping any bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
- Once the wine has reduced and the sauce has thickened a bit, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, plate the shrimp pil pil and drizzle the garlic and chili oil from the skillet over the top. Garnish with the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or over rice for a heartier meal.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If possible, choose wild-caught shrimp for a more authentic taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp - they should be just pink and opaque, which typically takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Control the heat level by adjusting the number of dried chilies. For a milder version, use fewer chilies; for extra heat, add more.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning of garlic and chilies.
- Fresh cilantro is key - chop it just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the dish is hot to enjoy the full depth of flavors and the perfect sauce consistency.
- Pair with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious garlic-chili-wine sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 180mg
