Garlic Butter Gambas Recipe: A Flavorful Spanish Dish to Impress Your Guests

Gambas, a Spanish term for shrimp or prawns, is a popular dish across Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine. Known for its bold flavors and simple preparation, gambas are often served as a tapa or appetizer, but they can easily take center stage as a main course when paired with fresh bread, rice, or pasta. This garlic butter gambas recipe combines the sweetness of shrimp with the richness of garlic, butter, and a touch of spice, creating a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create perfectly cooked gambas with a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gambas

1. What is gambas?
   Gambas is a Spanish term for shrimp or prawns, commonly used in dishes where shrimp is the main ingredient, such as Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp).
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for gambas?
   Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just make sure to thaw them properly by running them under cold water before cooking.
3. What’s the difference between shrimp and prawns?
   While used interchangeably in cooking, shrimp and prawns are technically different species. However, both work well in gambas recipes.
4. What wine pairs well with gambas?
   A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, complements the garlic and butter flavors beautifully.
5. Do I need to peel the shrimp?
   Leaving the shells on can enhance flavor and prevent the shrimp from overcooking, but for ease of eating, you can remove the shells before cooking.

Garlic Butter Gambas Recipe: Step-by-Step

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh bread or crusty baguette (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp: If your shrimp aren’t peeled, you can remove the shells and tails, although some prefer to leave the tails on for presentation. Make sure they’re thawed and pat them dry to prevent excess water from diluting the flavors.
2. Infuse the Oil with Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4. Add the Butter: Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, coating the shrimp in a delicious garlic-butter sauce. Toss the shrimp to ensure they’re evenly coated.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shrimp with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side and a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Delicious Variations of Gambas

1. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp): Skip the butter and use a Spanish olive oil base with a sprinkle of smoked paprika. This is the traditional way to enjoy garlic shrimp in Spain.
2. Spicy Gambas: Add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a spicy twist, perfect for serving with rice or alongside a tangy yogurt sauce.
3. Coconut Curry Gambas: Swap the garlic butter with coconut milk and curry powder for a rich, tropical variation that pairs beautifully with jasmine rice.
4. Lemon Herb Gambas: Add extra lemon juice, dill, and thyme for a fresh, citrusy version that works great as a light appetizer.

Tips for Perfect Gambas

1. Use High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will make a difference in flavor and texture. Look for sustainably-sourced options when possible.
2. Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch closely. Overcooking can make it rubbery. It should turn pink and opaque in just a few minutes.
3. Balance with Acid: A squeeze of lemon or lime balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
4. Serve with Bread or Rice: Garlic butter gambas are ideal for scooping up with crusty bread, or you can serve it over rice for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

Garlic butter gambas is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings the Mediterranean flavors of Spain straight to your kitchen. With simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and shrimp, you can create a gourmet dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a dinner party. Whether you’re making the traditional gambas al ajillo or adding your own twist, this recipe is sure to satisfy.