In the kitchen: Easy garlic shrimp + salad

It has been a long time since I have posted in this community. I have been looking at the lovely entries and got some inspiration to pick up my camera as I prepare meals again. Afterall, I do go into the kitchen daily – so it just a matter of planning.

I bought large shrimps from my favorite fish stall at the market.

I knew exactly what I would do with them. I made delicious Spanish garlic shrimps. This is very typical tapa all over Spain and now probably all over the world. Hence it can be served as a starter or with a salad for lunch or a light dinner. It is simple and always delicious and so easy to make. If you try it – adjust the recipe and make it your own. Some might like a lot of pepper or more garlic or less parsley. It's up to you. The combination makes a delicious garlicky sauce and the shrimps are juicy. Yummy!!

Upon arriving home from the market - I went to my balcony garden to cut fresh parsley and lettuce leaves. (Soon I will be able to pick red bell peppers and cucumbers too.)

Now it is time to start cooking!

For the Shrimps

Ingredients:

-450g shrimps (weight is with the shells)
-5-6 cloves garlic
-½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
-1 teaspoon salt
-black pepper to taste
-5 tablespoons grape seed oil
-chopped flat leaves parsley for cooking and garnishing

Use a cast iron or terracotta pan. I used my wok. Olive oil is often used but I chose my favorite - grapeseed oil.
These approximate measures can be adjusted to suit your taste.

Instructions

1. Wash and clean the shrimps and remove the outer shells. Pat them dry with paper towel.
   

2. Crush or finely chop the garlic and the red pepper flakes
   

3. Heat the pan over medium heat then add the oil. Place the garlic in the pan and sautee until it is a bit brown around the edges but do not burn them.

4. Add the chopped peppers and sautee briefly.
   

5. Add the shelled shrimps to the pan. Try to get them in a single layer if possible.

6. When they are cooked almost halfway through add the salt and a sprinkle of black pepper.
   

7. Turn the shrimps to the other side and cook briefly.

8. Add the parsley.
   

9. Remove from the flame and add fresh parsley for garnishing - if preferred.

For the Salad

Ingredients

-lettuce
-red peppers
-cucumbers
-sun dried tomatoes in oil
-a squeeze of Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Chop up the salad ingredients and place in a salad bowl
   
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Toss the salad
   Please note: To avoid that the salad is too greasy, no dressing was used as the sundried tomatoes was packed in oil. Additionally, the garlicked gambas will add a nice sauce to the salad.
4. Add the cooked shrimps to the salad, sauce too. Serve.
   

A slice of freshly baked bread can accompany the meal, if you like.

This recipe is easy quick and delicious. It takes longer to prepare the ingredients than to cook the dish.

These shrimps are a favorite with my family.
I hope you will enjoy this very tasty meal as well.

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All photos are taken by me with an iPhone 6S