Description
Spanish Garlic Shrimp with Saffron is a vibrant and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, aromatic saffron threads, and a hint of crushed red pepper, finished with a splash of dry white wine and lemon juice. This classic Spanish tapa is quick to make and perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course, delivering a rich combination of Mediterranean tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to create a gently hot base for cooking the garlic and shrimp.
- Sauté garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but avoid browning them to keep a delicate flavor.
- Add spices: Stir in the saffron threads and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Cook shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice, then simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper according to taste, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 15 minutes prior to cooking.
- If saffron is unavailable, paprika can be used as a substitute, though it will produce a different flavor profile.
- This dish works well as both an appetizer or a satisfying main course.
