Southwestern-Style Garlic Shrimp Tapas

October 16, 2009 at 7:17 pm | Posted in events, savory things | 10 Comments

My friend Min from The Bad Girl’s Kitchen (we were Taste&Create partners awhile back) invited me to her virtual housewarming extravaganza. I love a good party and checking out a new house, and I can’t say no to great food either (did I hear there will be southwestern tapas and homemade sangria??).

Of course I am a well-mannered guest and will bring along something yummy myself. When I think of southwestern food, I immediately think of chiles…and when I think of tapas, I immediately think of gambas al ajillo. I knew that punching up traditional Spanish gambas with some chiplotle in adobo and cilantro would make a great party appetizer (although you do have to make it last minute, so hope Min won’t mind if I use her oven!). Below, I’ve just given a recipe for two servings, but I’m pretty sure it can be successfully multiplied to feed a few more. Don’t forget a little bread on the side to dip in the garlic oil….it’s just as tasty as the shrimp!

I’m also bringing along guac with spicy toasted squash seeds and oven baked tortilla chips. Truth be told, I could eat the whole bowl myself, but it’s more fun to share. Congratulations, Min and family! Now, where’s that sangria?

Southwestern-Style Garlic Shrimp Tapas– serves 2 as an appetizer

6-8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
chopped canned chipotle chile and adobo sauce to taste (I used 1/2 of a chile and 1 t sauce)
3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1/4 c olive oil
1/8 t salt
1 bay leaf
1 T chopped cilantro

-Place an oven rack in the middle position and preheat oven to 500°F. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with the chopped chipotle and adobo sauce, about one third of the minced garlic, one tablespoon of olive oil and salt. Let shrimp marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (this should be long enough for your oven to preheat).

-Once the oven is hot, pour the remaining three tablespoons olive oil into a small, shallow casserole or baking dish (or a seasoned Spanish cazuela). Add the remaining minced garlic and the bay leaf and bake until sizzling, about 3-5 minutes.

-Add the shrimp and marinade to the sizzling oil, and return the dish to the oven. Bake (stirring once) for another 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through. Throw out the bay leaf, season with additional salt (if necessary) and sprinkle over the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, straight from your baking dish or cazuela (keeping in mind that it’s super-hot before you set it on your table!) .

10 Comments »

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Steph! You can use my oven anytime, that shrimp looks fabulous! And guacamole with spicy pepitas! Oh my, so fun! Beautiful pictures! So glad you could come! Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the sangria!

Comment by Min— October 16, 2009 #

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Looks great! Nice to see savoury food on your blog too, and it looks just as delicious as all your sweet treats.

xox Sarah

Comment by Sarah— October 16, 2009 #

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That’s the kind of food I’d like to have at any party!

Comment by rachel— October 16, 2009 #

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It all sounds delicious and fun. Yes, bring on the sangria!

Comment by Wendy— October 16, 2009 #

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Yum! Shrimp and guacamole… it doesn’t get better than that ;).

Comment by Unplanned Cooking— October 17, 2009 #

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This looks delicious! What a great appetizer.

Comment by Erin— October 17, 2009 #

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I’m going to make this soon! Hope you are well.

Comment by Cynthia— October 18, 2009 #

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This shrimp looks incredible Steph.

Comment by Eliana— October 19, 2009 #

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Just stumbled upon your blog. That shrimp looks fantastic. I love garlic and chipotle so those shrimp definitely sound like something I would enjoy. I’ve also never been one to turn down guac. I’m very happy fall is here because it means I can finally make my favorite guac recipe from Epicurious with pear and pomegranate seeds but your version looks fantastic as well. Nothing like using some squash seeds to add textural variation to guac.

Comment by Kelly— October 19, 2009 #

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u’ve made shrimp look so pretty! i know they’re not particularly photogenic 🙂

Comment by Nags— October 20, 2009 #

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