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What is Camarones Al Ajillo?
“Camarones al ajillo” is a classic Latin shrimp dish from Spanish and Latin American cuisine. The name translates to “shrimp with garlic,” the dish is known for its simple yet incredibly flavorful preparation. Succulent shrimp are typically sautéed in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, garlic, and often chili flakes, creating an aromatic and savory dish. The combination of fresh seafood and bold garlic flavors makes “Camarones al ajillo” a beloved staple.
What does it taste like?
Camarones al ajillo has a rich, savory flavor profile with a prominent garlic taste. It’s creamy, rich, and delicious. You can taste all the spices, but the garlic, “ajillo” is the star ingredient!
Ingredients Youll Need for Camarones Al Ajillo
- Deveined and Peeled Shrimp
- Table cream, crema de leche, media crema or, heavy cream
- Unsalted Butter
- Garlic
- Onion
- Spices
- Cilantro
- White wine
Why everyone loves this recipe
- It’s easy—who doesn’t want an easy dinner that you? This camarones de al ajillo recipe is so simple that you’ll make it again and can be proud of again!
- It’s flavorful- The garlic combined with the cream, onion and spices make for a rich and flavorful mouthwatering shrimp dish
- It pairs perfectly with any side- Do you want a universal protein dish that’s perfect for anything? You can eat this with mashed potatoes, rice, and even mofongo! The opportunities are endless.
What do I eat Camarones Al Ajillo with?
I love making this dish because it is universal. You can eat camarones al ajillo with just about anything! I love eating it with tostones, pasta, cilantro lime rice, mashed potatoes, mofongo, or on its own! Be creative!
What is table cream or Crema de leche?
Media crema or table cream is a dairy product similar to heavy cream but with a lower fat content. It is a staple in many Latin American cuisines and is often used to add richness and creaminess to both savory and sweet dishes. Media crema is ideal for adding a creamy texture to sauces, soups, and desserts without being as heavy as traditional heavy cream. It can also be used as a topping for fruits or as a key ingredient in creamy and velvety flans.
Can I use heavy cream instead of table cream or crema de leche?
You can use heavy cream instead of table cream in this recipe.
Camarones Al Ajillo
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 2 lbs shrimp deveined and peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the cream
- 12 large minced garlic cloves about 1/2 cup
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 7.2 ounce cans of Media Crema or table cream Substitute for 1.5 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Start by seasoning shrimp with spices, and olive oil. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. Then add in white wine, and reduce. Next, add the shrimp and cook until they are opaque. Stir in the table cream, and then add the spices to the sauce. Simmer until the shrimp is fully cooked or forms a "C" shape. Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
