To prepare the perfect Gamberi alla Catalana , it is essential to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Each element of the dish contributes to enhancing the delicate flavor of the shrimp, creating a harmony of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 500 g of peeled prawns : The choice of prawns is crucial to the success of the recipe. Always choose fresh prawns, preferably small in size to ensure uniform cooking.
- 1 clove of garlic and 1 fresh chili pepper : Finely chopped garlic and fresh chili pepper are essential to give the dish an extra kick. The garlic releases its aroma during cooking, while the chili pepper adds a spicy touch without overpowering the taste of the shrimp. Fresh pepper, together with salt, enriches the dish without ever overdoing it.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon : Lemon, with its acidic and refreshing flavor, balances the richness of the butter and oil. Its juice, added at the end of cooking, gives the dish a freshness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp.
- 25 g butter and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil : The combination of butter and oil gives the prawns a rich but delicate flavour. It is recommended to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a truly tasty result.
- Paprika and fresh parsley : Paprika adds a bright color and smoky aroma that pairs perfectly with the fish. Chopped fresh parsley adds a herbaceous note that rounds out the dish.
Instructions
Preparation of Catalan-style Prawns: all the steps
Preparing Gamberi alla Catalana is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail to achieve a flawless result. Follow these steps to ensure that the dish expresses its Mediterranean flavors to the fullest.
1. Cleaning and preparing the prawns
- Start by thoroughly washing the peeled shrimp . Remove the intestinal thread with a knife or toothpick for a clean presentation.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess water. This step is essential to prevent them from releasing liquid during cooking.
2. Preparation of ingredients
- Finely chop 1 clove of garlic and slice 1 fresh chili pepper for a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and set aside. The lemon will be added at the end to enhance the freshness of the Catalan-style shrimp .
- Chop a handful of fresh parsley for the final decoration of the dish.
3. Cooking the prawns
- In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil together with 25 g of butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and chili pepper, frying briefly until they release their aroma. Do not burn them, as this will affect the flavor.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and tender.
4. Finishing the plate
- Sprinkle a light amount of paprika over the shrimp for color and a smoky flavor.
- Pour in the lemon juice and mix gently. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
With these steps, your Catalan-style Prawns will be ready to be enjoyed, d