Shrimp are widely used in culinary traditions around the world and are valued for their sweet, tender flesh. They can be cooked in many ways, including grilling, boiling, sautéing, frying, and steaming. Shrimp are often used in dishes like shrimp cocktails, shrimp scampi, shrimp gumbo, and shrimp gambas, among others. They are also commonly used in sushi and other Asian cuisines.
Shrimp gambas is a dish that typically features shrimp cooked with garlic and other flavorful ingredients. The term “gambas” is derived from the Spanish word for shrimp, and this dish is a popular part of Spanish cuisine, especially in tapas bars, as well as in Latin American culinary traditions.
The preparation of shrimp gambas generally involves sautéing shrimp in any cooking oil or butter with plenty of garlic. To add depth of flavor, cooks often incorporate additional ingredients like white wine or sherry, paprika, lemon juice, parsley, or chili flakes. Some variations include tomatoes or other vegetables to create a rich sauce. The dish has a savory, aromatic profile with a touch of heat and acidity, depending on the specific recipe.
Shrimp gambas is often served as a tapa, an appetizer, or as part of a larger meal. It’s common to pair it with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce or serve it with rice or pasta for a more substantial dish. Whether served as a starter or a main course, shrimp gambas is loved for its robust flavors and satisfying textures, with the shrimp’s natural sweetness complementing the savory and garlicky sauce.
Shrimp Gambas Recipe Nutritional Facts
The nutritional facts for shrimp gambas can vary depending on the specific recipe, serving size, and ingredients used. Generally, shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, while the olive oil or other cooking fats add some fat and calories. The presence of garlic, spices, and other ingredients can contribute to flavor without significantly affecting the nutritional profile.
Below is a general breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical serving of shrimp gambas (per 100 grams):
- Calories: 150-200 (depending on the amount of oil used)
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams (from olive oil or other cooking fats)
- Carbohydrates: 1-5 grams (depending on added ingredients like vegetables or wine)
- Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
- Sodium: 400-600 mg (varies based on added salt or stock)
Shrimp itself is a good source of several nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and zinc. However, it’s also high in cholesterol, which might be a consideration for people monitoring their cholesterol intake. Using olive oil or other healthy fats can contribute beneficial monounsaturated fats to the dish.
To obtain a more accurate nutritional breakdown, consider the specific recipe used, the portion size, and any added ingredients. Additionally, you can use online nutritional calculators or food apps to get a more precise estimate based on your specific ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Shrimp Gambas?
Here’s my simple recipe to make shrimp gambas.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- chopped garlic
- 200g shrimps
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp seasonings
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- sliced chilli pepper
- chopped spring onion
Instructions:
- In a sauté pan, heat the cooking oil or butter over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil or butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the peeled shrimp to the pan, spreading them out evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to turn pink.
- Season with salt, granulated seasoning and pepper to taste.
- Add tomato paste and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully cooked (they should be opaque and pink) and the sauce is sticky.
- Garnish with sliced chilli and chopped spring onion.
- Serve the shrimp gambas hot rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips:
- Spice Level: You can add chili flakes or chilli powder and adjust according to your desired spice level.
- Additions: Some variations include adding diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers or pasley flakes for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy your shrimp gambas!
Click here for more affordable cooking wares!
