How to Make Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp With Capers

The classic version is simpler, but this one brings in a few more authentic flavors from the palette of Spanish cuisine. The resulting combination of flavors not only infuses the shrimp, but creates a sauce that is delicious almost beyond the range of mortal words to describe. It is the sauce that crusty bread was put on this earth to absorb.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil (a full-flavored Spanish olive oil is best)
• 1 large bay leaf
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp small capers
• 1 Tbsp brandy
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (dry well on paper towels)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (see Cook's Note)
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 Tbsp minced parsley
• Sea salt, if needed

1. In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil and the bay leaf over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute, stirring for a minute or so until just softened.

2. Add the pepper flakes, the capers, and the brandy, and cook off the alcohol for a minute. Turn heat to medium-high and toss in the shrimp, stirring quickly to cook them evenly.

3. Cook the shrimp until opaque and just firm. Remove from heat, stir in the paprikas and the parsley. Taste for salt. Serve immediately with warm crusty peasant bread for dipping. Serves four as an appetizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Smoked paprika, with its unique and delightful flavor, is the secret ingredient of classic Spanish cuisine and is well worth seeking out. It can be found at many gourmet shops, specialty food stores, or online. Though there is no direct substitute, an equivalent amount of good quality regular paprika with 2-3 drops of mesquite smoke flavoring added can be used with good results.

Resources

• See More eHow Articles From HuggingtheCoast
• Enjoy More of Doug DuCap's Original Recipes!
• Hugging the Coast: A Celebration of Coastal Food & Travel