Hello, my dear readers! Today I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Portuguese garlic shrimp. As a Portuguese woman, I grew up eating and loving Mediterranean food. The flavors of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs are deeply ingrained in my taste buds and bring back so many wonderful memories of family meals and celebrations.
Portuguese garlic shrimp, or “Camarão alhinho” as we call it in Portugal, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. It’s made with just a few ingredients – shrimp, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine – but the combination of flavors is truly magical. The shrimp are cooked in a garlicky sauce until they’re tender and juicy, and the lemon juice and white wine add a bright acidity that balances out the richness of the dish.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. It can be served as an appetizer or as a main course, and it pairs well with so many different sides. I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce, or with some rice or potatoes for a more filling meal. And of course, a glass of crisp white wine is the perfect accompaniment.
But what really makes this dish special to me is the memories it brings back. I remember my grandmother making this dish for special occasions, and the whole family gathering around the table to enjoy it together. The smell of garlic and lemon would fill the house, and we would all eagerly await the moment when the shrimp were finally ready to eat.
Now that I’m older and have my own family, I love making this dish for them. It’s a way for me to share my heritage and my love for Mediterranean food with them. And every time I make it, I’m reminded of those happy memories from my childhood.
So without further ado, let me share with you my recipe for Portuguese garlic shrimp. I hope you’ll give it a try and that it will bring as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1.1 pounds of peeled shrimp
- 5 cloves of crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of white wine
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper
- A pinch of chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and shrimp and sauté until the shrimp start to turn pink.
- Pour in the lemon juice and white wine and let everything simmer together until the liquid has reduced and the shrimp are fully cooked.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or cilantro to taste. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the flavors are well combined.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Add some heat: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the recipe. This will give the dish a nice spicy flavor that pairs well with the garlic and lemon.
- Use fresh herbs: Instead of using dried parsley or cilantro, try using fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor. You can chop up some fresh parsley or cilantro and sprinkle it over the top of the dish just before serving.
- Add some vegetables: This recipe can easily be turned into a complete meal by adding some vegetables to the mix. Try sautéing some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini along with the shrimp for a more filling and nutritious dish.
- Serve with a side: Garlic shrimp pairs well with many different sides. Try serving it with some rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients in this recipe. Try adding some diced tomatoes, capers, or olives to the mix for a Mediterranean twist. Or, try using lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
