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Snack & Appetizers

Garlic and Chili Shrimp

Garlic and Chili Shrimp is a tasty seafood appetizer, quick and easy to make: a fresh idea for Christmas appetizers that will win over your guests.
Recipe Garlic and Chili Shrimp
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Preparation 5 minutes
  • Cooking 5 minutes
  • Servings for 4 people

Seafood recipes are the stars of Christmas tables all over Italy, from north to south. Sometimes served on Christmas Eve, sometimes on Christmas Day, they simply can’t be missing. Fish and seafood, however, are often a bit trickier to cook, so we’re offering you this Garlic and Chili Shrimp, a simple recipe that’s perfect even for beginners.

Of course, to simplify every step you can buy shrimp that’s already cleaned and save yourself most of the work. Frozen products are fine too, a real godsend when you’re always in a rush and can’t shop at the last minute. For the Garlic and Chili Shrimp Recipe you won’t need many ingredients: garlic, chili and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are the only ones you’ll need.

If you’re looking for other seafood appetizers, don’t miss the Crostini with Shrimp and Salmon Cream and the tasty Mussels au Gratin, or pick one of our 20 Best Christmas Appetizers with Salmon.

Ingredients for 4 people

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Method

  1. To make the Garlic and Chili Shrimp, start by rinsing the shrimp well under running water and patting them dry with paper towels. If you bought whole fresh shrimp, follow our guide on How to Clean Shrimp before going on with the recipe.
    Garlic and Chili Shrimp, step 1: rinsed shrimp patted dry
  2. In a pan, heat about two tablespoons of oil together with the garlic clove. After a couple of minutes, add the shrimp and as much chili powder as you like.
    Garlic and Chili Shrimp, step 2: shrimp in a pan with garlic and chili powder
  3. Let the shrimp cook in the pan for 2-3 minutes, until they take on color, then salt them lightly and turn off the heat.
  4. Your shrimp are ready to be served, hot or cold, as an appetizer.

Variations and Alternatives

If you don’t like spicy food, you can replace the chili with sweet or smoked paprika: you’ll get a different dish with a milder flavor, but still very tasty.

Tips

Serve the pan-fried shrimp with a slice of lemon: its fresh, tart flavor pairs perfectly with seafood and will soften the heat at least a little.

Storage

You can keep the Garlic and Chili Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. We recommend eating them at room temperature or slightly warmed.

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