Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Caribbean with our authentic Dominican Republic Camarones al Ajillo. Succulent shrimp marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then pan-seared to perfection, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Served with a side of aromatic rice or crispy plantains, this dish is a culinary journey to the sunny shores of the Dominican Republic. Treat yourself to a taste of paradise with every bite!

Here's a traditional recipe for Dominican Republic Camarones al Ajillo:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (about 450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Crusty bread or rice, for serving

Instructions:

1- Start by preparing the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If they haven't been deveined, use a sharp knife to make a shallow incision along the back and remove the dark vein.

2- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much as it can become bitter.

3- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn pink and curl up, about 2-3 minutes.

4- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5- Stir in the chopped parsley and cook for another minute. If desired, add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted, which will add richness to the sauce.

6- Once the shrimp are cooked through and coated in the garlic sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.

7- Serve the Camarones al Ajillo hot, garnished with additional parsley and accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing over the shrimp. Enjoy with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

This dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that captures the essence of Dominican cuisine. Buena provecho!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients used in Dominican Republic Camarones al Ajillo:

Large Shrimp (1 lb or about 450g):

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 65g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Cholesterol: 600mg
• Sodium: 660mg
• Iron: 8% of Daily Value (DV)

benefits:

• High in protein, which supports muscle health and repair.
• Low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a lean protein source.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
• Contains selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports immune function.

Garlic (6 cloves):

• Calories: 27 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 3% DV

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
• Rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Supports cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• May boost immune function and reduce the severity of colds and flu.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup or 60ml):

• Calories: 477 kcal
• Fat: 54g
• Vitamin E: 28% DV
• Vitamin K: 73% DV

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and protect cells from damage.
• Supports brain health and cognitive function.
• May help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.

White Wine (1/4 cup or 60ml):

• Calories: 61 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Alcohol: 4g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may have cardioprotective effects and help reduce inflammation.
• Moderate consumption may improve heart health by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reducing blood clot formation.
• May have antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria.
• Can enhance the flavor of dishes without adding extra calories or sodium.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Vitamin A: 56% DV
• Vitamin C: 16% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains volatile oils with antimicrobial properties, helping to combat harmful bacteria.
• May have diuretic properties, promoting kidney health and reducing bloating.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin A: 21% DV

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, a compound that may boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
• Rich in vitamin A, which supports vision health and immune function.
• Provides antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
• Adds flavor and color to dishes without adding extra calories or sodium.

Butter (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 102 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 31mg
• Sodium: 91mg

benefits:

• Source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions.
• Provides a rich, creamy texture and flavor to dishes.
• Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have potential health benefits such as reducing body fat and improving heart health when consumed in moderation.
• Enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants from other foods.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on factors like specific brands, variations in ingredients, and cooking methods.