How to make Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas

On one of my travels, an adventure that whisked me through the bustling streets and serene countryside of Spain, I encountered a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Spanish convivial dining – Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas. Centered around succulent raw shrimp, spicy slices of chorizo, and served with crusty bread to scoop up all the delicious juices, this dish is a symphony of flavors. The shrimp, with its delicate sweetness, complements the bold, peppery bite of the chorizo, while the bread acts as the perfect canvas for these vibrant tastes.

Driven by a newfound culinary curiosity, I embarked on a quest to recreate this simple yet profoundly flavorful dish at home. After diving deep into the nuances of Spanish cooking and experimenting with various techniques, I’ve honed the recipe to capture the authentic charm of Spain’s tapas culture. It’s with great excitement and a dash of nostalgia for those lively Spanish evenings that I share this Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas recipe with you, inviting you to bring a piece of Spain to your table.

Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas Recipe

Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas

Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas is a dish that epitomizes the convivial spirit of Spanish dining, discovered during an unforgettable journey through Spain's picturesque streets and serene countryside. This palate-pleasing creation features a harmonious mixture of tender raw shrimp and spicy slices of chorizo, paired with crusty bread designed to absorb the blend of flavors released during cooking. The combination of the shrimp's subtle sweetness and the chorizo's robust peppery taste, alongside the textural contrast of the bread, creates a symphony of flavors that is both simple and profound. Inspired by this culinary encounter and driven by a desire to encapsulate the essence of Spanish tapas culture, extensive experimentation led to the perfecting of this recipe. Sharing this Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas recipe embodies not only a celebration of Spanish cuisine but also an invitation to create and enjoy moments of togetherness, evoking the lively Spanish evenings that inspired its creation.

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Prep Time 17 minutes mins

Cook Time 43 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 8 people

Calories 869 kcal

Equipment

• 1 big skillet

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons parsley leaves
• Crusty bread for serving
• 11/2 pounds raw shrimp
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Spanish olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon Spanish paprika
• 11/2 cups onion
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• 1 pound chorizo

Instructions

 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, heated in a big skillet or cazuela, simmer the diced chorizo.
• Cook, occasionally stirring, until the onion is caramelized around the outside.
• Cook, constantly stirring, for two minutes after adding the garlic.
• Cook for two minutes after adding 1⁄4 cup of wine.
• Cook for about 5-6 minutes after adding the shrimp, parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons black pepper.
• Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the existing 1⁄4 cup wine, 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar, lime juice, tarragon, and the additional salt and pepper.

Keyword Crusty bread, lemon juice, raw shrimp

Cooking tips about Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas

• Choosing Quality Ingredients: Starting with high-quality raw shrimp and flavorful chorizo is fundamental. Look for fresh, plump shrimp, preferably wild-caught for the best texture and taste. For the chorizo, seek out authentic Spanish chorizo if possible, as it offers a unique depth of flavor that differs from other varieties.
• Marinating the Shrimp: To infuse the shrimp with extra flavor, consider marinating them for a short time before cooking. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper can enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp while complementing the spicy notes of the chorizo.
• Cooking Chorizo First: Cook the chorizo slices in your pan first until they’re nicely browned. This not only cooks the chorizo but also releases its oils into the pan, providing a flavorful base to cook the shrimp in, enhancing the overall taste of the tapas.
• Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can easily become tough if overcooked. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. This usually takes just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
• Serving with Crusty Bread: The bread serves not just as a vehicle for the tapas but also soaks up the delicious oils and juices from the chorizo and shrimp. Serve warm, crusty bread alongside to ensure every drop of flavor is enjoyed.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: The heat level of your dish will depend on the chorizo used. Taste your chorizo beforehand to gauge its spiciness and adjust the quantity or add extra chili flakes to your tapas according to your preference.
• Including a Splash of Acid: Before serving, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice over your tapas can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the chorizo, creating a more balanced dish.
• Presentation Matters: Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas are as much about the feast for the eyes as for the palate. Arrange your tapas beautifully on a serving plate, garnished with some fresh parsley or cilantro to add color and freshness.

Serving suggestions about Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas

• Plating Tips: Arrange the tapas on a vibrant, colorful ceramic plate or a rustic wooden board to add to the visual appeal. This method showcases the dish’s rich colors and textures, inviting diners to dive in.
• Pair with Drinks: To complement the robust flavors of the shrimp and chorizo, offer guests a glass of chilled Sangria or a crisp Spanish white wine, such as Albariño. These beverages balance the spiciness of the chorizo and the richness of the shrimp perfectly.
• Accompanying Sides: Serve alongside small bowls of olives, almonds, or a selection of cheeses to round out the tapas experience. These sides offer a variety of textures and flavors that pair well with the main dish.
• Bread Selection: Don’t forget to provide plenty of crusty bread. Opt for a sourdough or a baguette that guests can use to scoop up the flavorful oils and juices left behind, ensuring no part of the tapas goes unnoticed.
• Use Fresh Ingredients for Garnish: A garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro can add a fresh, bright contrast to the dish. Additionally, a squeeze of lemon over the tapas before serving introduces a zesty note that cuts through the richness of the seafood and meat.
• Setting the Table: To further embrace the tapas dining style, encourage sharing by placing the dishes at the center of the table. Use small plates and forks to allow guests to easily serve themselves and enjoy the variety of flavors.
• Dessert Pairing: End the meal on a lighter note with a Spanish dessert. A simple flan or light churros with chocolate dipping sauce can be a delightful way to conclude the culinary journey.

Top 5 FAQs about Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas

• What makes Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas a quintessential Spanish dish? Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas embodies the convivial spirit of Spanish dining by merging the subtle sweetness of tender raw shrimp with the robust, peppery taste of spicy chorizo slices. Paired with crusty bread to absorb the flavorful juices released during cooking, this dish represents a harmony of flavors that are simple yet profound, capturing the essence of Spain’s tapas culture.
• Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp for this recipe? While the original recipe recommends using raw shrimp to soak up the marinade and blend harmoniously with the chorizo’s spices during cooking, cooked shrimp can be used as a time-saving alternative. However, it’s important to add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking, ensuring they just heat through without becoming tough.
• Is there a substitute for chorizo if I can’t find it in my area? Authentic Spanish chorizo is preferred for its unique depth of flavor, but if it’s not available, you can substitute it with any spicy sausage that you have access to. Adjust the amount of additional spices accordingly, aiming to mimic the chorizo’s bold, smoky, and slightly spicy profile.
• What type of bread should be served with Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas? Crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is ideal for serving with Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas. The bread’s texture is perfect for soaking up the rich blend of flavors from the shrimp and chorizo oils and juices, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
• How can I adjust the spice level in this dish to suit different tastes? The spice level in Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas primarily comes from the chorizo used. To adjust the heat, start by choosing chorizo according to your spice preference. For an extra kick, add chili flakes to the dish while cooking. Alternatively, for a milder version, select sweet rather than spicy chorizo and reduce or omit the chili flakes altogether.