Ana Ruiz & translated and edited by Penny
28 January 2018
Receta de gambas a la plancha (Grilled Prawns Recipe) [A1/A2]
Prawns! They're the perfect Summer treat. In Ana's latest recipe, read how simple it is to make one of the most popular raciones (share-plates) served in Spanish bars. Put a shrimp on the barbie with us! We've included translations and - as a little extra - some common Spanish expressions about prawns
Photo by Ana Ruiz
Español
Las gambas o camarones a la plancha (este último término se utiliza más en el sur de España y en Hispanoamérica) es uno de los platos que podemos encontrar en los restaurantes y bares a lo largo y ancho del mar mediterráneo, también en Australia, claro. En España es una de las raciones más celebradas en bares y restaurante por la sencillez en su preparación, así como por su exquisitez.
Ingredientes:
- 1/4 de kilo de gambas frescas (o la cantidad que se quiera)
- aceite de olive virgen (preferible)
- sal gorda
- ajo picado
- guindilla molida
Receta:
Se pone la plancha a calentar con el aceite de oliva. Cuando está muy caliente, se echan las gambas y se les añade la sal gorda.
Una vez doradas por un lado, se les da la vuelta y se les vuelve a regar con aceite. Cuando están casi hechas, se les añade el ajo y la guindilla.
Se sirven en una cazuelita de cerámica (como en la fotografía).
English
Grilled prawns or shrimp (in Spanish: gambas or camarones - the latter term used more in southern Spain and in Latin America) is one of the dishes that can be found in restaurants and bars across the Mediterranean – and in Australia, of course. In Spain it is one of the most celebrated share-plates in bars and restaurants due to the simplicity of its preparation, and of course, its exquisiteness.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 kilo of fresh prawns (or the amount you like)
- virgin olive oil (preferably)
- salt flakes
- chopped garlic
- crushed dried chillis
Recipe:
Heat up the grill with some olive oil. When it is very hot, add the prawns and the salt.
Once browned on one side, turn them over and drizzle with oil. When they are almost done, add the garlic and chilli.
Serve in a ceramic pot (as in the photograph).
Expressions using 'gamba'
METER LA GAMBA – to stick your prawn in it
Meter la gamba equivale a la elocución vulgar meter la pata. Procede del italiano gamba (pierna). Tiene el significado de equivocarse, errar en un asunto.
To stick your prawn in it is equivalent to the vulgar utterance screw up. It comes from the Italian word gamba (leg). It has the meaning of making a mistake, being wrong in a matter – very similar to the English expression to put your foot in it.
SER UNA GAMBA – being a prawn
Ser un gamba es ser una persona patosa, torpe.
Being a prawn is being a clumsy, awkward person.
PONERSE COMO UNA GAMBA – to turn into a prawn
Ponerte como una gamba es cuando te quemas al sol y te pones rojo/a.
To turn into a prawn is when you burn in the sun and go red.
Meter la gamba or to 'To stick your prawn [leg] in it' - meaning to screw up. Collage by Ana Ruiz
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