Hello friends of Paulina Cocina! In this community of gourmets we are lovers of tortillas in all their shapes, flavors and colors. Today we bring you a special recipe that comes directly from Cádiz, Spain: Shrimp omelete. But this is not a traditional tortilla, the Shrimp fritters They have an appearance and consistency similar to that of fritters, but more crunchy and with a lot of sea flavor, thanks to the fundamental ingredient: fresh shrimp.
This time we are going to tell you everything you need to know about these shrimp tortillas, which we would really like to enjoy by the sea, having a delicious cocktail, but if we are not that lucky, we can make them at home and feel at home for a while. beach, with an easy and super tasty recipe.
About the shrimp omelette
Shrimp omelette, also known as shrimp omelettes, is an exquisite and popular culinary specialty originating from the Andalusian coast. This delicious snack, which is usually enjoyed as an appetizer or tapa, consists of small fried tortillas whose main ingredient is fresh shrimp.
The preparation of shrimp tortillas involves mixing peeled shrimp with a liquid dough made from wheat flour and chickpea flour, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and cold water. This dough is poured into a frying pan with hot oil, forming small, very thin tortillas, which are browned on both sides until a crispy texture is obtained.
Origin of shrimp tortillas
The shrimp omelette is native to the beautiful Andalusian coasts, in the south of Spain. It is believed that they began to be eaten around the 16th or 17th century, especially at carnival time. Currently the city of San Fernando, in Cádiz, is recognized as the epicenter of this delicious Cadiz dish, where you can enjoy the best shrimp tortillas in local tapas bars and restaurants. Its proximity to the sea ensures the use of fresh shrimp, which contributes to the authentic flavor of these tortillas.
In addition to Cadiz, It is also possible to find shrimp tortillas in other coastal regions of Andalusia, such as Huelva and Malaga. These cities also have a deep-rooted gastronomic tradition and offer a wide variety of places to enjoy this speciality.
Outside of Spain, shrimp omelette has gained popularity in various parts of the world, especially those influenced by Spanish cuisine. Some restaurants and tapas bars in cities like New York, Miami, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City have included shrimp omelette on their menus, allowing diners to enjoy this delicacy without having to travel to the Andalusian coast.
5 tips to make the shrimp omelette perfect
If we are outside of Spain or if we want to prepare some delicious shrimp omelettes at home to surprise our guests, there are some tips to keep in mind when making them.
- Use fresh shrimp where possible, to achieve Original flavor. can be used cooked shrimpbut the flavor is less intense.
- When preparing the mixture, it is recommended let her rest for at least half an hour before starting the frying.
- make the tortillas very finite, to prevent them from absorbing too much oil. For that it is useful to use a ladle, similar to that of the pancakes.
- Use very hot olive oil to obtain a crispy and golden texture, but that is not too deep a container, to avoid excess oil in frying.
- Cook on both sides so that the cooking is even, taking care that they do not burn. Place on absorbent paper once ready.
What can not be missing in a good shrimp omelette
The original shrimp omelet recipe calls for simple but tasty ingredients. To prepare it, you need fresh shrimp, wheat flour, chickpea flour, onion, parsley, salt, pepper and cold water. If you can’t find chickpea flour, you can make the whole dough with wheat flour.
The dough should be liquid but with body, similar to the dough of the spinach fritters, and if possible you have to put a small amount in the ladle so that they are very finite. The combination of these ingredients is the key to obtaining the characteristic flavor of this delicious tortilla.
How to enjoy shrimp omelette
Shrimp tortillas are best enjoyed freshly made and hot. Its crunchy texture and its flavor of the sea are a true delight for the senses. They can be accompanied by a dip-type sauce, a garnish or simply tasted alone. They are perfect to share as a tapa at a meeting with friends or as an appetizer for a family meal.
Accompaniments for Shrimp Tortillas
- Some popular options include serving them with a homemade aioli saucewhich gives it creaminess and a touch of garlic that goes very well.
- You can also add some lemon sliceswhich provide a citrus and refreshing touch that combines very well with the flavor of seafood.
- Another traditional accompaniment is a fresh salad, which provides a contrast of flavors, temperatures and textures. So that you do not run out of ideas I share all my salad recipes.
Shrimp Omelet Recipe
- Yield: 4/6 servings (approx)
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 g of fresh shrimp
- 100 g of wheat flour
- 100 g chickpea flour
- 1 small onion or green onion (scallion) finely chopped
- 1 handful of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cold water (150ml)
- Extra virgin olive oil for frying
How to make the shrimp omelette step by step
- Clean and peel the shrimp, removing the head and shells. You can also ask the fishmonger to clean them.
- In a bowl, mix the wheat flour, chickpea flour, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt and pepper.
- Add cold water little by little while stirring the mixture until a liquid but consistent mass is obtained. It should have a consistency similar to that of a milkshake or smoothie.
- Add the shrimp to the batter and mix well to make sure they are covered by all the ingredients. Let rest as much as possible, half an hour in the fridge.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. With a ladle or deep spoon, take portions of the dough and place them in the hot oil, shaping the tortillas.
- Fry on both sides until golden and crisp. Approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the tortillas by placing them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. Serve hot.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net
