How to Make Spanish Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas: Basque-style Hake with Shrimp

• 1. Introduction to Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas
• 2. Ingredients for Merluza a la Vasca with Gambas
• 3. Step-by-Step Preparation of Merluza a la Vasca with Gambas
• 4. Tips for Perfecting Basque-Style Seafood Dishes
• 5. Real-World Case Study: Making Merluza a la Vasca at Home
• 6. Conclusion: Enjoying Basque-Style Hake with Shrimp

1. Introduction to Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas

Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas, or Basque-style hake with shrimp, is a classic Spanish seafood dish that combines the delicate flavors of hake with the richness of shrimp. Hailing from the Basque region of Spain, this dish is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. With a vibrant combination of seafood, garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs, it offers an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of preparing Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas, providing you with all the necessary steps to bring this flavorful Basque dish to your table. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a beginner, this recipe is accessible and sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and traditional roots.

Las Fronteras

TrentonMercer CountyNew Jersey

236 S Clinton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611, USA

2. Ingredients for Merluza a la Vasca with Gambas

To make Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients that embody the essence of Basque cuisine. Here's a list of ingredients to prepare this mouthwatering dish:

• Hake Fillets: 4 fillets of fresh hake (or cod as a substitute) – this mild, flaky fish is the star of the dish.
• Shrimp: 10-12 medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined – adding a sweet, succulent taste to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil – a key ingredient in Basque cooking for sautéing and flavoring.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped – for an aromatic base that complements the seafood.
• White Wine: 1/2 cup of dry white wine – helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
• Tomato: 1 large ripe tomato, chopped – a fresh, tangy addition to balance the richness of the fish and shrimp.
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped – for a sweet and savory base.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon – for a slight kick of heat that is typical in many Basque dishes.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped – for garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste – to season the dish perfectly.

These ingredients are simple yet flavorful, offering a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that make this dish a true delight.

Quezada Restaurant corp.

Kings CountyNew York

1212 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA

3. Step-by-Step Preparation of Merluza a la Vasca with Gambas

Preparing Merluza a la Vasca with Gambas is straightforward, and with the right technique, you can achieve a dish that’s bursting with authentic Basque flavors. Follow these simple steps to make this delicious seafood dish at home:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the garlic, onion, and tomato, and set everything aside. Pat the hake fillets dry with paper towels and season both the hake and shrimp with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped tomato and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 5 minutes until the tomato softens and breaks down.

3. Cook the Hake and Shrimp

Push the tomato mixture to one side of the pan. Add the hake fillets to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Add the shrimp to the same pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to cook off for a minute or two, then cover the pan and let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is cooked through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

4. Tips for Perfecting Basque-Style Seafood Dishes

To make your Basque-style seafood dishes even more memorable, consider the following tips:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Seafood

The quality of the fish and shrimp plays a crucial role in the overall flavor of the dish. Always opt for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood for the best taste and texture.

2. Balance the Flavors

Spanish and Basque cuisine often relies on balancing rich and bright flavors. Be mindful of how much salt and pepper you use, and don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of heat.

3. Pair with Spanish Wine

Pairing your Merluza a la Vasca with a crisp, dry Spanish white wine such as Albariño or Verdejo enhances the flavors of the seafood. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the dish while complementing the delicate fish and shrimp.

5. Real-World Case Study: Making Merluza a la Vasca at Home

A home cook from Texas decided to try making Merluza a la Vasca for a special family dinner. After researching traditional Basque recipes, they followed the steps outlined above, opting for fresh hake and shrimp from a local seafood market. The result was a hit—rich, flavorful, and aromatic, with each bite transporting them to the Basque coast. The family loved it so much that they made it a regular dish for holiday gatherings, showcasing how easy it can be to bring the flavors of Spain into your own kitchen.

6. Conclusion: Enjoying Basque-Style Hake with Shrimp

Merluza a la Vasca con Gambas is a delicious, simple yet sophisticated dish that encapsulates the essence of Basque cuisine. With fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a flavorful seafood meal that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting to explore Spanish cuisine, this recipe is a great way to experience the bold flavors of Spain in the comfort of your home.

For more Spanish recipes and kitchen essentials, visit Rubi Spanish Table to discover the best products and services for your culinary needs.