A Taste of Spain:
Sam’s Table Shrimp & Chorizo in Sherry Butter
Close your eyes. You’re sitting at a sun-soaked tapas bar in Spain. The chatter of friends mixes with the clinking of glasses, and the air is fragrant with garlic, butter, and smoky chorizo. That’s exactly what this dish brings to your table—no plane ticket required.
This shrimp and Spanish chorizo in sherry butter is more than an appetizer—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish you make when friends come over, when the week deserves a little celebration, or when you just want to feel like you’re somewhere magical. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp (16/20), peeled and deveined
- ½ cup Spanish chorizo, sliced into thin coins (I love Palacios Original, found in the cheese section at Mariano’s)
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp butter for sautéing
- 2 Tbsp butter for finishing the sauce
- ½ cup cream sherry
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Warm crusty bread for dipping
Instructions:
- Warm a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp butter and let it shimmer with anticipation.
- Toss in the chorizo and let it sizzle for about a minute, releasing its rich, smoky oils.
- Add garlic and shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp just 1 minute per side until pink and tender.
- Pull the pan off the heat and pour in the sherry. Lower the flame and let it reduce by half, concentrating that sweet, nutty flavor.
- Stir in the remaining butter, swirling it into the sauce to create a glossy, velvety finish.
- Serve immediately, spooning shrimp, chorizo, and garlicky butter onto a plate or right over warm, crusty bread. The sauce is perfect for dipping—don’t be shy!
Why it works:
This dish captures everything we love about Spanish tapas—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a little indulgence. With Sam’s thoughtful approach to ingredients, seasonality, and flavor balance, every bite becomes a moment to savor. One taste, and you’ll swear you’re hearing Spanish guitars in the background.
This dish captures everything we love about Spanish tapas—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a little indulgence. With Sam’s thoughtful approach to ingredients, seasonality, and flavor balance, every bite becomes a moment to savor. One taste, and you’ll swear you’re hearing Spanish guitars in the background.