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4.9 from 546 votes

Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe)

In just 10 minutes, you can make this easy gambas al ajillo recipe with extra juicy shrimp swimming in a garlicy olive oil sauce. Just add your favorite crusty bread to dunk in the sauce!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 2495 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Spanish

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • kosher salt
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 10 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (start with less if you don't want it too spicy)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry or dry white wine
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with kosher salt. Set aside for now.
  2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat up to 60 seconds or until the garlic gains some color (be careful not to burn it).
  3. Add the shrimp and paprika. Cook briefly, tossing regularly, and watching that the flesh turns opaque with a pearly pink color (about 3 minutes or so; this will depend on the size of the shrimp). Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Stir in sherry, lemon juice and parsley.
  5. Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving bowl. Serve with your favorite crusty bread.

Notes

  • This recipe will serve 4 to 6 people as a tapas or appetizer with a side of crusty bread to dip in the sauce. 
  • Cook's tip for the sauce. Use quality extra virgin olive oil as the flavor is important to the sauce. Do not cook the oil too much and be careful not to burn the garlic or it will make the sauce bitter. 
  • Cook's tip for the shrimp. Even the largest of shrimp will cook fast, so watch the shrimp carefully. The flesh should turn opaque and pearly pink in color. And remember, even when you take the pan off the heat, the warm sauce will continue to cook the shrimp. 
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spices. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 249.5kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 2.4g (1%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 19.2g (30%) Saturated Fat 2.6g (13%) Cholesterol 190.5mg (64%) Sodium 982.2mg (41%) Potassium 115.8mg (3%) Fiber 0.4g (2%) Vitamin A 634.8IU (13%) Vitamin C 11.3mg (13%) Calcium 125.6mg (13%) Iron 2.2mg (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 2495

% Daily Value*

Calories 249.5kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 2.4g 1%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 19.2g 30%
Saturated Fat 2.6g 13%
Cholesterol 190.5mg 64%
Sodium 982.2mg 41%
Potassium 115.8mg 2%
Fiber 0.4g 2%
Vitamin A 634.8IU 13%
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13%
Calcium 125.6mg 13%
Iron 2.2mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.