Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Gambas Al Ajillo)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
15 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
251 kcal
-
Course
Appetizer
-
Cuisine
Mediterranean, Spanish
Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Gambas Al Ajillo)
Description
This recipe begins by heating olive oil over medium heat and gently cooking sliced garlic until fragrant but not burned, preserving its sweetness. Red pepper flakes add a mild heat to the infused oil. Shrimp are then added and seared for just 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked—opaque and pink without overcooking. Salt seasons the shrimp during cooking for balanced flavor.
Once cooked, the pan is removed from heat and drizzled with fresh lemon juice, brightening the rich garlicky oil. Chopped parsley is sprinkled on top to add an herbal freshness. The shrimp’s tender texture and aromatic oil make this dish a vibrant seafood starter or light main course. It pairs well with crusty bread, allowing you to enjoy the flavorful garlicky oil.
For best results, avoid overcooking shrimp as it cooks quickly and becomes tough when overdone. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Using jumbo shrimp highlights the dish’s texture, but you can use large or medium-sized shrimp as well, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Serving immediately after preparation retains the ideal flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 10 cloves garlic sliced
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined, jumbo
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 lemon juice of
- 1/3 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for a minute or 2. Then add the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
- Add the shrimp to the pan followed by the salt. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked. Turn the heat off.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley. Serve with bread if desired.
Notes
- Shrimp is ready when it turns opaque and pink; avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The garlicky, spicy olive oil remaining in the pan is excellent for dipping crusty bread.
- Cooking time varies slightly with shrimp size; adjust accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 251 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 251kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 286mg | 95% |
| Sodium | 1185mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 177mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 569IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 188mg | 19% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
