International kitchen

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

Cuisine of Spain Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) is a popular Spanish dish found principally in the south and center of Spain. The primary ingredients consist of shrimp, garlic and olive oil but there are many variations. It's often served in Spain's tapas bars as an appetizer. However, this dish is so popular that it's occasionally offered as an entrée.

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) prepared recipe
PrepNot statedCook20 minServes4LevelEasy
Cook with confidence

Before you start

A quick setup makes the method easier to follow and keeps important steps from being missed.

Preparation checklist

  • Read all 4 method steps from beginning to end.
  • Measure and arrange all 7 listed ingredients.
  • Set aside about 20 minutes, based on the time recorded by the source.

Recipe notes & preparation tips

The shrimp can be peeled first, before cooking them if you prefer.

If you like larger shrimp, you may purchase shrimp with fewer count to a pound. However, 25 to a pound are about the right size for this tapa.

Adapted from the source recipe's notes.
Step by step

Method

  1. 01

    In a sauté pan or other heavy frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about one minute or until it begins to brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  2. 02

    Raise the heat to high and add the shrimp, lemon juice, sherry or cognac and paprika. Stir well, then sauté, stirring briskly until the shrimp turn pink and curl (about 3 minutes).

  3. 03

    Remove from heat and transfer shrimp with oil and sauce to a warm plate or serve right from the pan.

  4. 04

    Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle with parsley.

Ready to serve

Serve the dish as directed and enjoy it while it is at its best.

Bon appétit — enjoy your meal!
Transparent sourcing

Source & licence

This recipe was adapted and reformatted from Wikibooks Cookbook . Text: CC BY-SA 4.0. Image: CC BY 2.0, credited to Javier Lastras from España/Spain; view original image record .