Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Gambas Al Ajillo)

About this recipe

When traveling in Spain, we came across many different types of seafood. From chipirones and calamari to this delicious garlic shrimp, we came to the conclusion that the Spanish sure know their seafood and have the best methods of cooking it thanks to the Mediterranean style of cooking. 

Ingredients

• Shrimp: It’s best to use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe like I do for Meidterranean style shrimp since it’s more meaty and luscious. Of course you can use smaller shrimp if you like, however, the cooking time would change depending on the size of the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp is peeled and deveined.
• Olive oil: Quality olive oil makes all the difference. You can use anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil for this recipe.
• Garlic: If there is one thing that makes this shrimp tapas outstanding, it would be the generous amount of garlic. Don’t be shy with it and make sure you’re using good quality garlic. Please don’t use the packaged minced or mashed garlic and slice the garlic for maximum flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: If you like the dish to be spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes.
• Final touches: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped parsley gives such brightness to this dish and make it even more delicious! 

What to look for when buying shrimp

When it comes to buying shrimp, I suggest you buy frozen ones unless you’re living on the coast where you know you can get fresh shrimp from a fishmonger or a fish market.

The shrimp you see in the fish section of a supermarket laying on ice are most probably frozen shrimp that’s been thawed and has been sitting there for a while. It’s best to get frozen shrimp and thaw it in the fridge at your own convenience. If you’re in a pinch, place frozen shrimp in a colander under running cold water to thaw.

Tips to make gambas al ajillo

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp doesn’t need much time to cook. It’s ready to serve when it’s no longer pink and is opaque. 
• Be prepared: Have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking since shrimp cooks quickly. Start cooking this dish a few minutes before you’re ready to eat. 
• Dunk the bread: That garlicky spicy olive oil in the pan is gold! Dunk your bread in to enjoy all the flavors!

How to make Spanish garlic shrimp

1. Prepare the oil and garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the red pepper flakes to the oil followed by sliced garlic. Saute until the garlic is fragrant. 
2. Cook the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with salt and add it to the garlic. Sear for a few minutes so it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. 
3. Serve: Drizzle the shrimp with some lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately. 

Serve it as a tapa!

If you’ve never heard of tapas, you’re in for a treat. Tapas is basically a spread of small plates that come together on a table to be shared with others. You can serve garlic shrimp tapas style with pan con tomate, garlic mushrooms, blistered peppers, ensalada rusa, Spanish tortilla and aioli as a simple tapas spread. For those of you who don’t consume alcohol, pair these with some non alcoholic sangria for a full Spanish tapas experience! 

Frequently Asked Questions