Description
Sizzling Spanish garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo) brings Mediterranean coastal magic to your kitchen, packed with zesty garlic and paprika-kissed flavors. Succulent shrimp dance in olive oil, promising a quick, delicious escape that satisfies Mediterranean cravings perfectly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Liquid and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) dry sherry or white wine
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom evenly.
- Gently sauté sliced garlic for 60-90 seconds, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without browning.
- Introduce raw shrimp to the skillet, sprinkling smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a delicate layer of salt across the surface.
- Sear shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side, watching for a vibrant pink color and translucent texture indicating perfect doneness.
- Deglaze the pan with sherry, creating a simmering liquid that concentrates the flavor profile for roughly 45-60 seconds.
- Scatter fresh parsley across the shrimp, tossing gently to integrate the herb’s bright notes throughout the dish.
- Immediately transfer the sizzling shrimp to a serving plate, accompanying with rustic bread to capture the luxurious garlic-infused oil.
Notes
- Toast the garlic gently to prevent burning, which can make the oil bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile.
- Select large or jumbo shrimp for the most succulent and tender texture in this classic Spanish tapas dish.
- Substitute sherry with dry white wine if you prefer a milder alcohol flavor or want a non-alcoholic version.
- Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick, allowing each person to customize their heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 200mg