Gambas al Ajillo
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
A quintessential Spanish tapas dish featuring plump shrimp sizzling in a generous amount of garlic-infused olive oil, accented with a touch of chili. Perfect for dipping crusty bread and enjoying immediately.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Large shrimp
- 8-10 cloves Garlic
- 120 ml Extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 Dried red chili peppers
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley
- to taste Salt
- Crusty bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Finely chop the fresh parsley. Have the dried chili peppers ready.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Heat the olive oil in a traditional Spanish clay cazuela or a wide, shallow skillet over medium-low heat. The oil should be warm but not smoking.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Add the sliced garlic and dried chili peppers to the warm olive oil. Gently sauté, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 4
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season lightly with salt. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn opaque and are just pink. Avoid overcooking, as they will become tough.
⏱️ 2-4 minutes - 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 6
Serve immediately while the dish is still sizzling. Present with slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping into the flavorful garlic oil.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- ✓Watch the garlic closely; it should turn a pale golden color, not brown.
- ✓The key is to cook the shrimp quickly over high heat to keep them tender.
- ✓Serve directly from the cooking vessel (cazuela or skillet) for the most authentic presentation and to maintain the sizzle.
- ✓Don't skip the crusty bread – it's essential for enjoying every last drop of the delicious garlic-infused oil.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry sherry or brandy to the pan just before adding the shrimp and let it bubble for a moment.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika (pimentón) along with the garlic for a smoky undertone.
- For extra heat, use a whole dried bird's eye chili or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add brightness.