This vibrant Spanish classic transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in minutes. Plump, peeled shrimp are quickly sautéed in fragrant olive oil with finely minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of dry sherry. The result is tender, juicy shrimp coated in a warm, aromatic sauce that is perfect for dipping crusty bread. It offers a beautiful balance of savory garlic, subtle heat, and bright lemon notes. Gambas al ajillo is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal for two, or as an impressive appetizer for guests. Serve it hot from the pan for the best flavor and texture.
Gambas Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp
Description
This vibrant Spanish classic transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in minutes. Plump, peeled shrimp are quickly sautéed in fragrant olive oil with finely minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of dry sherry. The result is tender, juicy shrimp coated in a warm, aromatic sauce that is perfect for dipping crusty bread. It offers a beautiful balance of savory garlic, subtle heat, and bright lemon notes. Gambas al ajillo is an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a romantic meal for two, or as an impressive appetizer for guests. Serve it hot from the pan for the best flavor and texture.Ingredients
Directions
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Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
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Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the warm oil.
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Sauté the garlic and peppers for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
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Raise the heat to high and add the shrimp, lemon juice, sherry, and paprika.
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Stir well and sauté, stirring briskly, until the shrimp turn pink and curl slightly, about 3 minutes.
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Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
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Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 207.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.2g24%
- Saturated Fat 2.1g11%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 8.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 16.5g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 0.5g
- Protein 3.2g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Do not let the garlic brown, as it will turn bitter. If it starts to darken, remove the pan from the heat briefly.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic-infused oil.
For a vegan variation, omit the shrimp and serve the garlic oil as a dip for bread, though the title implies seafood.
Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined before cooking to reduce prep time.
