Description
Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish tapa featuring succulent large shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with a kick of red pepper flakes and a hint of smoky paprika. This quick and flavorful dish is finished with a splash of dry sherry, fresh lemon juice, and parsley, making it perfect for serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt, to taste
Garlic Oil Sauce
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 10 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry or dry white wine
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with kosher salt. Setting them aside allows the seasoning to absorb slightly.
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a medium skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for up to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a light golden color. Take care to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp and paprika to the skillet. Toss regularly to ensure even cooking. Cook until the shrimp turn opaque with a pearly pink hue, approximately 3 minutes depending on shrimp size. Remove the pan from heat as soon as cooked through to prevent overcooking.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the dry sherry (or white wine), lemon juice, and fresh chopped parsley, incorporating all ingredients well into the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp and garlic sauce to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with your favorite crusty bread to enjoy soaking up the flavorful oil.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; cooking it too long will make it bitter.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Dry sherry adds authentic flavor but dry white wine is a suitable substitute.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Gambas al Ajillo pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish garlic shrimp, tapas, garlic shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, Spanish appetizer, olive oil shrimp
