If you are a fan of shrimp and garlic, then this Spanish tapas dish is for you! “Gambas al ajillo” is a traditional Spanish dish that translates to “garlic shrimp” in English. It is a popular tapas dish typically made with shrimp (gambas) sautéed in olive oil with garlic (ajillo), chili peppers, and sometimes other seasonings like paprika or parsley. It is one of the most famous and popular tapas dishes, and super simple to make as well!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Shrimp – You can use any kind of shrimp here. I personally like to use cleaned and deveined shrimp so it is easier to eat at the end. However, I have also had them where it is full head on shrimp and it is still delicious. Try to find shrimp that are big and juicy for this recipe!
  • Garlic – Since this is a garlic shrimp dish we go heavy on the garlic. You are going to want to use a lot of garlic and thinly slice them. I like to buy garlic that is already peeled for ease, versus whole garlic cloves.
  • Olive Oil – The olive oil is both used for the cooking, but also the sauce and flavoring afterwards. Use a high quality olive oil for best flavor. I wouldn’t substitute this for any other fat or the dish would completely change.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – I like to use red pepper flakes for convenience here. Traditionally a dried guajillo pepper is actually used, so if you want to use that go for it!
  • Sherry Vinegar – This is used at the end of the cooking process to brighten and balance the dish out. Sherry vinegar is very popular in Spain and used as the acid in a lot of dishes. If you don’t have sherry vinegar, use fresh lemon juice instead.
  • Parsley – Parsley is used as a garnish and this dish and totally optional, but does look great for presentation!
@kellyscleankitchen

How to make gambas al ajillo aka garlic shrimp #gambasalajillo #shrimp #garlicshrimp #cooking

♬ Exactly Like You – Benny Goodman Trio & Lionel Hampton
  • SERVINGS:  4
  • PREP TIME: 10 Mins
  • COOK TIME: 10 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 20 Mins

This is great with paella!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp Spanish paprika
  • 20 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp sherry vinegar
  • 1/4 cup parsley, minced for garnish

Preparation:

STEP 1.

In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt and Spanish paprika and set aside.

STEP 2.

In a large stainless steel pan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once warm, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the edges just start to brown on the garlic.

STEP 3.

Add the shrimp and stir, make sure to get the garlic off the bottom of the pan. Try to get all the shrimp to be laying flat on the pan and cook on the first side for three minutes.

STEP 4.

Once the shrimp are halfway cooked, stir and flip the shrimp over. Add the sherry vinegar and stir for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and coated in the sauce.

STEP 5.

Turn off the heat, garnish with parsley and serve!

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