Description
Spanish Garlic Shrimp, also known as Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Enhanced with a touch of white wine and fresh lemon juice, this quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for appetizers or a light main course, served best with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to create the perfect base for cooking the shrimp.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden, making sure not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to infuse the oil with rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 2 tablespoons of dry white wine or chicken broth and cook for another minute, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and combine with the spices for a flavorful sauce.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlicky sauce, making it ideal as a tapas or light main dish.
Notes
- For a traditional Spanish touch, serve as tapas in small plates.
- Add a pinch of saffron or extra smoked paprika for deeper, more complex flavors.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and taste.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Crusty bread is optional but highly recommended to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
