Description
Garlic Sautéed Shrimp, also known as Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked quickly in olive oil infused with garlic, dried chillies, and smoked paprika. Enhanced with a splash of white wine and fresh parsley, this flavorful and aromatic dish is perfect served with lemon wedges and crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound raw spot prawns (with heads and shells on)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- A pinch of sea salt
Garlic and Spice
- 6-8 garlic cloves, lightly crushed with the back of your knife, then thinly sliced
- 2 dried Cayenne chillies (optional)
Liquids and Garnishes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine (or sherry)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil and garlic: In a wide frying pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic slices, and dried chillies. Gently fry for 1 minute until the garlic softens but does not brown, infusing the oil with a fragrant flavor.
- Cook the prawns: Turn up the heat to high and add the prawns in a single layer along with smoked paprika and a pinch of sea salt. Fry for 1 minute to start cooking the prawns and infuse the spices.
- Add wine and finish cooking: Pour in the white wine or sherry, flip the prawns, and continue cooking for 2 minutes until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through, creating a lightly sauced dish.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional salt if desired. Serve promptly with lemon wedges and crusty bread, taking care as the oil and pan remain very hot.
Notes
- Gambas al ajillo is a delicious Spanish classic tapas that can be made in minutes with a handful of ingredients.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the dried Cayenne chillies.
- Using prawns with heads and shells on adds additional flavor to the dish.
- Crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the flavorful garlicky oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 oz shrimp with sauce)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
