Garlic Shrimp also known as Gambas al Ajillo is from Spain, this is a very popular appetizer (tapa)! Shrimps cooked in extra virgin olive oil with a lot of garlic bursting with flavours will bring you close to the Mediterranean. This garlic shrimp recipe uses dried red chilies to give a pleasant kick. This dish is best enjoyed with a piece of bread to soak up all the rich sauce from the bowl. This is an easy recipe to follow and it takes around 10 minutes. There is a video guide to show you the steps, so go ahead and make this recipe and let me know how you like it!
Gambas al ajillo is a traditional Spanish dish. It is believed to have originated in southern Spain. This Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy dish to prepare at home. The dish is made of prawns sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with garlic and chilies. The combination of these flavours, along with a hint of spice, creates an aromatic and delicious Spanish tapas dish. Garlic shrimp is served in bars and restaurants throughout Spain. This classic Spanish tapa or dish is often served with bread to soak up the flavorful oil from the dish. It is a perfect appetizer for sharing and enjoying with friends and family.
You should also check my Lemon Pepper Recipe and Tuna Croquettes which are amazing appetizers.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
- 💭Tips for making Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- 🥗More Appetizer Recipes!
- 🎥Video
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Homemade Garlic Shrimp is an ideal appetizer full of garlic flavor, juices from shrimp and aromatic chili oil. The dish is so delicious to be soaked up with bread.
There are many reasons why you are likely to love Gambas al Ajillo.
- Uses Basic Ingredients: All the ingredients for making garlic shrimp are basic and are easy to find in any supermarket.
- Quick, Simple and Easy to Make: In a few simple steps, you will have the garlic shrimp done.
- No-Bake: Doesn't require any baking.
- Intense Garlic Flavour: If you're a fan of garlic, then you'll be very happy with the flavour of this dish.
- Succulent Shrimp or Prawns: The main ingredient is the shrimp or prawns. They are cooked to perfection, remaining tender and juicy.
- Versatile: This dish can be served as an appetizer or a main dish and can be adapted to various dining occasions.
- Perfect Appetizer: It is perfect to be served as finger food. In Spain, it is a popular tapa.
- Visual Appeal: Gambas al Ajillo is delicious and also visually appealing. The vibrant red shrimp contrasted with the golden garlic and green parsley make for an attractive presentation.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for sharing with friends and family.
- Suitable for Any Occasion: They are great for parties, holidays, brunch, lunch, dinner, etc.
If you like this appetizer then you should also check out Pintxos and Loaded Baked Potatoes.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this Garlic Shrimp recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
- Raw Peeled Prawns: Fresh, large, peeled and deveined shrimp or prawns are the star of this dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking this dish, the oil will be infused with garlic and chili flavours.
- Garlic Cloves: Lots of fresh garlic cloves, thinly minced or slices, are essential for the rich garlic flavour of this dish.
- Chillies: Provides a gentle heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parley is used as a garnish to add freshness and color to the dish. You can substitute for cilantro.
- Salt: To season the dish.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Here are a few ideas for a Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) variation:
- Add Lemon: Add fresh lemon juice and zest along with red pepper flakes. The lemon juice complements the garlic and adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Add Cilantro and Lime: Swap out the parsley for fresh cilantro and add a splash of lime juice to give the dish a touch of citrus and an injection of freshness.
- Add Dry Sherry or White Wine: A splash of dry sherry or white wine can be added for a touch of complexity and acidity.
- Add Spanish Paprika: Add a small amount of smoked Spanish paprika, known as pimentón, to add smokiness and depth to the flavour.
- Add Cajun Spice: Marinate the shrimp with cajun spices. This variation gives the dish a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Use Tortillas: For a nice and delicious Garlic Shrimp Tacos, serve the Garlic Shrimp in heated tortillas, garnished with your preferred toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and a sprinkle of hot sauce.
- Add Tomato: For a touch of sweetness and acidity, incorporate chopped tomatoes or pureed tomatoes to create a tomato-based sauce along with shrimp and garlic.
- Add Chorizo: For a smoky, spicy flavor, add slices of Spanish chorizo sausage that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and garlic.
- Add Bacon: Cook bacon in the pan before adding the shrimp and garlic. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon goes well with the garlic shrimp.
- Add Cheese: Melt cheese over the cooked shrimp, creating a gooey, savoury topping. Types like Manchego, Parmesan or mozzarella work well.
- Add Heavy Cream: For a rich, decadent and luxurious twist, add heavy cream to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Coconut Milk: For a rich, decadent and luxurious twist, add coconut milk to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Curry Paste and Coconut Milk: For balance and harmony of smoothness, creaminess and spice, integrate curry paste and coconut milk for a fusion of flavours.
- Add Soy Sauce, Ginger and Sesame Oil: For an Asian twist, use soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil. Garnish with sesame seeds and cut scallions to enhance the taste and aesthetic appeal.
- Add Kalamata Olive, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese: For a Mediterranean-inspired Garlic Shrimp dish, use Kalamata Olive, sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese.
- Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired garlic shrimp dish.
- Add White Beans: For a heartier, protein-packed dish, combine shrimp with white beans. The beans wonderfully soak up the flavours of garlic and olive oil.
- Add Honey: For a sweet and savory sauce that marries the sweetness of honey with the savory essence of garlic, resulting in a delightful interplay of contrasting flavours.
These variations showcase the versatility of Garlic Shrimp, offering the opportunity to customize the dish to your palate and explore a range of culinary inspirations. Whether you prefer it spicy, zesty, creamy or with a unique twist, Garlic Shrimp promises an exciting culinary journey.
Get creative and make a Garlic Shrimp variation by adding and experimenting with different fish fillings and herbs. Get it your own twist!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
This step by step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1: Finely chop 7 garlic cloves and a small bunch of parsley.
2: Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a frying pan and heat.
3: Add the garlic and chillies and stir constantly until they start to sizzle.
4: Add the parsley.
5: Add the shrimp and salt, cook until they turn pink and start to curl.
6: Transfer the prawns to a clay pot.
7: Serve with bread.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this Garlic Shrimp.
- Small pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost, Reheat and Serve
Garlic Shrimp is best served and enjoyed immediately after cooking, but if you want to store any leftover Garlic Shrimp then there are a few ways to store them.
Storing: Put cooked shrimp in a tightly sealed box and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze it, allow the cooked shrimp to completely cool down, then place it in an airtight freezer container. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
Defrosting: Leave the Garlic Shrimp at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: Reheat the defrosted garlic shrimp in the saucepan for a few minutes until warm or in the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Serving: Garlic Shrimp or Gambas al Ajillo, is a delightful dish to serve, whether as an appetizer or a main course.
Here are a few suggestions:
As an Appetizer:
- In Small Plates or Tapas: Serve Garlic Shrimp in individual tapas dishes, accompanied by fresh baguette slices for dipping into the garlicky goodness oil.
- On Skewers: Skewer the Garlic Shrimp for a fun and easy finger food, perfect for any gathering or party.
- With Bread: Offer a basket of crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, for dipping in the delicious garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil. Toast the bread for extra crunch, if desired.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges alongside the Garlic Shrimp to allow guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for a zesty twist.
As a Main Course:
- Spanish-Style: For an authentic Spanish experience, serve the Garlic Shrimp in a traditional cazuela or terracotta dish.
- Garnishes: For a sophisticated touch, garnish the Garlic Shrimp with lemon wedges, fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- With Crusty Bread: Garlic Shrimp is a hearty and satisfying main course, especially when accompanied by crusty bread for soaking up the garlicky sauce. A simple green salad on the side is a refreshing complement.
- In a Bowl: Serve Garlic Shrimp in a shallow bowl, creating a pool of savory sauce at the bottom. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavour.
- Vegetable Sides: Garlic Shrimp and roasted or sauteed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli or bell peppers, make a perfect pair, delivering a well-rounded meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Serve Garlic Shrimp over a bed of cooked pasta or rice. The flavourful sauce soaks into the grains, adding extra flavour.
Presentation Tips:
- Present the shrimp and sauce in a heated dish so they remain sizzling hot.
- Pair the Garlic Shrimp with a nice bottle of white wine or sparkling water to enhance the flavours of the dish.
Garlic Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course, depending on the occasion and your preferences. No matter how you choose to serve it, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
💭Tips for making Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Here are some tips to help you make the best Garlic Shrimp:
Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best result look for fresh shrimps or prawns that are plump, firm, and have a bright, translucent color.
Fresh Garlic: For the best result and flavour use high-quality fresh garlic.
Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil is the second most important ingredient in this dish so make sure to use good extra virgin olive oil.
Season the Shrimp: Mix the shrimp with salt to your liking.
Measured Spiciness: Add a sufficient quantity of chilies to introduce a touch of spiciness without dominating the flavour of the dish. Modify the quantity according to your preference and taste for spiciness.
Garlic and Parsley Infusion: Infuse the extra virgin olive oil with garlic and parsley by simmering it softly on low heat until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and parsley, as they can turn bitter.
Preheat the Pan: Use a pan to cook the shrimp. Heat it over medium-high heat before adding the oil. Sear the shrimp quickly, keeping them juicy and preventing them from overcooking.
Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery and tough.
Serve Immediately: For optimal flavour, serve Garlic Shrimp immediately after cooking. Enjoy it hot and fresh.
Serve with Crusty Bread: The juices from the shrimp combined with the garlic and spices infused with extra virgin olive oil can be enjoyed by soaking it up with crusty bread.
Try Different Flavours: Get creative and experiment with different flavours to make your Garlic Shrimp your own. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of your favorite spice.
By following these tips, you'll be able to make a delightful Garlic Shrimp appetizer that's bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. It is a versatile and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests, no matter the occasion. Enjoy!!
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Garlic Shrimp:
Garlic Shrimp, a Spanish classic, is a simple yet flavourful dish featuring shrimp cooked in a garlicky extra virgin olive oil, often with added herbs and spices.
For the best flavour and texture, use large, fresh, peeled shrimp or prawns that have been deveined and cleaned thoroughly.
Fresh shrimp are preferred but you can use frozen shrimp if that's what you have. Thaw them completely and dry them with a kitchen towel before cooking.
Depending on the portion size, you can serve as an appetizer or a main dish.
It is recommended to enjoy this dish fresh, however, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, such as slicing the garlic and marinating the shrimp. It is best to cook the shrimp just before serving.
Garlic Shrimp can be as mild or spicy as you like, depending on how much chili you add. Adjust the amount to suit your taste buds!
Garlic Shrimp is a nutritious and delicious meal, especially when paired with vegetables and whole grains. it is a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins and minerals such as selenium, iodine and zinc.
For a satisfying meal, serve Garlic Shrimp with crusty bread, fresh salad, rice or pasta. Grilled or sauteed vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini or asparagus, are also delicious side dishes.
Garlic Shrimp can be adapted to meet a variety of dietary needs. Be sure to choose gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients and sauces, if needed.
For the best flavour and texture, store leftover Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat Garlic Shrimp, warm it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave at a lower power setting. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as this can make them tough.
🥗More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favourite appetizer recipes! Try these:
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🎥Video
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)!
📖 Recipe
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 250 g raw peeled prawns
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 7 garlic cloves
- 2 chillies
- 2 tablespoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Finely chop 7 garlic cloves and a small bunch of parsley.
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a frying pan and heat.
- Add the garlic and chillies and stir constantly until they start to sizzle.
- Add the parsley.
- Add the shrimp and salt, cook until they turn pink and start to curl.
- Transfer the prawns to a clay pot.
- Serve with bread.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Susan says
Super delicious tapas, I know how important tapas are in Spain, I like it as you get to taste many different dishes in small plates hmm I am hungry 😋