Gambas al Ajillo Recipe - Authentic Spanish Seafood Delight

Authentic Spanish Seafood recipe — Gambas al ajillo. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Gambas al Ajillo Recipe - Authentic Spanish Seafood Delight

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 6 cloves garlic (sliced)
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 pinch salt (to taste)
  • 1 pinch black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Heat the Olive Oil

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot.

    Ensure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when adding shrimp.
  2. Sauté Garlic

    Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    Do not let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
  3. Add Shrimp

    Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink.

    Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
  4. Season

    Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.

    Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley.

    Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the oil.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Adjust garlic and spice levels to your preference. Serve with crusty bread to complement the dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your spanish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Patatas bravas
🍽️Mixed olives
🍽️Spanish rice

About This Dish

Gambas al Ajillo Recipe - Authentic Spanish Seafood Delight is a beloved dish from Spanish cuisine.

Spanish cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with simplicity and flair. From tapas culture to regional specialties, Spain's food traditions are deeply rooted in community and celebration.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories320kcal
Total Fat24gg
Sodium300mgmg
Total Carbohydrates2gg
Dietary Fiber0gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein25gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSpanish
CategorySeafood