Gambas al Ajillo Recipe - Authentic Spanish Garlic Shrimp

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 Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients

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

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Heat Olive Oil

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

    Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
  2. Add Garlic

    Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

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

    Add the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

    Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  4. Add Lemon Juice

    Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.

    Lemon juice enhances the flavor and freshness.
  5. Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread.

    Serve hot for the best flavor experience.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the garlic oil. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference.

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 Garlic Shrimp 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, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories270kcal
Total Fat18gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates4gg
Dietary Fiber0gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein24gg

* 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