Gambas al Ajillo

Name: Gambas al Ajillo
Total time: 15 min
Yield: For Two
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 400 g large shrimp, peeled; 1/3 cup olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; 2 tbsp parsley, chopped; 1/2 lemon

Gambas al ajillo is the irresistible Spanish tapa of plump shrimp sizzled in garlicky olive oil with a hint of chili. It comes together in one pan in under 15 minutes and fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma. Serve it bubbling hot with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the golden oil.

Spanish Gluten-Free Keto Low-Carb Dairy-Free High-Protein Pescatarian Stovetop Dinner Appetizer For Two Quick (15-min) 30-Minute Shrimp

⏱ 15 min
📊 easy
🍽 For Two

Ingredients

400 g large shrimp, peeled
1/3 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
1/2 lemon

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt.
Warm the olive oil with the sliced garlic over medium-low heat until the garlic is fragrant and pale gold.
Stir in the chili flakes, then raise the heat to medium-high.

Add the shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until pink and just curled.
Squeeze in the lemon and scatter the parsley.
Serve immediately in the hot oil with crusty bread.

💡 Chef's tip

Pat the shrimp completely dry so they sear and stay juicy rather than steaming in the oil.

Gently warming the garlic in the oil before cranking the heat infuses the whole dish with sweet, mellow garlic flavor instead of the harsh bite of garlic added to an already-hot pan.