If you are craving something vibrant, flavorful, and downright satisfying, you absolutely have to try this Gambas al Ajillo Recipe. This classic Spanish garlic shrimp dish brings together succulent shrimp bathed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with just the right touch of heat and brightness from sherry and lemon. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors that make every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with authentic Spanish tapas, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gambas al Ajillo Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly to create an irresistible dish. Each component plays a crucial role from the rich olive oil to the punchy garlic, bringing balance in flavor, aroma, and color.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed wild-caught shrimp for the best texture and sweet ocean flavor.
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Fresh garlic is essential to deliver that signature fragrant punch.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil for smoothness and richness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to wake up the palate without overpowering the garlic.
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine: Perfect for deglazing the pan and lending a subtle acidity and depth.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Not just for garnish, parsley adds a fresh herbal touch that brightens the dish.
- Salt to taste: Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds the final zing that ties everything together.
How to Make Gambas al Ajillo Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Shrimp
The foundation of great Gambas al Ajillo Recipe starts by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely rather than steam. Then season them lightly with salt—this simple step intensifies their natural sweetness and helps build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for just 1 to 2 minutes until golden and aromatic. This step infuses the oil with that unmistakable garlicky essence you’ll want in every bite—just be vigilant not to let the garlic burn because it will turn bitter and spoil the dish.
Step 3: Add Heat and Shrimp
If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now to introduce a subtle warmth that complements the garlic and shrimp. Turn the heat up to medium-high and place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Cooking the shrimp briefly ensures they remain juicy and tender rather than rubbery.
Step 4: Deglaze with Sherry or White Wine
Pour in the dry sherry or white wine and let it bubble for about a minute. This step deglazes the pan, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and marrying all the ingredients with a touch of acidity. It also helps to create a lovely glossy sauce that clings to each shrimp.
Step 5: Finish with Parsley and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. The vibrant green flecks bring visual appeal and a light, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over—the citrus brightness is the perfect final flourish for this irresistible dish.
How to Serve Gambas al Ajillo Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes make the biggest difference: fresh chopped parsley adds a splash of color and freshness, while lemon wedges bring zesty brightness. If you’re in the mood to get fancy, a little toasted bread crumbs or a dash of smoked paprika can give an extra dimension without stealing the spotlight.
Side Dishes
This Gambas al Ajillo Recipe shines as a tapas-style appetizer but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to mop up the garlicky oil. Serve alongside a light green salad with vinaigrette or fluffy saffron rice to turn it into a heartier meal. Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus also complement the garlicky shrimp beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the shrimp still sizzling on small cast iron skillets or rustic clay dishes authentic to Spanish cuisine. You could also arrange the shrimp atop toasted baguette slices to make garlic shrimp crostini, perfect for cocktail parties and casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp remain flavorful for up to 2 days, but be sure to keep the shrimp covered in the garlic oil to preserve moisture and taste.
Freezing
Freezing cooked Gambas al Ajillo is not recommended as the shrimp can become tough and lose texture upon thawing. Fresh preparation is best to enjoy that tender, juicy bite the dish is known for.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp over low heat in a skillet with a little extra olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid using a microwave as it tends to overcook shrimp and diminish the delightful garlic oil flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Gambas al Ajillo Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
What if I don’t have dry sherry or white wine?
If you don’t have sherry or white wine, you can substitute with a splash of chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. It won’t be quite the same but will add the necessary acidity for deglazing.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic. Fresh chili slices can also be tossed in for an extra kick.
Is Gambas al Ajillo gluten-free?
Yes, naturally! This Gambas al Ajillo Recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What type of shrimp works best?
Large shrimp or prawns work best because they cook quickly and stay tender. Wild-caught shrimp often have a better texture and flavor, but quality farmed shrimp can be a budget-friendly alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Gambas al Ajillo Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most magical way. Its irresistible garlicky aroma, juicy shrimp, and heartwarming olive oil make it a joy to prepare and even more of a delight to eat. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s an easy way to elevate any meal or gather friends for a little taste of Spain right at home. Trust me, once you’ve had Gambas al Ajillo, it quickly becomes a favorite to keep coming back to.
Print
Gambas al Ajillo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, with a hint of red pepper flakes and deglazed with dry sherry or white wine. This quick and flavorful appetizer is perfect for sharing and best served hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon and crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garlic and Oil
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Liquids and Garnish
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels and season lightly with salt to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until it turns golden and releases a fragrant aroma, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes to infuse a gentle heat into the oil, then increase the heat to medium-high to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, a sign they are perfectly cooked.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry sherry or white wine and allow it to bubble and reduce for about one minute, which lifts the flavorful browned bits from the pan and combines with the garlic oil.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, and serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlicky oil.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky olive oil for a complete tapas experience.
- For an intensified garlic flavor, lightly mash one garlic clove into the oil before adding the shrimp.
- This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, to fully appreciate its rich flavors.
