A favorite appetizer of many, this Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) can be prepared so quick that it’ll be ready within 15 minutes! This recipe is an alcohol-free version (without the need for brandy, sherry wine or white wine).
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Welcome to Day 3 of my Shrimp Series! During the planning stages of deciding which recipes to include in this series, I knew that Gambas al Ajillo would be one of them, guaranteed. In fact, it was honestly the catalyst that made me excited to build a whole series around shrimp!
Whenever I go out to grab a bite at tapas restaurants, the first thing that I’ll order without a doubt would be this dish. And if you’re in the same boat as me, you’ll be happy to know that it’s incredibly easy to recreate at home! Taking only 15 minutes from start to finish.
This dish ticks all the boxes for what I feel like makes for the perfect appetizer. Garlic-infused flavor (with options to add on as many cloves as your garlic-lovin’ heart desires)? Check. Addition of chili flakes for a delicious spicy kick? Check. And not forgetting that it’s the perfect pairing with bread to sop up all the mouthwatering flavors.
Gambas al Ajillo (without the alcohol)
Tapas are starters or canapés with origins from Spain, and gambas al ajillo is one of the most popular tapas available. Traditionally, you’ll get shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, some red peppers, paprika, and a dash of brandy or sherry wine.
However, this is an alcohol-free version. So I used some water and good old sugar to add on a hint of sweetness to the dish. But even so, it’s still superbly flavorful and delectable.
(Psst! Here’s another garlic shrimp recipe that you have to check out: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Chili flakes
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Paprika
- Sugar (optional)
- Water (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
- Salt
Instructions
- In cold olive oil, add sliced garlic and chili flakes. Heat it up over medium heat and once it starts sizzling, let it cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and season with a pinch of salt. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes on each side then add paprika.
- Turn off the heat then add sugar to the oil, water and lemon juice. Stir then add parsley on top. Serve with bread and enjoy!
Notes for Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- Alcohol-free: This is an alcohol-free version. I added water to and a bit of sugar to replace the white wine that is usually used for this dish. Feel free to skip and adjust accordingly or add white wine.
- Garlic and chili flakes: Amount of garlic and chili flakes should be up to your preference.
- Size of shrimp: I use large-sized shrimps whenever making this dish as it will shrink slightly once cooked, and the large or jumbo ones will give you a hearty bite.
- Importance of medium heat: Make sure not to use high heat when you sauté the garlic as it can burn and have a bitter flavor.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Easy Bang Bang Shrimp
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
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Recipe
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 6 shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp sugar optional – see notes
- 1.5 tbsp water optional – see notes
- 1.5 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp parsley minced
- salt
Instructions
- In cold olive oil, add sliced garlic and chili flakes. Heat it up over medium heat and once it starts sizzling, let it cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and season with a pinch of salt. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes on each side then add paprika.
- Turn off the heat then add sugar to the oil, water and lemon juice. Stir then add parsley on top. Serve with bread and enjoy!
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