Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)

Name: Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon chili flakes; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika (optional); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons dry sherry; 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; Pan con Tomate (Spanish tomato bread) (or crusty bread, for serving)

Published: Aug 18, 2015 · Last Updated: Sep 29, 2022 by Dr. Sonali Ruder · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

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Succulent shrimp swimming in a garlicky sauce, this Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) is a classic tapas dish that's hard to resist! And did I mention that you can make it in just 15 minutes from start to finish? Be sure to serve this tasty dish with plenty of crusty bread like my Pan Con Tomate to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Overhead shot of Spanish garlic shrimp in a brown dish.

This Spanish Garlic Shrimp recipe is near and dear to my heart. It brings back memories of the incredible trip my husband Pete and I took to Spain years ago. It was quite an adventure filled with plenty of amazing sites, culture and of course, food.

It's hard to choose, but probably my favorite memory from the trip is of the late night strolls down La Rambla in Barcelona enjoying a wide variety of tapas, or small plates, at casual eateries. Gambas Al Ajillo, or Garlic Shrimp, is one of the most common tapas dishes in Spain and it also happens to be one of my favorites.

Jump to:

What is Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)?
Why You'll Love This Dish
Doctor's Tips
Ingredients for Spanish Garlic Shrimp
How To Make This Dish
Chef's Tips
Recipe FAQs
More Mediterranean Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

What is Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)?

Gambas al ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp or Prawns) is one of the most popular dishes in Spain. It's made by cooking shrimp in olive oil infused with lots of garlic and a hint of dried red pepper. A splash of sweet brandy and some smoky paprika add complexity to the dish.

This Spanish shrimp dish can be found on menus all across Spain. It's typically served as an appetizer along with other tapas (small plates).

Shrimp al ajillo are often served sizzling hot in cazuelas (glazed clay dishes) or small metal pans along with crusty bread or pan con tomate (tomato bread) to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Not only is this dish delicious, it's also really easy to make at home. All you need is a handful of simple ingredients and about 15 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Dish

It's fast- make this dish in just 15 minutes! It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
It's easy- all you need are a handful of basic ingredients and a skillet
It's healthy- packed with nutrients, this dish fits in well with the Mediterranean diet
It's delicious- succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky sauce- kids and adults will love it!

Doctor's Tips

This dish is packed with beneficial nutrients as well as flavor! Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Shrimp add plenty of protein, iron, Vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

This quick and easy Spanish tapas recipe fits in well with the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy-eating plan that incorporates the traditional flavors and ingredients of the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.

Numerous studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, certain types of cancer, depression, and cognitive decline.

It emphasizes plant-based foods such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices. Olive oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, is the main source of fat.

Lean protein from fish, seafood and poultry is consumed in moderation. Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and should be eaten 2-3 times a week. Red meat and sweets are eaten only sparingly.

The Mediterranean lifestyle also involves regular physical activity, sharing meals with others and enjoying life!

Ingredients for Spanish Garlic Shrimp

Recipe Notes and Substitutions:

Shrimp- I use large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined; you can leave the tails on or take them off.
Olive oil- you want to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil since it is the main ingredient in the sauce
Garlic- lots of fresh garlic infuses the sauce with flavor
Chili flakes- add a bit of heat; adjust the amount to your liking
Sweet Spanish paprika- some recipes don't include paprika but I like the flavor and color it adds to the dish
Dry sherry- adds depth of flavor; you can substitute dry white wine
Lemon juice- for bright acidity
Parsley- adds a pop of fresh flavor and color

How To Make This Dish

Close up shot of Spanish garlic shrimp in a brown dish.

Slowly heat the olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes in a skillet. As the pan heats up, the oil will get infused with the flavor of the garlic and chili. You want the garlic to get some color but don't let it brown too much. This dish is traditionally cooked in cazuelas, glazed clay dishes that are placed directly on the grill. However, any skillet will work just as well.
Add the shrimp and season them with paprika, salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes, until they just turn pink.
Add the sherry and lemon juice and cook another 2-3 minutes until the liquid is reduced and shrimp are cooked. Sprinkle the parsley on top. Serve with Pan con Tomate (Spanish tomato bread) or other crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Chef's Tips

Make sure you have all your ingredients gathered before you start cooking- this dish cooks in a matter or minutes!
Heat the oil slowly to infuse it with the garlic and chili flakes; you don't want to burn the garlic.
Don't overcook the shrimp. The shrimp will continue to cook in the warm oil.
Serve this Spanish garlic shrimp with pan con tomate (Spanish tomato bread) to soak up all the delicious sauce!

Overhead shot of Spanish garlic shrimp in a brown dish with pan con tomate in the background.

Recipe FAQs

How do you serve Spanish Garlic Shrimp?

This dish is classically meant for sharing along with other tapas (small dishes). Serve it with my Pan con Tomate (tomato bread) or any crusty bread to dip in the sauce. If you like, you can serve this Spanish shrimp as an entree on a bed of pasta or rice.

What is gambas al ajillo made of?

Gambas al ajillo is made with shrimp that are cooked in olive oil with lots of garlic and a hint of dried red pepper. Some recipes also add a splash of brandy and a dash of Spanish paprika for complexity.

What country is gambas al ajillo from?

Gambas al ajillo originates from Spain. It's a classic tapas dish served as an appetizer in Spanish tapas bars.