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Authentic gambas al ajillo served in a rustic clay cazuela.

Gambas al Ajillo

5 from 1 vote
Aliana Recipes
Classic Spanish Gambas al Ajillo features large shrimp simmered in garlic-infused olive oil with a splash of dry sherry and lemon. The dish comes together in one pan in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal appetizer or light dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings:4 people
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:Spanish
Calories:380kcal
Cost:$15
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Pat thoroughly dry
  • Kosher salt To taste
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Use high quality oil
  • 10 garlic cloves, chopped Fresh garlic is essential
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked or sweet
  • 2 tablespoon dry sherry or dry white wine Adds acidity and depth
  • ½ lemon, juiced Freshly squeezed
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley For finishing

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet Cast iron or stainless steel
  • 1 Chef’s knife For chopping garlic
  • 1 Tongs For tossing shrimp

Method
 

  1. Pat the peeled shrimp dry with paper towels and season liberally with kosher salt. The surface should feel tacky to the touch rather than slick or wet.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. Add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan.
  3. Cook the aromatics gently while stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The garlic slices should turn a pale golden color without browning too deeply.
  4. Add the shrimp and sprinkle the paprika evenly over the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes, tossing often, until the shrimp turn opaque and pearly pink.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the dry sherry, lemon juice, and parsley immediately. The liquids will sizzle and emulsify slightly with the hot oil.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl while still hot. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the garlic sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 170g (1 bowl)Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 23gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve immediately while the oil is still sizzling; the heat continues to cook the garlic. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil since it creates the base of the sauce.