Gambas Al Ajillo

Classic Spanish-style garlic shrimp: sweet, plump shrimp cooked in infused olive oil with garlic and mild chile, finished with sherry vinegar and parsley.

Why You'll Love Gambas Al Ajillo ❤️

The shrimp are sweet and tender, perfectly complemented by the garlic-chile oil. Sherry vinegar and parsley add brightness for balance.

Tips and Tricks

• Don't overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as opaque.
• Reserve shells for maximum flavor in the oil.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil.

Variations

• Add a splash of dry sherry to the oil for more depth.
• Swap parsley for cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Use smaller shrimp for bite-sized tapas portions.

Substitutions

• Sherry vinegar → red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Guajillo chile → pinch of smoked paprika
• @seatopia shrimp → any sustainably sourced large shrimp

Best served with

• Crusty bread
• Chilled Albariño or Verdejo
• Tapas spread with olives and jamón

How to Store Leftovers

• Best enjoyed fresh. Refrigerate shrimp and oil separately for up to 1 day; reheat gently over low heat.

Common Questions

Gambas Al Ajillo

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Classic Spanish-style garlic shrimp: sweet, plump shrimp cooked in infused olive oil with garlic and mild chile, finished with sherry vinegar and parsley.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Seafood

Cuisine: Spanish Inspired

Calories: 1335

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

• 12 garlic cloves 4 minced, 4 smashed, 4 sliced
• 1 lb large shrimp @seatopia, peeled (reserve shells)
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch red pepper flakes or 1-inch dried guajillo chile
• 1 ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Skillet

Method

 

Marinate the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, shrimp, 3 tablespoon olive oil, ¾ teaspoon salt, and baking soda. Toss to coat.

Make the Garlic Oil

1. In a skillet, combine shrimp shells, smashed garlic cloves, remaining olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook over medium-low heat 10 minutes until shells turn red and oil is aromatic.
3. Strain through fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Discard shells and garlic.

Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat garlic-infused oil in skillet over medium until shimmering.
2. Add sliced garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes until just cooked through.
4. Stir in sherry vinegar and parsley. Season with salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 1335kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 64gFat: 113gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 79gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 572mgSodium: 2854mgPotassium: 705mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 1494IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 323mgIron: 3mg

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