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

No ratings yet

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!