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Classic Spanish Tapas (Gambas al Ajillo)

Spanish · Appetizer

A sizzling and flavorful Spanish snack of shrimp sautéed in high-quality olive oil with plenty of garlic and a touch of chili. Best served with crusty bread to soak up the aromatic oil.

Ready in 30 minutesLow carbHigh protein
The EZdish collectionAI-created recipe
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Classic Spanish Tapas (Gambas al Ajillo) — recipe cover
15 minFrom prep to plate
Prep time10 min
Cook time5 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyEasy
The recipeTips & storage
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil

    Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or traditional clay cazuela over medium heat.

  2. Add the sliced garlic and dried chili

    Add the sliced garlic and dried chili. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Do not let it burn.

    2 min

  3. Increase the heat

    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

    3 min

  4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and salt

    Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and salt. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the seasoned oil.

  5. Remove from heat

    Remove from heat. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and garnish generously with chopped parsley. Serve immediately in the skillet while still sizzling.

A little kitchen wisdom

Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find, as it makes up the sauce. Do not overcook the shrimp; they are ready as soon as they turn opaque and pink.

What you'll need

Large skillet or clay cazuelaWooden spoonKnife
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

Garlic and parsley can be chopped in advance. Shrimp can be peeled and deveined earlier in the day.

Store & enjoy

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop; do not microwave as shrimp will become rubbery. Reheat over low heat just until warmed through.

Allergens

Contains shellfish.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Classic Spanish Tapas (Gambas al Ajillo)
Step 1 of 5

Heat the extra virgin olive oil

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or traditional clay cazuela over medium heat.