Best 5 Spanish Garlic Shrimp Gambas Al Ajillo Recipes

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Savor the vibrant flavors of Spain with the tantalizing dish, Gambas al Ajillo, popularly known as Spanish garlic shrimp. This culinary masterpiece captures the essence of Spanish cuisine, where the succulent shrimp are bathed in a symphony of aromatic garlic, olive oil, and paprika. As you embark on this culinary journey, we will uncover the secrets to creating the perfect Gambas al Ajillo, guiding you through the selection of premium ingredients, the art of balancing flavors, and the techniques that transform ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary dish.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP (GAMBAS AL AJILLO)



Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) image

Every Spanish restaurant serves this dish of shrimp cloaked in garlic-infused olive oil with smoky hints of paprika and a touch of sweetness from sherry. Make sure you have all your ingredients together before you head to the stove since, start to finish, this cooks in mere minutes. It's great for a tapas party, since you can prep everything ahead of time. Just spoon the shrimp and sauce over toasted bread and sprinkle more cayenne and parsley on top to enjoy.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Tapas

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 cloves garlic
1 pound frozen large shrimp (21-25 count) - thawed, peeled, and deveined
kosher salt to taste
1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Slice garlic thinly. Season shrimp with kosher salt and paprika. Mix to coat.
  • Heat garlic and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until garlic starts to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add shrimp and increase heat to high. Toss and turn shrimp with tongs until starting to curl but still undercooked, about 2 minutes. Pour in sherry. Cook, stirring continuously, until sauce comes up to a boil and shrimp is cooked through, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley with a spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.2 calories, Carbohydrate 2.5 g, Cholesterol 172.6 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 18.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 344.3 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

GAMBAS AL AJILLO RECIPE (SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMPS)



Gambas al Ajillo Recipe (Spanish Garlic Shrimps) image

Learn how to prepare mouth-watering Spanish Garlic Shrimps (Gambas al Ajillo) to impress your guests with delicious Spanish Tapas.

Provided by Tim Kroeger

Categories     Spanish Tapas

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound or 1/2 kg small, raw shrimps
Minced garlic (around 6 cloves)
Sea salt
Extra virgin olive oil
6 - 8 Cayenne Peppers
Butter
1 tablespoon of dry Sherry (fino or manzanilla) or alternatively White Wine

Steps:

  • Remove the shell of the shrimps and mince the garlic (around 6 cloves).
  • Heat up the olive oil in a pan and add the minced garlic & the cayenne peppers.
  • Add the shrimps when the garlic starts to sizzle.
  • Add one tablespoon of dry sherry and sea salt when the shrimps are almost done.
  • Cook until the shrimps are cooked through.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and divide the shrimps in (4) small bowls.
  • Add a bit of butter to each bowl and stir slightly.
  • Enjoy your home-made Gambas al Ajillo (Tip: Serve with toasted bread and a glass of white wine)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80 calories, Carbohydrate 4 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 9 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 7 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 1 grams protein, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 177 grams sodium, Sugar 1 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams unsaturated fat

GAMBAS AL AJILLO (SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP)



Gambas al ajillo (Spanish Garlic shrimp) image

From the dusty central plains to the islands plopped in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, you'll find the delicious aroma of Gambas al ajillo (Garlic shrimp) wafting from all regions of Spain. This recipe is quick and super easy to make and can be made in around 15 minutes. Best of all doesn't require any special equipment or fancy ingredients! Get your skillets ready, let's make Spain's famous tapas dish, gambas al ajillo!

Provided by Byron

Categories     Appetizer     dinner     seafood     Spanish     tapas     treat

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb shrimp/400 grams of large raw shrimp
12 large garlic cloves
1 small onion (optional)
1 heaped teaspoons of sweet Spanish paprika
½ teaspoon of dried chili flakes (add more if you like more heat!)
1/2 cup 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
1 large shot (60 ml fine sherry wine)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
1 lemon (half of the zest)
1 pinch salt

Steps:

  • Peel the shrimp completely, without the shells and heads, and season lightly with a pinch of salt. Soak in chilled water for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the shrimp from the water and set them aside. Meanwhile, peel the garlic and cut it into thin slices.
  • In the skillet, set to medium heat, add half of the olive oil, and once hot add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion until golden, then add the sliced garlic. Cook for around 3-4 minutes or until the garlic starts to golden slightly.
  • Add the remaining oil and give it a minute to heat up. Add all of the shrimp and cook for around 3 minutes on each side or until golden.
  • Once you flip the shrimp, add the sherry and a little lemon zest and stir occasionally to allow the shrimp to collect with the garlic and spices.
  • Add the chili, and toasted paprika, and stir through. Cook for another minute.
  • Once everything has slightly browned, remove from the heat and sprinkle with some fresh parsley.
  • To serve:
  • Either serve in small clay pots or just serve the skillet on a wooden chopping board. Always serve this dish with a mountain of fresh bread!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 kcal, ServingSize 100 g, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Protein 21.9 g, Fat 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Cholesterol 195 mg, Sodium 266 mg, Fiber 1.2 g, Sugar 1.3 g

GRILLED SHRIMP WITH GARLIC (GAMBAS AL AJILLO)



Grilled Shrimp with Garlic (Gambas al Ajillo) image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
24 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Heat the grill to medium.
  • Whisk together 1/4 cup of the oil, 2 tablespoons of the thyme, ancho powder and chopped garlic in a small bowl. Skewer the shrimp and brush with marinade.
  • Place the remaining 1/2 cup of the oil in a small saucepan, add the sliced garlic and cook until the sliced garlic is lightly golden brown. Remove the garlic slices with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the oil.
  • Increase the heat of the grill to high.
  • Remove the shrimp from the marinade, season with salt and pepper and grill until golden brown on each side, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skewers, transfer to a platter and drizzle with some of the reserved garlic oil and the garlic chips. Sprinkle with the remaining thyme and garnish with oregano leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 407 calorie, Fat 38 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Cholesterol 107 milligrams, Sodium 652 milligrams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fiber 1 grams, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 0 grams

GAMBAS AL AJILLO ( GARLIC SHRIMP)



Gambas Al Ajillo ( Garlic Shrimp) image

This is probably one of the most famous Spanish tapas, available throughout Spain. Although my recipe is original, it is authentic as I have constantly revised it duplicating the flavors and consistency I have had in the best tapas bars. Although this can be made in any oven proof dish, I recommend a "cazuela" (terra cotta dish). Although difficult to find, it can be purchased online through "www.tienda.com".

Provided by An American in Spain

Categories     Spanish

Time 18m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 chili peppers or 2 jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Place the shrimp in the oven proof ceramic dish, approximately 8 inches in diameter and at least 1 inch high.
  • Add garlic and pepper slices and cover with oil.
  • Sprinkle paprika and salt on top of oil.
  • If the dish can be used on the stove burner, heat on top of stove over medium high heat for about 5 minutes until the oil is bubbly and the shrimp are cooked.
  • If dish can not be used directly on the burner, place under the broiler in the oven and broil until the oil is bubbly and the shrimp are cooked (about 5 minutes after the oil starts to bubble) Do not overcook as the shrimp will become tough.
  • Serve with crispy french bread.
  • Great for soaking up the heated garlic oil.

Tips:

  • Use the best quality shrimp you can find. Fresh, wild-caught shrimp will give you the best results.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it or it will become tough and rubbery.
  • Use a good quality olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice, as it has a fruity flavor that will complement the shrimp.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes. You can also add different spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin.
  • Serve the shrimp immediately. Gambas al ajillo is best served hot, so make sure to serve it as soon as it is cooked.

Conclusion:

Gambas al ajillo is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of shrimp and garlic. Serve it with crusty bread or rice, and you have a complete meal that everyone will love.

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