The Garlic Shrimp, very simple to make, are a delicious, tasty dish, perhaps one of the most popular Tapas in Spain. They are served very hot in small portions, inside terracotta bowls. On the contrary, I serve them as a main dish because I love them so much. Therefore, it’s a very versatile recipe that will support you on any occasion, especially because it’s very quick to prepare. Moreover, I find it suitable for every occasion: important events, family gatherings, with friends, in short, any occasion is good to enjoy this delicious dish.
If you like shrimp, then don’t miss the upcoming recipes:
Breaded King Prawns with Almond Flakes
Crusted King Prawns with Poppy Seeds
Crostini with Shrimp and Flower Butter
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs fresh king prawns
- 14 cloves Garlic
- 2 sweet peppers
- 1/2 cup White wine
- 6 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
Tools
- Frying pan non-stick
- toothpick/pointed knife
- 1 Paper towel
- 1 Scissors
How to Prepare Garlic Shrimp
To prepare Garlic Shrimp, organize your workspace with all the pre-measured ingredients so that everything is within reach.
Partially shell the shrimp, leaving the head and tail.
Cut along the back and remove the intestine with a knife or toothpick, and with a pair of scissors, trim the antennae.
Rinse them under running water gently and dry them well with a paper towel.
Chop half the specified amount of garlic into pieces and soften them in a non-stick pan with water.
Once the water has completely evaporated, pour in the extra virgin olive oil.
At this point, also add the whole garlic cloves and sauté without burning.
Add the king prawns, season with salt, and after about a minute, gently flip them.
Finally, add the pieces of pepper, deglaze with the previously warmed white wine, and keeping the heat medium-high, cook for about 8-10 minutes.
Be careful not to let the cooking liquid reduce too much, as there should be some sauce left for dipping.
Serve your Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) piping hot, and if you like, accompany them with freshly toasted bread.
Notes
Tips and variations:
Be careful not to exceed the cooking times, otherwise, your Garlic Shrimp will become tough.
Frozen king prawns are also great: once thawed, however, they lose a lot of weight, so adjust accordingly.
Remember to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator and never at room temperature.
If you can’t find sweet peppers, you can substitute with sweet paprika powder.
You can easily prepare the king prawns the day before, so they are ready to be put in the pan at the last minute.
