Description
Garlic Shrimp Tapas, also known as Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish appetizer featuring large shrimp cooked in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. This quick and easy stovetop recipe delivers tender, flavorful shrimp finished with a touch of lemon juice, butter, and fresh parsley. Perfect served with crusty bread, it makes a delightful starter or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garlic and Aromatics
- 5 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add spices: Stir in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to infuse the oil with warm, smoky flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Finish with butter and lemon: Stir in the butter and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to meld together and coat the shrimp evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic oil.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic-infused olive oil sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Using fresh shrimp is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen shrimp works well too.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
