Gambas al Ajillo
⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 6 minutes
This sizzling Spanish-style garlic shrimp is a dish that punches way above its weight in flavor. It's rich, fragrant, and irresistibly dippable thanks to all that golden garlic oil. Perfect as a quick dinner, a light lunch, or a standout tapa alongside a glass of something chilled.
Spanish-style garlic shrimp in a bath of olive oil, garlic, and fresh cilantro — simple, bold, and ready in minutes.
The first time I had Gambas al Ajillo, it came in a tiny clay dish, bubbling and hissing from the kitchen, and I immediately understood the hype. Shrimp, garlic, olive oil — that’s basically the holy trinity of “quick but make it gourmet.” This version leans on minced garlic to really infuse the oil and keep things punchy and aromatic without worrying about burning delicate slices.
What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes. Want to go more traditional? Use sliced garlic. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll make sure to have some crusty bread on hand because the garlicky oil left behind is just begging to be soaked up.
Whether you're serving this as part of a tapas spread or just need a quick seafood fix, Gambas al Ajillo delivers. It’s fast, flavorful, and every bit as satisfying as something you'd find at a seaside café in Spain — with way less effort.
Ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 1 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 320
8 large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on optional)
1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
To taste salt & pepper
1–2 tbsp chopped parsley
Bread for dipping (optional)
Steps
Step 1
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2
Place a skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil.
Step 3
Let the oil warm for about 30–45 seconds (do not add garlic yet).
Step 4
Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5
If using red pepper flakes, add them now.
Step 6
Increase heat to medium.
Step 7
Quickly add shrimp in a single layer.
Step 8
Cook for 1½–2 minutes without moving, allowing them to sear.
Step 9
Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 10
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in chopped parsley.
Step 11
Swirl shrimp and garlic oil together to coat everything evenly. Transfer shrimp and oil to a shallow dish and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Make it your own!
🔥 Turn up the heat
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for more spice.🍋 Add a citrus twist
Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a bit of zest to brighten the whole dish.🍷 Deglaze with wine
Splash in a tablespoon of dry white wine after the garlic to give the oil extra depth.
Try it with…
Did you make this recipe?
Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.
Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @chompionsblog and use the hashtag #chompions
