Gambas al Ajillo: Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this Gambas al Ajillo recipe, featuring succulent shrimp infused with aromatic garlic and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a tapas dish or as an appetizer, this simple yet elegant recipe highlights the beauty of fresh ingredients. Serve these spicy garlic shrimp with crusty bread to soak up the delicious oil, making it an unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire. Ideal for gatherings, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Garlic Cloves
4 large (sliced lengthwise into thirds)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Large Shrimp
12 large (peeled and deveined)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, combine the extra virgin olive oil, sliced garlic cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes over medium heat.
2
Heat the oil until it starts to shimmer and the garlic begins to turn golden brown, ensuring not to burn the garlic as this will affect the flavor.
3
Carefully add the fresh shrimp to the skillet, frying them for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
4
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp, adjusting the amount to your taste.
5
Sprinkle the dish with salt to taste, and give everything a gentle toss to combine the flavors.
6
Serve the shrimp hot, straight from the pan, accompanied by additional lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
6.75g
Fat
0.75g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gambas al Ajillo?
Gambas al Ajillo is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent shrimp infused with aromatic garlic and red pepper flakes.
How many calories are in a serving of this spicy garlic shrimp?
There are 90 calories per serving of this dish.
What is the main protein source in this recipe?
The main protein source is fresh large shrimp, providing 7.5g of protein per serving.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large garlic cloves, which should be sliced lengthwise into thirds.
What type of oil is best for cooking Gambas al Ajillo?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is recommended for the best flavor and authentic Mediterranean taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the dish includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to provide a kick of heat.
How long should the shrimp be cooked?
Shrimp should be fried for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
What ingredients are needed for this dish?
The recipe requires extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh large shrimp, lemon, and salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients used in this recipe.
What should I serve with spicy garlic shrimp?
It is traditionally served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic-infused oil.
Is this dish low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this recipe is very low in carbs, containing only 0.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp immediately after removing the skillet from the heat.
Can I adjust the amount of salt?
Yes, salt should be added to taste once the shrimp are cooked.
How much fat does this dish contain?
There are 6.75g of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil.
What is the preparation for the shrimp?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before cooking.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be sliced lengthwise into thirds.
What is another name for this dish?
This dish is also commonly known as Gambas pil-pil.
What cuisine does this recipe belong to?
It is part of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, it is ideal as a tapas dish or a quick appetizer for gatherings.
What is the key to sautéing the garlic?
Heat the oil until it shimmers and the garlic turns golden brown, but be careful not to burn it as it will affect the flavor.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fiber.
How many shrimp does the recipe serve?
The recipe uses 12 fresh large shrimp.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While the recipe calls for lemon, you could use lime, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with only a few minutes of cooking time for the shrimp, it is a very fast dish to prepare.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Spanish tapas, garlic shrimp, spicy shrimp, seafood dish, and quick recipe.
What is the recommended heat setting for the skillet?
A medium heat setting is recommended to properly infuse the oil without burning the ingredients.
Is the garlic chopped or sliced?
The garlic is sliced, which allows it to brown beautifully without disappearing into the oil.
What indicates the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are ready when they are no longer translucent and have become pink and opaque.
What volume of olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can this be served cold?
It is best served hot, straight from the pan, to enjoy the texture of the shrimp and the warmth of the oil.