Garlicky Spanish Prawns al Ajillo
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spain with this exquisite Garlicky Spanish Prawns al Ajillo recipe, perfect for a warm summer evening or an inviting tapas gathering. This dish features succulent king prawns, perfectly bathed in aromatic olive oil, zesty garlic, and a hint of smokiness from chili flakes or pimentón. The prawns are baked to a mouthwatering perfection, transforming into a sizzling seafood delight that tantalizes the senses. Serve them in beautiful earthenware dishes or individual bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside crusty bread for dipping and refreshing lemon wedges. Pair this dish with a chilled glass of Fino to elevate your dining experience to a true Spanish fiesta. Prepare for an incredibly tactile dining experience that invites fingers and faces to indulge without reservation!
6
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw king prawns
900 g (peeled and butterflied)
parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
chili flakes or smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (to taste, or 1-2 teaspoons of pimentón (smoked paprika))
olive oil
4 tablespoons (extra for drizzle as needed)
garlic cloves
4-6 (thinly sliced)
dry sherry
4-6 tablespoons (Fino sherry recommended)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C / gas mark 7).
2
To prepare the prawns, carefully butterfly each one by making a lengthwise slit down the back, ensuring you don't cut all the way through. Remove the vein.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butterflied prawns, thinly sliced garlic, chili flakes or smoked paprika, dry sherry, and olive oil. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well-coated.
4
Divide the mixture evenly among 6 small ovenproof dishes or pour it all into a large dish suitable for baking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on them. They are done when the prawns are pink, opaque, and sizzling.
6
Once cooked, remove from the oven, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, along with salad or lemon wedges for a fresh twist.
Nutrition Information
15 g
Fat
1.7 g
Carbs
35 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlicky Spanish Prawns al Ajillo?
It is a vibrant Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent king prawns baked in aromatic olive oil, garlic, and a hint of smokiness from chili flakes or pimentón.
How many servings does this prawn recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the prawns?
The oven should be preheated to 220°C (fan 200°C / gas mark 7).
How should the prawns be prepared before cooking?
The prawns should be peeled and butterflied by making a lengthwise slit down the back and removing the vein.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of thinly sliced garlic, chili flakes or smoked paprika, dry sherry, and olive oil.
How long do the prawns need to bake in the oven?
The prawns typically bake for 8 to 12 minutes.
How can I tell when the prawns are finished cooking?
The prawns are done when they appear pink, opaque, and are sizzling.
What garnish is recommended for this Spanish dish?
The dish should be sprinkled generously with freshly chopped parsley and served with lemon wedges.
What type of bread is best to serve with Prawns al Ajillo?
Crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the flavorful garlic and sherry-infused olive oil.
What kind of sherry is recommended for this recipe?
Dry sherry is required, and Fino sherry is specifically recommended for the best flavor.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves.
Can I use smoked paprika instead of chili flakes?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or 1-2 teaspoons of pimentón (smoked paprika) to taste.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
One serving provides 35 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
Are these prawns high in carbohydrates?
No, this is a low-carbohydrate dish with only 1.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of dishes should I use for baking?
You can use 6 small individual ovenproof dishes or one large baking dish.
What drink pairs well with this recipe?
A chilled glass of Fino sherry is an excellent pairing for this Spanish fiesta dish.
Is this dish suitable for a summer party?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a warm summer evening and is tagged as party and finger food.
Do I need to peel the prawns?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 900g of raw king prawns that have been peeled.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil, with extra available for drizzling if needed.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe and involves simple preparation steps.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this dish.
What is pimentón?
Pimentón is Spanish smoked paprika, which adds a hint of smokiness to the prawns.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe provides 6 servings, although a specific serving weight is not listed.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
The fiber content for this recipe is listed as null.
What kind of dining experience can I expect?
It is an incredibly tactile experience that invites you to use your fingers and indulge without reservation.
When should I add the parsley?
Parsley should be sprinkled over the prawns immediately after they are removed from the oven.
Can I use individual earthenware dishes?
Yes, the description suggests serving them in beautiful earthenware dishes for an authentic tapas look.
What is the first instruction step?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 220°C.