Gambas al Ajillo
AI-generated image
Gluten-free Spanish

Gambas al Ajillo

Plump shrimp gently simmered in fragrant olive oil with thinly sliced garlic, dried chile, smoked paprika, and a splash of dry sherry. Serve sizzling with crusty bread to capture the deeply seasoned oil.

25 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Pat the shrimp dry and arrange all ingredients beside the stove. Dry shrimp sear more cleanly and will not dilute the infused oil.
2
Heat 60 ml of the olive oil in a wide skillet over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and crumbled chile, then gently cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is pale golden and fragrant but not brown.
3
Stir in the smoked paprika for 15 seconds, then pour in the sherry. Increase the heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute, scraping the base of the skillet, until the alcohol aroma softens.
4
Add the remaining 20 ml olive oil and the shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 2 minutes.
5
Turn the shrimp and simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes more, until opaque throughout, curled, and at least 74°C in the thickest pieces. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Cooked shrimp in glossy garlic and chile olive oil AI-generated image
6
Scatter with the chopped parsley and serve immediately in warm shallow bowls, spooning the aromatic oil over the shrimp.
Gambas al ajillo served with parsley and crusty bread AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Slowly infusing the olive oil with garlic and chile builds a savory base before the shrimp are added; a brief covered simmer cooks them gently while sherry and paprika round out the sauce.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 2 days. Cool promptly and do not leave the shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until the shrimp reach 74°C and the oil is warm, about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid prolonged heating, which toughens the shrimp.

Nutrition / serving

341kcal
36.54 gprotein
3.37 gcarbs
19.03 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026