The Best Garlic Shrimp Recipe - "Gambas Al Ajillo": Simply Amazing!

Gambas Al Ajillo, or Garlic Shrimp, is a delightful and quick-to-prepare dish that bursts with the flavors of garlic, butter, and a touch of chili pepper. This Spanish tapas classic is perfect as an appetizer or a main course.

The succulent shrimp are cooked to perfection and served in a luscious garlic and butter sauce with a hint of lemon and chili for a touch of heat. Get ready to devour this iconic Spanish dish!

So what are we waiting for? Let's get cooking!

4.75 from 12 votes

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Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Spanish

Servings servings

Calories

Recipe Video

Recipe Ingredients

1 pound Large Black Tiger Shrimp (U15), tails left on
1 tablespoon Garlic Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Salt and freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
4 cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
¼ of a Scotch Bonnet Pepper (or Red Chili Pepper, finely chopped (adjust to your preferred level of heat)
2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons White Vermouth (optional)
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped

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Recipe Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp:

Start by cleaning the shrimp. Peel and devein them, leaving the tails intact.
Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are completely dry.

Step 2. Begin Cooking:

In a large skillet or fry pan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is foamy.
Add the shrimp to the hot pan, and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the shrimp on one side for about 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 3. Add Flavorings:

Flip the shrimp over onto the other side and add the garlic and Scotch bonnet pepper (or red chili pepper).
Sauté them for about 1 or 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and white vermouth (if using).

Step 4. Finish with the Butter Sauce:

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, swirling it into the sauce until fully melted.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and sauce, giving it a quick toss to combine.

Enjoy!

Transfer the Gambas Al Ajillo to a serving dish or individual ramekins. Optionally, serve with crostini or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Time to devour your amazing Garlic Shrimp!