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Garlic Shrimp Tapa Recipe - Gambas al Ajillo

User Rating 5 Star Rating (7 Reviews) Write a review

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Spanish Garlic Shrimp - Gambas al Ajillo (c)

Spanish Garlic Shrimp - Gambas al Ajillo

Lisa Sierra (c) 2009 Licensed to About.com
One of the most common "tapas" of Spain, "gambas al ajillo" is quick, easy and FULL of garlic flavor. Your guests will be asking for the recipe after the first bite and only you will know how simple it was to prepare.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, 25 count to a pound
  • 4 large cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 oz of cognac (you may substitute dry sherry instead)
  • 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
  • 3 tsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lemon for juice
  • 1 Baguette

Preparation:

This garlic shrimp recipe, gambas al ajillo makes 4 servings as an appetizer. If preparing for a main course, double the recipe.

The shrimp can be peeled first, before cooking them if you prefer. In addition, if you like larger shrimp, you may purchase shrimp with fewer count to a pound. However, 25 to a pound are about the right size for this tapa.

In a sauté pan or heavy frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about one minute or until they begin to brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Raise the heat to high and add the shrimp, lemon juice, sherry or cognac and paprika. Stir well, then sauté, stirring briskly until the shrimp turn pink and curl – about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and transfer shrimp with oil and sauce to a warm plate or serve right from the pan. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with fresh bread.

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User Reviews

 5 out of 5
Spanish Shrimp in Garlic, Member carolinadewitte

The only change I made was to use Spanish smoked paprika instead of the plain. I swear I could eat the entire recipe and an entire baguette all by myself if I would allow myself such a splurge. Maybe someday I WILL. (Last meal or something?) I ALWAYS make these for a cocktail party, or for an app for a dinner party. ANY excuse will do! SO YUMMY!

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