Best Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo)

Spanish Garlic Prawns is a Spanish dish that is mixed with olive oil, garlic, prawns or shrimp, paprika, and lemon. This dish has low carbs and it is Keto friendly. The first time I tried this food was in a Spanish restaurant where they serve this delicious shrimp dish. That food inspired me to make my version of Gambas al Ajillo.

This food is an example of Spanish Food that has a rich flavor which is nutritious and delicious. I noticed in Spanish cuisines, they have tons of unique seafood dishes. Shrimps or Prawns are one of my favorite Seafood in my life. They taste delicious and it does not have bones like Crabs or other fishes.

In this post, I will be showing you how to cook a Spanish Garlic Prawns also known as Gambas al Ajillo.

Recipe Ingredients

The recipe for Spanish Garlic Prawns or Gambas al Ajillo is relatively easy compared to other seafood dishes. To cook this dish, there are 3 main ingredients you need: prawn, garlic, and olive oil. In addition to that, I also use a half slice of lemon, paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley.

Adding paprika is just an option, and it depends on you. I like to use Spanish paprika since it gives a nice sweet flavor. But, you can use smoked paprika if you want. Furthermore, I am using extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. I prefer extra virgin olive oil because it is made from pure and cold-pressed olives, which has a stronger olive taste. Also, extra virgin olive oil is much healthier which has many benefits in our body. You can, however, use pure olive oil if you like. Personally, I love using olive oil in my food recipes such as Makdous Recipe, and they make the taste good.

Is there a difference between Shrimp and Prawn?

I was asked from someone what is the difference between prawn and shrimp? And can you use shrimp instead? The truth is, it doesn't matter because they both taste the same. The only difference is the structural shape of their body which is not a big deal. If you will like to use shrimp, you are more than welcome to do so. Sometimes, I use shrimp or prawn in this dish, and it only depends on the availability in the market.

What are the kitchen equipment needed?

To make this dish, you only need a cooking pan or saute pan where you will cook your delicious shrimp or prawn.

Step-By-Step Instruction

To cook spanish garlic prawns, you add olive oil in the pan. Once it is hot, add garlic and let it cook until it is brown. And then add prawns, and let it cook for 30 seconds on each side or until it turns pink. And lastly, you add paprika, lemon, salt, and black pepper, and stir it quickly. Turn off the fire right away, and garnished the dish with parsley.

Take note that once you add the paprika and the remaining ingredients, turn off the fire right away. You do not want to overcook the shrimp since it will make the size smaller.

Below is the full instruction of how to cook this amazing recipe:

Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo)

Saif Al Deen Odeh

Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo) is a Spanish dish that is mixed with prawn, olive oil, garlic, and paprika. It is garnished with parsley.

4.39 from 21 votes

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Course Main

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 500 grams of prawns (OR Shrimp if you don't have prawn)
• 1 teaspoon of spanish paprika
• ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 8 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• salt and black pepper for taste
• half slice of lemon

Instructions

 

• Add an olive oil. Wait till it turns hot
  
• Once it is hot, add garlic and let it cook up to one minute or until it turns light brown
  
• Add the prawns in the pan, and cook for 30 seconds in each side or until it turns light pink. DO NOT overcooked the prawn
  
• Add paprika, lemon, salt and black pepper in the pan. Sir it quickly for less than 10 seconds, and turn off the heat. Add parsley for garnish.
  

Notes

If you don't have prawn, you can just use shrimp instead

I use extra virgin olive oil, but you can use pure olive oil if you like. DO NOT use vegetable cooking oil. It will not taste good

You can use Smoked paprika or Spanish Paprika if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 415mgFiber: 2g

Keyword gambas al ajillo, spanish garlic prawns

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Gambas Al Ajillo is an example of Spanish food recipes. It is delicious and nutritious. If you are looking for Spanish recipes, here are an example of authentic Spanish recipes you may love to cook at home.

Have you tried cooking any Spanish food recipes? Let me know in the comment below