Appetizer · Spanish · Mediterranean ·

Spanish Gambas al Ajillo with Garlic and Parsley

Name: Spanish Gambas al Ajillo with Garlic and Parsley
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, (adjust for preference); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of half a lemon

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a sizzling garlic and chili-infused olive oil, finished with fresh parsley for a classic tapas experience.

4.3(144 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 6, 2025

Spanish Gambas al Ajillo with Garlic and Parsley — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

8 min

Cook

25 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Shrimp

For the Preparation of Oil

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 219 kcal
Protein: 24.25 g
Carbs: 2.25 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 0.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 876 kcal
Protein: 97 g
Carbs: 9 g
Fat: 48 g
Fiber: 1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 lb large raw shrimp peeled and deveined	480	96	0	8	0
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil	360	0	0	40	0
4 large garlic cloves thinly sliced	18	1	4	0	0
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for preference)	6	0	1	0	0
1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped	1	0	0	0	0
Salt and black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Zest of 1 lemon	5	0	2	0	1
Juice of half a lemon	6	0	2	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Shrimp

1
Season Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
2
Add Lemon Zest
Add lemon zest and toss to combine.
3
Chill Shrimp
Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the oil.

Preparing the Garlic Oil

1
Heat Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Brown Garlic
Add the garlic, stirring frequently until golden brown.
Tip: Do not burn the garlic; it will taste bitter.
3
Add Pepper Flakes
Add red pepper flakes and remove from heat.
Tip: Adjust the chili flakes based on your spice preference.

How to Make Spanish Gambas al Ajillo with Garlic and Parsley

Total time: 33 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Shrimp Sautéing
Add the shrimp to the skillet with the prepared garlic oil and return to medium heat until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
2
Lemon Finish
Add the lemon juice and give a final toss before removing from heat.
3
Herbal Touch
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving.