By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 12, 2026
Serves 2
552 cal · 25 min
Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Recipe GLPRc58afdd01b5653
A classic Spanish seafood dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in aromatic garlic-infused olive oil with a touch of smoked paprika. Ready in minutes, this elegant yet simple dish is perfect as a main course or appetizer.
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Ingredients
1/3 cup olive oil
50 grams elephant garlic, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
450 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the roughly chopped garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden and softens, approximately 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds to activate the spice and infuse it into the oil.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for full food safety.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine.
Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates and garnish with fresh minced parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Comments
Gambas al Ajillo is a weeknight winner for Charlotte: shrimp is fresh year-round from the coast, garlic and olive oil are pantry staples at every local chain, and paprika is standard—no special stops needed. At roughly $8–12 for quality shrimp and $2 in supporting ingredients, you're looking at $5–7 per serving, which is reasonable for seafood. The stated 25 minutes is honest: mincing garlic and prepping shrimp takes 8–10 minutes, cooking another 8–10, leaving time for plating and a simple side. The dish is hands-on (constant heat, careful not to overcook shrimp) and doesn't reheat well, making it best as a same-night meal for two—perfect for a quick date-night dinner but not for batch cooking or leftovers.
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