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Home » All Recipes » Soups, Salads & Light Meals » Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)

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Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)

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In this delicious Spanish Garlic Prawns tapas dish (AKA Gambas Al Ajillo), prawns are sautéed in oil infused with garlic and chilli, then finished with a squeeze of lemon juice, and sprinkled with paprika and parsley. It’s so good, I could happily eat a whole bowlful of Gambas al Ajillo all on my own! And the best thing is there’s always loads of delicious garlic and chilli infused oil left to dip your bread into, even after you’ve finished the prawns.

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)

 

Why I love tapas…

I love eating out in restaurants, but I hate deciding what to have! Usually there are 3 or 4 things that I would like to eat and I can never decide what to go for. And whatever I choose, I always find myself wishing I had gone for something else.

Consequently, I love eating in tapas restaurants! I don’t have to decide… I can try a little bit of everything! And all the dishes are so delicious: Patas Bravas, Spanish Tortilla, Chorizo al Vino, Manchego cheese… but my favourite is always Gambas al Ajillo.

Overhead shot of Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) in a pan next to prawns in 2 small terracotta pots, a small white bowl of lemons and a partially sliced baguette

 

What is Gambas al Ajillo?

Gambas al Ajillo – otherwise known as Spanish Garlic Prawns – is a classic Spanish tapas dish where prawns are sautéed in oil infused with garlic and chilli, then finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of paprika and parsley. 

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) in a pan on a wooden board

 

An easy recipe for Spanish Garlic Prawns

You might think Gambas al Ajillo is a difficult dish to make, but not at all! It’s actually very easy – and takes less than 10 minutes.

All you have to do is place olive oil, sliced garlic and chilli flakes in a pan, bring it up to a gentle sizzle and cook for 1 minute (taking care not to burn the garlic). Then you add raw prawns and cook for a further 3 minutes, before finishing with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Finally you sprinkle over a little paprika and finely chopped parsley and serve. Super easy, super delicious!

Collage showing 6 process shots forSpanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)

 

The key to perfect Spanish Garlic Prawns

The key to perfect Gambas al Ajillo is undoubtedly lots of good quality olive oil. Don’t skimp on the quality or quantity of olive oil! Personally I like to use Spanish extra virgin olive oil for added authenticity, but extra virgin olive oil from Italy or Greece would work just as well.

Overhead shot of olive oil in a small frying pan with raw garlic slices and chilli flakes

 

What to serve with Spanish Garlic Prawns?

For a simple but impressive dinner party starter (or even a quick and easy meal in it’s own right!) serve Spanish Garlic Prawns with crusty bread and a simple side salad.

Alternatively, serve as part of a selection of tapas, such as: Patas Bravas, Spanish Tortilla, Chorizo al Vino, Spanish cured meats (e.g. Jamón Ibérico), olives and Manchego cheese.

This recipe serves 2 as a starter / light meal or 4 as part of a selection of other tapas.

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) in 2 terracotta pots next to a small white bowl of lemon pieces, a partially sliced baguette on a chopping board and two cut slices of baguette

 

What to drink with Spanish Garlic Prawns?

The best partner for Spanish Garlic Prawns is, of course, a glass of Fino Sherry. But if Sherry is not your thing, good alternatives include Sauvignon Blanc, Rioja Bianco, English Bacchus and Spanish Garnacha Rosado.

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) in a pan next to prawns in 2 small terracotta pots, a small white bowl of lemons and a partially sliced baguette

 

Can you reheat leftover Spanish Garlic Prawns…

I would not advise this as reheating cooked prawns is likely to lead them to becoming overcooked and tough. This is most definitely a dish best eaten when freshly made.

 

Can you freeze Spanish Garlic Prawns?

Again I would not advise this, as this is a dish best eaten when freshly made.

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) in a terracotta pot on a white plate with a lemon quarter and 3 slices of baguette, next to a partially sliced baguette on a wooden board

 

If you like this recipe…

…you might also like:

  • Easy Peasy Prawn Paella
  • Egg Fried Rice with Prawns and Peas
  • Easy Prawn Korma
  • Harissa Prawns with Coconut Cauliflower Rice
  • Easy Prawn, Avocado and Mango Salad

 

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)
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4.88 from 8 votes

Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)

In this delicious Spanish dish, prawns are sautéed in oil infused with garlic and chilli, then finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of paprika and parsley. And the best thing is there’s always loads of delicious garlic and chilli infused oil left to dip your bread into, even after you’ve eaten the prawns. (Serves 2 as a starter / light meal or 4 as part of a selection of other tapas.)
Prevent your screen from going dark
Course Main Course, Starter, Tapas
Cuisine Spanish
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 174kcal
Author Eb Gargano

Ingredients

Metric - US Customary
  • 4 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil (Spanish olive oil, if possible)
  • 4 cloves garlic finely sliced
  • ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
  • 200 g raw prawns
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon (plus 2 lemon quarters for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped

Instructions

  • Put the olive oil into a cold frying pan and add the sliced garlic and chilli flakes. Place the pan over a medium heat and allow the oil to gently heat up until it’s sizzling. Once the oil is sizzling, cook the garlic for 1 more minute. (Take care, as garlic can easily burn if cooked too long!)
  • Add the prawns, bring back to sizzling and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring a few times, until the prawns are pink all over and starting to curl.
  • Season with salt and pepper and squeeze over the juice of half a lemon. Stir the prawns one last time and then turn the heat off.
  • Sprinkle with the paprika and parsley and serve immediately, while still sizzling.
  • Serve with crusty bread and Fino Sherry for a delicious and impressive starter, or as part of a selection of tapas.

Video

Notes

  1. Not suitable for freezing.
  2. Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

Nutrition Facts
Spanish Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 10g
Cholesterol 63mg21%
Sodium 289mg13%
Potassium 128mg4%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 501IU10%
Vitamin C 17mg21%
Calcium 43mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* % Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tried this recipe?I'd love to hear about it! Leave a review in the comments below.

 

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24 Comments

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Comments

  1. Nancy says

    24th August 2020 at 1:22 pm

    wow easy & delicious prawn recipe.

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      7th September 2020 at 10:43 am

      Thank you! 😀

      Reply
  2. Steve says

    12th September 2020 at 4:20 pm

    I’m trying this in few hours

    Keep your fingers crossed ??

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      14th September 2020 at 9:37 am

      How did it go? Hope you enjoyed it 😀

      Reply
  3. Steve says

    3rd October 2020 at 6:26 pm

    Turned out fantastic ??

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      5th October 2020 at 10:02 am

      Yay! I am so happy to hear this 😀

      Reply
  4. Tim B says

    2nd November 2020 at 7:28 pm

    I’m the worlds worst person in the kitchen. I can burn water.
    However, really great recipe, and a doddle for a beginner like me. I will , however mention that adding the lemon juice, made it a bit too sweet for me, so next time, I’ll leave that part out.
    ?

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      3rd November 2020 at 10:07 am

      Yay! I am really happy to hear that. I’m sorry to hear you didn’t like the addition on lemon juice – I guess we all have different tastes, hey? At least that one is an easy fix for next time 😀

      Reply
  5. Monica says

    15th February 2021 at 6:30 pm

    Fab simple recipe…. delish!

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      16th February 2021 at 7:56 pm

      Aw, I am so happy to hear that! Eb 🙂

      Reply
  6. Sue says

    24th June 2021 at 8:40 pm

    First time trying this recipe. Definitely won’t be last. Absolutely delicious. Left lemon juice out.

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      25th June 2021 at 10:14 am

      Aw, yay – so pleased you liked it 😀 Thanks for this lovely review! Eb 🙂

      Reply
  7. Jenni Gyffyn says

    9th January 2022 at 8:10 am

    Just made this tonight. I used to eat Spanish garlic prawns at a fabulous restaurant in Brunswick and this recipe tasted the same! Thank you so much 💓 💗

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      10th January 2022 at 8:36 am

      Aw, yay! I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed my recipe so much and that it brought back happy memories! Eb 🙂

      Reply
  8. Veronica says

    27th January 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Wow – that looks absolutely lush!! Prawns are my favourite thing to eat. That’s Saturday night’s menu sorted. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      27th January 2022 at 6:38 pm

      Yay! So pleased you like it! Let me know how you get on 😀

      Reply
  9. Carrie Carvalho says

    27th January 2022 at 10:36 pm

    Yum, always my fave dish at our local Tapas restaurant! So good to find a nice easy recipe to try at home.

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      28th January 2022 at 8:49 am

      It’s one of my all-time favourites too. I would never go to a tapas restaurant and NOT order this dish! Eb 🙂

      Reply
  10. Janice says

    29th January 2022 at 1:13 pm

    I have such great memories of gambas from a family holiday in Spain when I was teen. Thanks for this recipe that brings back those memories.

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      29th January 2022 at 3:17 pm

      Aw, yay – so happy my recipe brought back such lovely memories! 😀

      Reply
  11. Chloe says

    1st February 2022 at 12:37 am

    Cor blimey guvnor, this is my absolute favourite way to eat prawns – pass me the crusty bread please!

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      1st February 2022 at 8:20 am

      Haha – there’s just something about gambas al ajillo, isn’t there? So simple but soooo good! Eb 🙂

      Reply
  12. Jack says

    23rd February 2022 at 11:09 am

    Just a quick note to say I tried the Spanish spicy prawns recipe for Saturday lunch (for two). Must say it is now a firm favourite. Simple and delicious, especially with some fresh warm ciabatta to mop up that amazing sauce!

    Reply
    • Eb Gargano says

      23rd February 2022 at 3:21 pm

      Aw, thanks Jack! I am so happy to hear that 😀

      Reply

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Hi and welcome to Easy Peasy Foodie! I’m Eb – a professional blogger, busy mum and passionate foodie and it is my mission in life to make cooking EASIER and MORE DELICIOUS! READ MORE

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207 shares