Spanish · Snacks

Gambas al Ajillo

Draft recipe — not kitchen-tested
Non-vegEasy

Diet: Non-veg · High-protein

Gambas al Ajillo is a Spanish dish. Do not let the thin garlic slices become dark.

Prep
15 min
Cook
8 min
Total
23 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
Spanish
Course
Snacks

Estimated times for the original batch. Preparation, cooking and listed waiting time are included. Batch cooking can take longer.

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Representative photograph of Gambas al Ajillo.
Representative photograph of Gambas al Ajillo. Garnishes and presentation may differ. This is not a tested result of this draft. Photo credit and licence
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Ingredients

Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.

Serves 4

Choose any positive whole number of servings. Ingredients and measured amounts in steps scale together. Times, temperatures and equipment stay unchanged. For larger yields, cook separate original-size batches. Counted ingredients can become fractions; beat eggs before dividing them. Fixed correction-water checks remain fixed.

Pan

Shrimp

Finish

Equipment

Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; heavy frying pan; spatula; food thermometer; heatproof spoon; spatula.

Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed draft, not every substitution.

Steps

Infuse · About 2 min

  1. Warm 60 ml olive oil, 25 g garlic, sliced, 1 tsp chili flakes gently 2 minutes until garlic is pale gold.

    Check: Look for this result: garlic is pale gold.

Cook · About 3 min

  1. Add 600 g raw shrimp, peeled, ½ tsp salt; cook 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and 63°C / 145°F.

    Check: Look for this result: opaque and 63°C / 145°F.

Finish · About 5 min

  1. Remove from heat and add 20 ml lemon juice, 15 g parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Do not let the thin garlic slices become dark.
  • Use the texture and doneness checks in the method; cooking times depend on your pan and heat.

Substitutions

  • Use mild paprika instead of chili flakes.

Storage

  • Refrigerate perishable food within two hours, or within one hour in heat above 32°C / 90°F. Store covered at 4°C / 40°F or below. Use within two days for this draft.
  • Reheat cooked dishes to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning for even heating. Serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts directly from safe refrigeration.

Make ahead

  • Prepare the measured ingredients for Gambas al Ajillo one day ahead. Refrigerate chopped vegetables and other perishable ingredients separately; complete the staged cooking on the serving day.

FAQ

What matters most when making Gambas al Ajillo?

Do not let the thin garlic slices become dark.

What can I substitute in Gambas al Ajillo?

Use mild paprika instead of chili flakes.

Can I prepare Gambas al Ajillo ahead?

Prepare the measured ingredients for Gambas al Ajillo one day ahead. Refrigerate chopped vegetables and other perishable ingredients separately; complete the staged cooking on the serving day.

Food safety references

FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating