This simple Garlic Shrimp recipe, inspired by the classic Spanish dish gambas al ajillo, comes together in minutes and delivers big, bright flavor. Lightened slightly from the traditional version that swims in oil, this version keeps the spirit of the dish—garlicky, slightly spicy, and perfect with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad. It’s an easy weeknight winner that cooks in about ten minutes.
Garlic Shrimp
Gambas al ajillo is one of those simple but unforgettable dishes: shrimp, garlic, olive oil, a touch of heat, and fresh parsley. Using peeled and deveined shrimp keeps the prep fast, and shrimp’s quick cooking time makes this a perfect high-protein meal when time is short. This version emphasizes fresh garlic and Spanish paprika for color and mild smokiness, while a pinch of crushed red pepper gives the dish a subtle kick. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky cooking oil or spoon the shrimp over rice for a heartier meal.
Keep frozen shrimp on hand for convenience—buy them peeled and deveined if you prefer no-fuss cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator or under cold running water, pat dry, then cook. Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, so watch closely to avoid overcooking; properly cooked shrimp is tender and slightly firm, not rubbery. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and it adapts well to different dietary preferences.
How To Make Garlic Shrimp
This simple garlic shrimp recipe uses only a handful of ingredients that combine for big flavor:
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sweet Spanish paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
What kind of shrimp to use?
I prefer larger shrimp—jumbo or large—because they feel meatier and are satisfying as a main. Smaller shrimp will work fine; just shorten the cooking time so they don’t become tough. Frozen shrimp are convenient and still excellent when thawed properly.
Should you peel the shrimp?
For ease and speed I use peeled and deveined shrimp so there’s no need to peel at the table. If you enjoy extra flavor, you can leave the shells on and remove them after cooking; the shells add a bit more richness to the sauce.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: swap the olive oil for butter for a richer finish.
- South American twist: replace parsley with cilantro and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets
- Easy Roasted Lemon-Garlic Shrimp
- Chilled Italian Shrimp Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
- Cajun Shrimp in Foil
Recipe
Yield: 4 servings • Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 5 mins • Total: 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (weight after peeling)
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin Spanish olive oil (or any good quality olive oil)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika, or more to taste
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sauté the garlic until it turns golden and fragrant, about 1½–2 minutes. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and the sweet Spanish paprika.
- Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until they are opaque and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in the chopped parsley, and divide the shrimp among four plates. Spoon any remaining garlicky oil over the shrimp before serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to mop up the garlicky oil, over rice (cilantro lime rice pairs especially well), or with a simple green salad and lemon wedges. This also works as a shared tapa with other small plates.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 4 ounces cooked • Calories: 154 kcal • Carbohydrates: 3 g • Protein: 20 g • Fat: 6.5 g • Saturated fat: 1 g • Cholesterol: 178 mg
Final note
If you try this Garlic Shrimp, please consider leaving a rating and comment to share how it turned out for you—feedback helps other cooks and supports creators who share recipes. Enjoy!