Description
Gambas al ajillo is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent prawns cooked in a fragrant garlic and chili-infused olive oil. This quick and simple recipe delivers a flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing, highlighting fresh seafood with a spicy, aromatic twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 12 large raw prawns
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3 dried cayenne chillies (or other dried chilli)
- 1 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
- Sea salt, to season
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Oils and Fats
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Peel the prawns, leaving their tails intact for presentation. Using a cocktail stick, carefully remove the digestive tract from each prawn for a cleaner taste. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can cook the prawns with their shells on, especially if using a frying pan. Season the prawns lightly with sea salt.
- Infuse the Oil: Place the garlic slices, olive oil, and dried cayenne chillies into a flameproof terracotta pot or a frying pan. Heat over high heat, allowing the garlic to slowly turn golden and infuse the oil with its rich flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Cook the Prawns: Once the garlic is golden, add the seasoned prawns to the hot oil. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes per side, turning to ensure they become opaque and just pink inside—avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped flat-leaf parsley and freshly cracked black pepper over the cooked prawns. Serve immediately. If using a terracotta pot, transfer it directly to the table for a rustic presentation, but be cautious as both the oil and pot will remain hot for several minutes.
Notes
- Removing the digestive tract is optional but recommended for better taste and texture.
- If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of dried chillies or remove the seeds prior to cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the garlic-infused oil.
- The terracotta pot adds authentic presentation and helps keep the dish warm, but it requires careful handling due to heat retention.
- Use fresh parsley for bright color and fresh herbal notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: Gambas al ajillo, garlic prawns, Spanish tapas, shrimp garlic, easy seafood appetizer, spicy garlic prawns
