Prawns with Garlic in Olive Oil

Gambas al Ajillo

Gambas al Ajillo are a classic Spanish starter. Prawns are cooked in olive oil with garlic, chilies and lemon. A spicy tapas ready in under 15 minutes.

Classic Spanish Prawns with Garlic in Olive Oil

Info

Nutrition per serving
NutrientAmountRDA
Net Carbs4.3 g1.6%
of which Sugars1.6 g1.8%
Fibers0.6 g2.3%
Fats36.7 g56.5%
of which Saturates5.1 g25.6%
of which Omega 30.3 g31.3%
Proteins17 g36.9%
Calcium69 mg6.9%
Vitamin A4 mcg0.6%
Vitamin C7 mg9.6%
Iron1 mg7.1%
Potassium286 mg8.2%
Sodium109 mg4.7%
Cholesterol128.8 mg42.9%
Kcal416 20.8%
Macro split
  • net carbs 7%
  • sugars 3%
  • fats 63%
  • saturates 9%
  • proteins 29%
  • fibers 1%
*RDA based on a 2000 kcal diet;
**Nutritional data sources: USDA, food labels.
KCAL
416 per serving
TIME
15m
HEALTH

Gambas al Ajillo are a famous Spanish dish served as a starter, the so-called tapas. The prawns are cooked in extra virgin olive oil with garlic and chilies. Wine and lemon help to refresh the palate from the oily texture of the dish.

This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. It is a perfect dish to serve for a seafood menu or along with other tapas for a real taste of Spain. According to tradition, the prawns are cooked in a flameproof terracotta pot but in alternative, you can use a normal frying pan.

We suggest serving the prawns with crispy bread so that you can dip in the garlic-flavored oil. Don't miss a spot!

Ingredients

Adjustments
Serves
Measuring System
Extra Virgin Olive Oil80 mL
Garlic Cloves3
Chillies1 tbsp
Prawns160 g
White Wine30 mL
Parsley1 tbsp
Lemon Juice15 mL

Step 1

In a saucepan heat the oil and add the chillies and the garlic finely chopped. Sizzle until the garlic turns golden.

Step 1.1 of Classic Spanish Prawns with Garlic in Olive Oil

Step 2

Next, add the prawns, stir and pour the wine. Let the wine evaporate for 2-3 minutes on medium-hight heat.

Add the lemon juice and parsley and cook for 2 more minutes.

Step 2.1 of Classic Spanish Prawns with Garlic in Olive Oil

Step 3

Finally, once the prawns are thoroughly cooked, transfer them into a serving dish, even better if you use the original tapas dish.

Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve with crispy bread to dip in the oil.

Enjoy!

Step 3.1 of Classic Spanish Prawns with Garlic in Olive Oil

Tips

If you use frozen prawns, you don't need to defrost them in advance. Just add them in the pan straight from the freezer and keep the heat higher during cooking.