If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and showcases the magic of simple ingredients, this Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Picture succulent, tender prawns swimming in a luscious, garlicky olive oil infused with smoky paprika and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Brightened by a splash of fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley, it’s a small plate with a big personality that brings the essence of Spanish tapas right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the golden olive oil to the zesty lemon juice, these essentials transform simple prawns into a truly memorable dish.
- Large raw prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The star of the dish, choose plump and fresh prawns for the best taste and texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (½ cup): A rich and fruity base that forms the signature sauce, so be sure to use the highest quality you can find.
- Thinly sliced garlic (6 to 8 cloves): Infuses the oil with a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the prawns.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color that lifts the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to give the prawns a gentle kick of heat without stealing the show.
- Dry sherry or white wine (2 tablespoons): This splash brings acidity and complexity, brightening all the flavors.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): A herbaceous finish that adds color and fresh flavor.
- Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every bite.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Freshly ground provides a gentle pungency to round out the seasoning.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for guests to add an extra squeeze of zest if they wish.
How to Make Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Prawns
Start by patting your prawns dry with paper towels. This simple step helps them sauté perfectly without steaming. Lightly season with sea salt and black pepper to build a foundation of flavor right on the prawns themselves.
Step 2: Infusing the Olive Oil
Warm the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and gently cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it will turn bitter and detract from the delicate flavor we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Adding Spices for Depth
Stir in the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. These spices add that unmistakable smoky warmth and a subtle heat that makes this dish uniquely delightful. Stir well so the spices bloom in the hot oil before the prawns hit the pan.
Step 4: Cooking the Prawns
Add the prawns to the skillet in an even layer to ensure they cook evenly. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes per side, watching as they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque—this tells you they’re perfectly cooked and tender inside.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Pour in the dry sherry or white wine and let it bubble for 30 seconds. This quick simmer lifts all the flavors to another level. Then, stir in fresh lemon juice and the chopped parsley. Remove from heat and give it a taste, adjusting salt or pepper as you see fit.
How to Serve Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe
Garnishes
A few lemon wedges alongside the dish are a must-have. They invite everyone to customize their experience with a fresh burst of citrus. A sprinkle of extra parsley can also add a pop of green and freshness that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Serve these Spanish garlic prawns alongside crusty bread that’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of the garlicky oil. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also balance the richness, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the prawns sizzling in a rustic clay dish or a skillet placed directly on the table. Pair with small plates and encourage sharing to embrace the true spirit of Spanish tapas dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spanish garlic prawns keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
Because of their delicate texture, prawns freeze best when raw. If you want to freeze cooked leftovers, wrap them tightly and plan to use within a month to prevent any loss in quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the prawns rubbery. Adding a splash of olive oil during reheating can help revive the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen prawns for this Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe?
Yes, frozen prawns work well as long as they are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps maintain the right texture and ensures the garlic oil coats them perfectly.
What can I substitute for dry sherry?
If you don’t have dry sherry on hand, a dry white wine or even a splash of vermouth can work beautifully to add acidity and depth.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, which can easily be adjusted to suit your preference by adding more or less.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute prawns with large mushrooms or firm tofu and keep all other ingredients the same for a similar aromatic experience.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe perfectly captures the warmth and zest of Spanish cuisine in just minutes. It’s a dish that’s both simple to make and thoroughly impressive to serve, ideal for a quick weeknight treat or a special gathering with friends. Don’t hesitate to dive in and savor every garlicky, smoky, citrusy bite—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Spanish Garlic Prawns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spanish Garlic Prawns, also known as Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring succulent prawns cooked in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with smoked paprika and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Finished with a splash of sherry and fresh lemon juice, this quick and flavorful appetizer is perfect served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large raw prawns or shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry or white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread (optional, for soaking up the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Pat the prawns dry with paper towels and season them lightly with the fine sea salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors before cooking.
- Heat the Olive Oil and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but take care not to let it brown, as burnt garlic becomes bitter.
- Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing their flavors to infuse the olive oil for a few seconds.
- Cook the Prawns: Lay the prawns in a single, even layer in the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the prawns turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Add Sherry and Finish Sauce: Pour the dry sherry or white wine into the skillet and let it bubble for about 30 seconds to reduce slightly, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and freshen the sauce.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Spanish Garlic Prawns immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic-infused oil.
Notes
- Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor, as it forms the base of the sauce.
- Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- This dish cooks very quickly; have all ingredients measured and ready before starting.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
