Authentic spanish garlic prawns recipe
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5 (based on home cooking experiences)
👨🍳 By Chef Omar Allibhoy
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 8 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 18 minutes
🥘 Servings: 4
📊 Difficulty Level: Easy
As a Spanish chef, there's nothing that brings me more joy than sharing one of Spain's most beloved tapas dishes - Gambas al Ajillo. This iconic garlic prawns recipe holds a special place in Spanish gastronomy, tracing its roots back to the bustling streets of Madrid. Every time I prepare this dish, I'm transported back to my childhood, where the sizzling sound of prawns in garlic-infused olive oil would fill our family kitchen.
It's more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of Spanish culture that's perfect for sharing with loved ones over good conversation and a glass of crisp white wine. Today, I'm excited to share my family's traditional recipe that's both authentic and surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
What are spanish garlic prawns?
Spanish garlic prawns is a classic Spanish tapas dish where succulent prawns are cooked in garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of smoky paprika and chili. This dish is a perfect example of Spanish cuisine's simplicity, where quality ingredients and proper technique create extraordinary flavors.
Ingredients
500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
120ml extra virgin olive oil
2 dried guindilla peppers (or red chili flakes)
1 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 lemon for serving
Sea salt to taste
Preparation
Start by patting the prawns dry with paper towels and seasoning them with sea salt. This ensures they'll sear properly rather than steam.
Heat the olive oil in a traditional Spanish cazuela or large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili, cooking gently until the garlic turns golden (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the prawns and paprika, increasing the heat to medium-high. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Be careful not to overcook them.
Professional Tips
Choose fresh, high-quality prawns for the best results
Keep the heads on for extra flavor if available
Never let the garlic brown too much as it can become bitter
Serve immediately in the same pan to keep the oil hot
Always have crusty bread ready to soak up the delicious garlic oil
What to Serve With Gambas al Ajillo
The best way to enjoy this dish is with:
Crusty Spanish bread for soaking up the flavorful oil
A chilled glass of Albariño or dry sherry
Fresh lemon wedges
Other tapas dishes like patatas bravas or Spanish tortilla
This recipe is perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining. The key to its success lies in using the freshest ingredients and paying attention to the cooking temperature. ¡Buen provecho!
