Garlic Butter Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) Recipe
Gambas al ajillo is a classic Spanish tapa featuring succulent prawns cooked in aromatic garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of spicy cayenne chilies and fresh parsley. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal and showcases the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-3 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 12 large raw prawns
Seasonings & 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 & Fats
- 100ml olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns: Peel the prawns, leaving their tails intact for presentation, and using a cocktail stick, carefully remove the digestive tracts. Alternatively, if you prefer cooking with shells on and using a frying pan, you can skip peeling. Lightly season the prawns with sea salt.
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: Place the garlic slices, olive oil, and dried cayenne chillies in a flameproof terracotta pot or a frying pan. Set it over high heat and cook until the garlic starts turning golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Prawns: Add the seasoned prawns to the hot garlic oil and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley and some freshly cracked black pepper over the cooked prawns. Serve immediately—if using a terracotta pot, you can bring it directly to the table, but be cautious as it will remain very hot for several minutes.
Notes
- Using a terracotta pot enhances the rustic presentation and helps retain heat, but a frying pan works equally well.
- Adjust the number of dried chillies according to your spice tolerance.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic oil.
- For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be added just before serving.
Keywords: Gambas al ajillo, Spanish tapas, garlic prawns, seafood appetizer, easy Spanish recipe
