Sa•vor Tapas Bar Inspired Spanish Gambas al Ajillo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sizzling shrimp sautéed with garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil, finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slightly crisp edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sa•vor Tapas Bar Inspired Spanish Gambas al Ajillo take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sa•vor Tapas Bar Inspired Spanish Gambas al Ajillo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sa•vor Tapas Bar Inspired Spanish Gambas al Ajillo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sa•vor Tapas Bar Inspired Spanish Gambas al Ajillo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sa•vor Tapas Bar Inspired Spanish Gambas al Ajillo?

Spanish seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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