Sautéed Garlic Gambas with Smoked Paprika

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

Tender shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and smoky Spanish paprika, finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 17 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 210 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: 7 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 tsp smoked Spanish paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky oil.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Gambas with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Sautéed Garlic Gambas with Smoked Paprika?

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 Sautéed Garlic Gambas with Smoked Paprika?

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 Sautéed Garlic Gambas with Smoked Paprika 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 Sautéed Garlic Gambas with Smoked Paprika?

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.