Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Fresh Parsley

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and smoked paprika, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a classic regional Spanish tapa. This spanish-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 220 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. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1.5 minutes until aromatic but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1.5 tsp smoked paprika. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and firm, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Transfer shrimp to serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Fresh Parsley take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Fresh Parsley?

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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Fresh Parsley?

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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Fresh Parsley 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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Fresh Parsley?

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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