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Flavorful Gambas al Ajillo Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Sauce

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A quick and easy Spanish tapa featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley and lemon juice. Perfect for any occasion and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16–20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Peel and thinly slice 6-8 cloves of garlic.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Let the butter melt slowly, swirling to combine with the oil.
  4. Add the sliced garlic to the pan. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, watching closely to avoid burning.
  5. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using, stirring for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
  6. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.
  7. Squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle chopped parsley. Stir everything to coat well and cook for another 30 seconds.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
  9. Transfer shrimp and garlic butter sauce to a warm serving dish and serve hot.

Notes

Use wild-caught shrimp if possible for better flavor. Avoid burning garlic by cooking over medium heat and stirring frequently. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with extra olive oil or coconut oil. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gambas al Ajillo, garlic butter shrimp, Spanish tapas, easy shrimp recipe, garlic shrimp, quick dinner, seafood

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