Sizzling Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe: A Taste of Sunshine

Sizzling Spanish garlic shrimp dances with bold Mediterranean flavors that instantly transport you to coastal Spain.

Tender prawns glisten with golden olive oil and aromatic garlic.

The dish bursts with classic Spanish culinary tradition, promising a dining experience that sparks excitement.

Fragrant herbs and zesty spices create a symphony of taste in each delectable bite.

Rich and succulent, these shrimp capture the essence of Spanish coastal cuisine.

Every forkful promises a delightful journey through regional cooking techniques.

Get ready to savor a simple yet spectacular seafood sensation that will become a treasured mealtime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Spanish Garlic Shrimp – Ingredient Breakdown

• Shrimp: Wild-caught varieties offer richer flavor and firmer texture; look for fresh, clean-smelling shellfish with bright, translucent appearance.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo that creates deep, robust flavor base; choose firm, smooth-skinned onions and plump garlic cloves without sprouting.

• Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika: Vibrant spices adding warmth and complexity; select high-quality Spanish paprika for authentic Mediterranean touch; red pepper flakes should be bright and fragrant.

• Olive Oil: Essential for authentic Spanish cooking; extra virgin provides rich, fruity undertone; choose cold-pressed varieties for best flavor profile.

Tools for Sautéing Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and sautéing ingredients evenly.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for finely chopping onion and garlic with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add exact amounts of spices like red pepper flakes and paprika.

Cooking Spanish Garlic Shrimp Step-by-Step

• Kitchen Preparation

Gather all cooking tools and clean work surface for a smooth culinary adventure.

• Aromatic Base

Slice onions and mince garlic to create a fragrant foundation for the dish.

• Oil Infusion

Heat olive oil in a skillet and gently sauté onions until they become soft and translucent.

• Flavor Boost

Add minced garlic and sprinkle red pepper flakes and paprika to create a rich, spicy essence.

• Seafood Magic

Introduce succulent shrimp to the pan, cooking quickly until they transform into a beautiful pink color.

• Serving Style

Transfer the golden shrimp to a warm plate and pair with crusty bread for a delightful Spanish-inspired meal.

Tips for Juicy Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Marinate shrimp in white wine, lemon juice, and fresh parsley for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness and tenderness.
• Experiment with different pepper varieties like Aleppo or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles that complement the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution and to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on the shrimp without overcooking.
• Transform this dish into tapas by serving in a traditional terracotta cazuela, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty Spanish bread for dipping in the flavorful oil.

Serving Ideas for Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve the sizzling garlic shrimp alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful olive oil and catch every delicious drop of the spicy sauce.
• Create a Tapas Spread: Arrange the shrimp on a rustic wooden board with sliced olives, manchego cheese, and some cured meats for an authentic Spanish-style appetizer experience.
• Toss with Pasta: Transform this dish into a quick main course by mixing the garlic shrimp with al dente pasta, adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra brightness and color.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a generous handful of chopped parsley or cilantro to add a fresh, vibrant touch that complements the rich, garlicky flavors.

Garlic Shrimp Storage Suggestions

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover Spanish garlic shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Quickly: Enjoy refrigerated shrimp within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture, as seafood can spoil rapidly.
• Freeze with Caution: If needed, freeze the shrimp without bread in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, but note that texture might slightly change upon reheating.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking and maintain the delicate seafood's tenderness.

Sizzling Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spanish garlic shrimp elevates simple ingredients into a Mediterranean culinary treasure. Home cooks can savor authentic flavors with minimal preparation, creating a delicious tapas-style dish perfect for sharing.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) shrimp
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse shrimp under cold water, removing any remnants of shells or impurities, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing.
2. Aromatics Foundation: In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat, then delicately sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, allowing them to develop a gentle golden hue without browning.
3. Flavor Layering: Introduce minced garlic and spice elements – red pepper flakes and paprika – to the caramelized onions, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release their intense, aromatic characteristics.
4. Protein Searing: Swiftly add shrimp to the fragrant oil mixture, cooking each side for approximately 60-90 seconds until they transform into a vibrant coral pink and acquire a delicate, crisp exterior.
5. Serving: Immediately transfer the succulent shrimp and their infused oil to a warm serving plate, garnishing with fresh parsley and accompanying with crusty artisan bread to absorb the rich, garlicky essence.

Notes

• Prep Shrimp Carefully: Remove all shells and veins completely to ensure clean, tender texture and prevent gritty eating experience.
• Control Oil Temperature: Watch for slight shimmer in pan, which indicates perfect sautéing heat without burning delicate ingredients.
• Timing is Crucial: Sauté shrimp precisely 1-2 minutes per side to maintain succulent, tender meat and prevent rubbery, overcooked results.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly in hot oil to release maximum aromatic compounds and intensify overall taste profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg