Spanish Garlic Shrimp: A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe
Ah, there’s something undeniably comforting about the sizzling sound of garlic-infused olive oil. It takes me back to warm, sun-soaked days spent with family in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of fresh seafood danced through the air as we gathered around the table for a feast. Spanish Garlic Shrimp is a dish that evokes those treasured memories and brings a sense of home with every tender bite. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is both simple and exquisite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to save this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Requires minimal ingredients yet delivers impressive flavor.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s great for entertaining friends and family.
- Versatile – great as an appetizer or a main dish alongside crusty bread or over rice.
- Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your Spanish Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Let’s Make It Together
Creating Spanish Garlic Shrimp is a simple process that anyone can follow. Here are the steps to get your dish ready:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly!
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, stirring to combine. Allow the spices to bloom in the oil for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. The vibrant color is truly a sight to behold!
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that zesty finish. Squeeze some over the shrimp right before digging in for an explosion of flavor!
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to make this dish your own with these fun ideas:
- Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce: Add a couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet right before serving for a creamy and indulgent twist.
- Citrusy Kick: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh orange juice for a bright, sweet note that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Mediterranean Flair: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or black olives for a colorful, hearty addition that screams summer.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing, aromatic finish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure you achieve the best results, try these kitchen secrets:
- Make-Ahead Advice: Prepare the shrimp and keep them in the refrigerator for up to an hour before cooking. Just bring them back to room temperature before searing.
- Ingredient Swaps: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can substitute with scallops or even chicken—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to prevent overcooking.
- Slicing Tricks: For a more sophisticated presentation, cut larger shrimp in half lengthwise before cooking to create more surface area for flavor.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s what’s inside – a nutritious breakdown of your cozy dish:
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s clear up some common questions about this delightful recipe:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prep the shrimp and spice mix in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or chicken, but do adjust the cooking time.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- How long does it last? Leftovers should be consumed within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Spanish Garlic Shrimp recipe captures the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. It’s a delightful dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors—truly a keeper for any cooking occasion. Save this Spanish Garlic Shrimp: A Wonderful Ultimate Recipe to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy the wonderful memories it creates around your table.
Print
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple yet exquisite recipe for Spanish Garlic Shrimp, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, stirring for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding cherry tomatoes or different herbs. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp, garlic, Spanish, easy recipe, quick dinner, seafood