Sizzling Portuguese Garlic Shrimp Gambas Al Ajillo

Sizzling Portuguese Garlic Shrimp My Quick Gambas al Ajillo

By Marissa DuarteOctober 1, 2025Updated: September 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever dreamt of Portugal? Well, you can almost taste it with this recipe. This Portuguese Garlic Shrimp is seriously addictive, bursting with garlicky goodness. It's got that sunny, Mediterranean flavour.

Brief Overview

This Portuguese Food Traditional dates back centuries. It is a testament to simple ingredients. Don't be scared; this Easy Shrimp Recipe Portuguese is a doddle, ready in under 20 minutes.

It will feed about 4 as a starter or 2 hungry souls for lunch.

Main Benefits

Oh my gosh, Portuguese Seafood is good for you! The shrimp is packed with protein, a perfect dish to share.

This is the perfect starter for a dinner party. What makes this Shrimp in Garlic Sauce special? It is the freshness and simplicity.

You will feel like you are eating real Portuguese Cuisine .

Ready to learn how to cook this Garlic Shrimp Appetizer ?

Okay, first things first, let's talk about the ingredients, and then we'll get cooking!

Okay, let's dive into what you need to make some amazing Portuguese Garlic Shrimp . Honestly, it's all about quality ingredients and a few key tools.

No need to stress, this isn't rocket science! This Easy Shrimp Recipe Portuguese is surprisingly simple.

Get Your Gear: Ingredients & Equipment

Let's break down exactly what you'll need. I once tried skimping on the olive oil, BIG MISTAKE! The flavors just weren't the same.

Main Ingredients for this Portugese Foods

1.5 lbs ( 680g ) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer tails on but it's up to you.
- Quality Tip: Look for firm, plump shrimp with a fresh, sea-like smell. Avoid anything that smells overly fishy or ammonia like.
6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons). Don't be shy with the garlic!
1/2 cup ( 120ml ) extra virgin olive oil. Use the good stuff, it makes a difference.
1/4 cup ( 60ml ) dry white wine, like vinho verde or Sauvignon Blanc.
1/4 cup (packed) fresh parsley, chopped.
1 tablespoon lemon juice.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add more if you like heat.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Crusty bread, for serving. Essential for soaking up all that yummy sauce!

This Garlic Shrimp Appetizer is just begging for some crusty bread. Seriously, don't skip it!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Right!

This is where the magic happens. These are perfect Seafood Tapas Recipes.

Essential Spice Combinations: Garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika are your core trio. Don't mess with perfection.
Flavor Enhancers: A touch of lemon juice brightens everything up. Fresh parsley adds freshness.
Quick Subs: No white wine? Chicken broth will do in a pinch.

Honestly, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! This Shrimp in Garlic Sauce is so versatile.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large skillet. Cast iron is ideal, but anything will work.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Garlic press or knife.
Cutting board.
Lemon juicer (optional).

Seriously, you don't need fancy gear for this Gambas al Ajillo Recipe . The main thing is to have a good skillet.

Think of all the amazing Portuguese Dishes you can create with these simple ingredients. This is Portuguese Food Traditional at its finest!

So, there you have it! Now go forth and create some amazing Portuguese Cuisine !

Cooking Method: Sizzling Portuguese Garlic Shrimp

Fancy a taste of Portugal? Honestly, you have to try Portuguese Garlic Shrimp . It's proper Portuguese Food Traditional goodness! This isn't your average shrimp dish; it's a taste of Lisbon in your own kitchen.

Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. I mean, what's not to love? Forget complicated Portuguese Dishes - this Easy Shrimp Recipe Portuguese will become your go-to.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. It's the Portuguese Seafood secret! Mince about six cloves of garlic. Don’t be shy, go big! Chop a quarter cup of fresh parsley.

Squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice. Got your shrimp peeled and deveined? Boom. You are ready! This bit takes around 10 minutes , tops! Always pat your shrimp dry with kitchen paper before seasoning.

It helps them get lovely and brown in the pan. This is super important.

step-by-step to Shrimp Perfection

Ready to cook?

Season 1.5 pounds of shrimp with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1- 2 minutes until fragrant. Watch it like a hawk! Burnt garlic is a no-no.
Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Simmer for 1 minute .
Stir in parsley. Season to taste.
Serve immediately with crusty bread. Get that bread ready!

Pro Tips for Gambas al Ajillo Recipe Greatness

Want to take your Garlic Shrimp Appetizer game up a notch? Here’s the inside scoop. For one, don't overcook the shrimp.

Nobody likes rubbery shrimp. Honestly. A good tip is to serve these right away. I mean, piping hot Shrimp in Garlic Sauce is the only way to go! These tasty little Seafood Tapas Recipes is perfect for sharing.

For extra flavour, why not add a bit of lemon zest to your Portuguese Cuisine .

Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Portuguese Garlic Shrimp

So, you're ready to make some seriously awesome Portuguese Garlic Shrimp ? Awesome! This Portuguese Seafood recipe is a winner, and so easy.

But, before you dive in, let's chat about a few things to make your Gambas al Ajillo even better. These are my real tried and-tested notes.

Ready?

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, you know? For that authentic feel, serve your Shrimp in Garlic Sauce straight from the skillet. A sizzling cast iron pan? Oh my gosh, that looks amazing!.

Sprinkle with extra parsley and a lemon wedge. Pair it with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all that glorious Garlic Shrimp Appetizer sauce.

A simple green salad adds a fresh touch. It will go great with Portuguese Food Traditional.

A crisp glass of Vinho Verde, or any dry white wine will take you to Lisbon in a sip! Trust me, its the perfect pairing.

Savvy Storage Secrets

Honestly, this Easy Shrimp Recipe Portuguese is best fresh. But, life happens! Leftovers can hang out in the fridge for up to 2 days .

Keep them in an airtight container. Reheating is simple. Warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, or pop them in the microwave.

Just don't overcook them or they'll get rubbery.

Freezing Portugese Foods is not really ideal, but if you must, portion it out and freeze for no longer than a month for safety.

Variations for Every Palate

Want to mix it up? You bet! For a gluten-free version, serve with rice or quinoa instead of bread. For a dairy-free twist, just skip the butter.

Feel free to play with seasonal ingredients. Add some fresh tomatoes or bell peppers. Those will bring a colourful, summer vibe.

Remember that Portuguese Cuisine is all about fresh, bold tastes! This is a really adaptable recipe. You could even serve it over pasta as a heartier dish.

The dish could be called Portuguese Dishes then.

Nutrition Nuggets: Simple and Straightforward

Okay, so it’s not exactly a salad, but it is delicious!. Shrimp is packed with protein. Garlic? A total health powerhouse.

Olive oil gives you those good fats. Plus, a touch of red pepper flakes might help boost your metabolism. Think of this Seafood Tapas Recipes as a treat that's not totally naughty.

So, there you have it! These little tweaks can seriously take your Portuguese Garlic Shrimp to the next level. Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it.

Now get cooking and enjoy every garlicky bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Portuguese Garlic Shrimp ahead of time? I'm having a dinner party, you see.

While Portuguese Garlic Shrimp is best served immediately, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out the spices. However, the shrimp itself should be cooked just before serving to prevent it from becoming rubbery.

Think of it like a good cuppa - best enjoyed fresh!

What kind of wine should I use for Portuguese Garlic Shrimp? I only have a bottle of plonk in the cupboard, will that do?

A dry white wine like Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc works best, as its acidity balances the richness of the olive oil and garlic. If you don't have any wine on hand, chicken broth or even a splash of water can be used as a substitute, but the wine does add a certain 'je ne sais quoi'. Avoid anything too sweet or oaky.

Help! My garlic keeps burning when I make Portuguese Garlic Shrimp. What am I doing wrong?

Burning the garlic is a common pitfall! The key is to use medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Sauté the garlic gently, stirring frequently, until it's fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or even remove the pan from the heat briefly.

Low and slow wins the race with garlic, just like a good Sunday roast!

How do I store leftover Portuguese Garlic Shrimp? I made far too much!

Store any leftover Portuguese Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, being careful not to overcook the shrimp. You can also add a splash of olive oil or broth to prevent it from drying out.

To be honest though, like a good packet of crisps, they probably wont last long!

Is Portuguese Garlic Shrimp healthy? I am trying to eat lighter.

Portuguese Garlic Shrimp can be a relatively healthy dish, as it's high in protein and contains healthy fats from the olive oil. However, it's also relatively high in sodium. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of olive oil used, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, and use lower sodium broth if you are substituting the wine.

Everything in moderation, as they say!