Spanish Garlic Prawns

Name: Spanish Prawns
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: spanish
Ingredients: 1 pound of prawns (16-20 count); 1/2 cup of butter; 7 minced garlic cloves; 1 julienned Fresno chili (use a mild or as spicy as you want); 1 tsp red chilli flakes; 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika; 1 French baguette; flat-leaf parsley for garnish; 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Published: Dec 9, 2022 · Modified: Feb 27, 2025 by Carmen Spillette · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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Enjoy a classic Spanish seafood dish that will tantalize your taste buds with this easy and delicious Spanish Prawns recipe. This traditional dish, also known as Gambas al Ajillo, features prawns cooked in a garlicky sauce made with olive oil, but I used brown butter to make my version extra rich!

Typically served as tapas (also known as appetizers), Spanish prawns are best enjoyed with a glass of white wine and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It's a perfect way to start any party or dinner during the holiday season, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Make this dish the best part of your week!

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Why you will love this Garlic Prawns recipe

One of my favorite tapas dishes! The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh prawns creates a mouthwatering experience that will have you coming back for more!
This easy tapas recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners and last-minute entertaining.
Great for a crowd! The best thing about this Spanish-style prawns recipe is that it can be easily doubled or tripled to serve larger groups of friends and family.
Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste by adding more garlic, lemon juice, or chili peppers if you like.

Ingredients and substitutions

Prawns - Fresh prawns like king prawns and tiger prawns are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen or raw shrimp.

Butter - Although not traditional, I like to use butter to give this dish a richer flavor. Feel free to use extra virgin olive oil instead, but make sure to choose a high-quality one.

Garlic - You'll need lots of garlic for that classic taste! Always use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.

Fresno chili - This adds some mild heat, but you can substitute it with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

Smoked paprika - A classic in Spanish recipes, smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. If you don't want a smoky flavor, use sweet paprika.

Baguette - Don't waste all that delicious sauce! Serve it with a crusty baguette to mop it up or any good loaf of crusty bread.

Parsley - To finish off the dish, freshly chopped parsley gives it a nice pop of color. You can use any other fresh herbs like cilantro or basil here as well! You can even add lemon wedges.

Lemon juice - A few tablespoons of lemon juice brighten up all the flavors in the dish. You can also add sherry vinegar for a complex, nutty flavor.

Equipment

Knife
Cutting board
Large bowl
Cast iron pan or large frying pan

garlic butter prawns recipe — melt the butter

Instructions for making Spanish Prawns

Prep your prawns. Devein and remove the shell. Leave a tail for aesthetic.
On medium heat in a cast iron pan, brown the butter.
Add the garlic once the butter is browned.
Add the julienned chili. For more heat, add more red chili flakes.
Saute the prawns for 5 minutes, flipping frequently. It should be cooked when the prawns are pink and not translucent.
Serve with a French baguette, and enjoy!

Tips for making the best Spanish garlic prawns

Use large fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure to use enough garlic, as it’s the key ingredient of this dish.
To make this dish extra rich, use brown butter instead of the typical olive oil. If you're using olive oil, you can add a few tablespoons of butter.
Don't forget to season your prawns with a pinch of salt and black pepper before cooking.
Cook the prawns until they’re just done to preserve their delicate flavor.
Add a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright burst of flavor.
Don't be afraid to add a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH GAMBAS AL AJILLO

Nice crusty bread such as baguettes and bottle of white wine.
Spicy Carbonara
Chicken and Chorizo Paella

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Spanish Garlic Prawns - FAQS

What is the meaning Gambas al Ajillo?

Gambas al Ajillo literally translates to "prawns or shrimps with garlic." The dish is popular throughout Spain and features prawns cooked in a sauce made with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs like parsley.

Where do gambas come from?

Gambas (prawns) is one of the most popular seafood dishes in Spain. In Spanish cuisine, prawns are usually cooked with garlic and olive oil (or butter) to create a delicious garlicky sauce that pairs perfectly with crusty bread. It is believed to have originated in southern Spain, and it has become a staple in tapas bars all over the country.

What does shrimp taste like?

Prawns or shrimp should taste buttery, sweet, and salty like the ocean. It is delicious and takes only minutes to cook.