Quick & Zesty Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe You’ll Love

Spanish garlic shrimp tantalizes taste buds with its Mediterranean charm and bold flavor profile.

Seafood enthusiasts adore this classic dish that reinvents simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Intense garlic notes blend seamlessly with succulent shellfish, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

The recipe celebrates Spain’s coastal cooking traditions with its vibrant and zesty character.

Bright, fresh ingredients come together in a harmonious dance of textures and sensations.

Cooking techniques passed through generations elevate this seemingly straightforward preparation into something truly remarkable.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic Spanish coastal cuisine.

Bold & Sizzling Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Savor Speedy Seafood Delight: This Spanish garlic shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick and delicious meal.
• Burst with Bold Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika creates an intense, aromatic profile that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny coastal regions of Spain.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Even novice cooks can easily follow this straightforward recipe, learning professional-level sautéing skills while creating an impressive dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet preparation.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: Serve these succulent shrimp as a tapas-style appetizer, over rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful oil, making it adaptable for various dining occasions and preferences.

What Goes Into Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp work best for quick and even cooking, bringing a sweet and delicate seafood flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic Spanish flavor base that adds depth and fragrance, with onion providing sweetness and garlic offering a sharp, robust taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika: Spices that bring warmth, mild heat, and a rich color to the shrimp, enhancing the traditional Spanish profile.

• Olive Oil: High-quality Spanish olive oil creates a rich, smooth cooking medium and adds authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Fresh Bread: Perfect accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful oil and juices from the shrimp.

How to Prepare Spanish Garlic Shrimp Like a Chef

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Chop Aromatics

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 3: Heat Skillet

Place a small skillet over medium-high heat. Pour olive oil and let it warm for 10-15 seconds.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

• Watch for translucent color
• Move onions around to prevent burning

Step 5: Add Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the skillet. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Season Oil

• Red pepper flakes
• Paprika

Stir to infuse flavors into the oil.

Step 7: Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 1 minute per side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden color.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Reduce heat and transfer shrimp to a serving plate. Accompany with fresh, crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Nailing Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose plump, deveined shrimp with a sweet ocean smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-high temperature to quickly cook shrimp without making them rubbery or tough.
• Prep Ingredients Beforehand: Chop garlic and onion in advance to ensure smooth cooking without interruption.
• Use Quality Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for authentic Spanish taste and rich, aromatic undertones.
• Season Generously: Don't skimp on paprika and red pepper flakes; they create the signature Spanish garlic shrimp depth of flavor.

Reheating and Storing Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Spanish Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
• Microwave: Reheat shrimp gently in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
• Skillet Method: Warm the shrimp in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Flavorful Pairings for Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Albariño from Spain perfectly complements the garlic and shrimp, cutting through the richness with its bright, citrusy notes and creating a harmonious Mediterranean flavor experience.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Use a rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up the flavorful garlic-infused olive oil, transforming the dish into a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the shrimp's delicate texture.
• Add Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light side of arugula, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's intensity, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, garlicky shrimp and adding a vibrant green element to the plate.
• Finish with Chilled Sangria: A traditional Spanish sangria with fresh citrus fruits will enhance the seafood's flavors, offering a cool, fruity counterpoint to the warm, spicy shrimp and creating an authentic Spanish dining experience.

New Spins on Spanish Garlic Shrimp

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace red pepper flakes and paprika with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a fragrant Mediterranean-style shrimp dish that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of orange juice while cooking, then sprinkle with cayenne pepper to create a tangy and spicy version that brightens the classic Spanish recipe.
• White Wine Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with dry white wine after sautéing garlic and onions, allowing the alcohol to reduce and create a richer, more complex sauce for the succulent shrimp.
• Smoky Chorizo Blend: Dice Spanish chorizo and cook it with the onions before adding shrimp, infusing the dish with deep, smoky flavors that complement the seafood perfectly.

Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Spanish garlic shrimp delivers Mediterranean flavors straight from coastal kitchens. Succulent prawns bathe in olive oil, garlic, and paprika, promising a quick, delectable meal you’ll savor with crusty bread and a glass of crisp white wine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups shrimp

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon parsley

Oils and Spices:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon paprika powder

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Instructions

1. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring they are clean and free from any debris or shells.
2. Carefully mince the onion and garlic into fine, uniform pieces using a sharp chef’s knife, creating even, small cuts that will distribute flavor evenly.
3. Heat a small skillet over medium-high temperature, then pour in olive oil, allowing it to warm for approximately 15-20 seconds until it shimmers slightly.
4. Gently introduce the chopped onion into the heated oil, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching and promote even caramelization.
5. When the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden, add the minced garlic and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and paprika directly into the oil, creating a fragrant and spicy base that will infuse the entire dish with complex flavors.
7. Carefully add the prepared shrimp to the skillet, sautéing for approximately 1 minute on each side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and develop a light golden exterior.
8. Lower the heat and transfer the Spanish garlic shrimp immediately to a serving plate, accompanying with fresh, crusty bread to soak up the delicious, seasoned oil.

Notes

• Rinse shrimp thoroughly under cold water to remove any potential debris or unwanted residue before cooking.
• Chop onion and garlic finely to ensure even distribution of flavors and quick, uniform cooking.
• Heat olive oil gently before adding onions to create a perfect base for developing rich, aromatic flavors.
• Stir ingredients continuously to prevent burning and achieve a beautiful golden-brown caramelization.
• Sauté shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to maintain their tender, succulent texture and prevent overcooking.
• Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious, spice-infused olive oil and maximize the dining experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg