This simple Garlic Shrimp recipe, inspired by the flavors of Spain takes just minutes to make and it’s so flavorful, a weeknight dinner win!
Garlic Shrimp
This recipe is inspired by one of my favorite dishes from Spain, Gambas al Ajillo or Spanish garlic shrimp. It’s typically swimming in olive oil, so I lightened up a bit but it’s still just as delicious!! It is bright, garlicky, and perfect with some crusty bread or served over rice! And the best part, it comes together in just 10 minutes. If garlic’s not your thing you can browse through all my shrimp recipes, like this Shrimp Ceviche these Shrimp Taquitos or these delicious Shrimp Eggrolls.
One of my favorite proteins to keep on hand in my freezer is shrimp! For convenience, you can buy it peeled and deveined so all you have to do is let it thaw then whip up your favorite dish. Shrimp takes 3 to 4 minutes to cook so it’s perfect when you want a high protein meal without spending a lot of time. It’s also a great source of lean protein.
This dish is a staple in my house because we are all shrimp lovers! It is also naturally gluten-free and dairy free, so it works for many dietary restrictions. Try it with Cilantro Lime Scallion Rice on the side.
How To Make Garlic Shrimp
This simple shrimp recipe is made with just a few ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Mild Spanish paprika (the spice that makes chorizo red)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
- Chopped Parsley, for garnish
What kind of shrimp to use for this garlic shrimp recipe?
I prefer to use larger jumbo shrimp for garlic shrimp because they are meatier and tastier, but honestly the size won’t matter. If you use smaller shrimp, cook it less time so it doesn’t overcook and become tough.
Should you peel the shrimp?
I always use peeled and deveined shrimp because it’s easier to eat then shrimp you have to peel yourself.
Variations:
- If you want to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp, swap the olive oil for butter!
- If you want to give this more South American flavors, swap the parsley for cilantro and squeeze some lime juice at the end.
More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love:
- Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets
- Easy Roasted Lemon-Garlic Shrimp
- Chilled Italian Shrimp Tortellini Pasta
- Grilled Pesto Shrimp Skewers
- Cajun Shrimp in Foil
Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined (weight after you peel them)
- 6 cloves garlic sliced thin
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin Spanish olive oil or any good quality olive oil
- crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika or more to taste
- pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil on medium heat and add the garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté until golden, about 2 minutes being careful not to burn.
- Add shrimp and season with a pinch of salt and paprika.
- Cook 2-3 minutes until shrimp is cooked through. Do not overcook or it will become tough and chewy. Add chopped fresh parsley and divide equally in 4 plates.
Just made this for the first time. Absolutely excellent!! I want to make this a lunch regular station item with a veg and bit of rice. SO GOOD AND SIMPLE.Â
FRESH OR FROZEN SHRIMP?
fresh
If frozen, I let them thaw
omgggg, this was super easy and super delicious!!!!!
Making this tonight. Who wants dinner?
Just had this for the first time, so easy and so yummy! I used regular olive oil (it's all I had) and omitted the paprika because I didn't have any. I also sprinkled a few dashes of lime juice right at the end instead of wedges because that's all I had. Seriously tasty! I loved the crispy garlic slivers! Yum! A new go-to shrimp recipe for me!
Thanks Gina!
Tried this last night with the suggested Scallion Cilantro Rice and both were amazing!!!
Great!
This looks delicious. As a repeat offender w/ Weight Watchers over 30 years, it's the wonderful people like you that put these delicious recipes out there that make people like me that obviously love to eat successful in this program. What you do is amazing and know your continued success is also OUR continued success! Thanks!
Outstanding!!! Simple, easy and delicious!!! A keeper 🙂
I love how simple this is! A great recipe that my family members who have less kitchen experience could recreate. Very yummy 🙂
Alexis, my oldest daughter was my Skinnytaste cooking buddy & is now in college. I am happy to report that my 16 year old daughter, Kasey, is following in her footsteps…made this for dinner tonight & it was yummy! Thank you for making such delicious & easy recipes for busy mothers & daughters! Gina, You Rock!
Warm regards,
Susan Pena-Salisbury
Meadows Place, Tx.
I made this tonight with your Scallion Cilantro Rice as you suggested, and it was a wonderful combination!
I prepared full servings for both recipes even though I only needed enough to feed myself and my dad. My thinking was that he could keep the leftovers for dinner one night after I leave, but he finished every last bite!
Such a great recipe, Gina! Thank you so much!
Excellent!!
This was absolutely wonderful. I made it for dinner last night (I am on Weight Watcher), this is a meal anyone can enjoy.
I have been looking for some low fat recipes and diabetic I love your site!!!
Making this as I type (mac is on counter, lol) w/quinoa :)…looking forward to it. So far we've made the tostones (my whole family LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it) & your turkey picadillo….deeelish! Love your site!! I learned about it through Michelle Marie Fit. She also has a site.
Cooking this tonight with pasta!
I used a pinch of parsley and basil instead of cilantro. Cilantro just doesn't agree with my tongue. Still came out faboo. Served it over linguini with the garlic sauce tossed. FABULOUS!
Fresh n easy has the best fresh shrimp, sweet and delicious, made this even better!!thanks!
I just made this tonight and it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!
Made this recipe last night and paired it with the Cilantro Lime Rice. AMAZING! Coming from a non-cook, these recipes were quick and easy – fool proof! I'd highly recommend it and will definitely make again!
I made this meal but I made the sauce up and marinated my shrimp all day and then cooked them on the grill….It was wonderful!