Garlic and Chili Shrimp

Name: Garlic and Chili Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Shrimps 1.1 lbs; Extra virgin olive oil 6 spoonfuls; Garlic 2 cloves; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Fresh chili pepper 1

it es fr de br

158

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 158
Carbohydrates g 2.4
of which sugars g 2.3
Protein g 9.3
Fats g 12.4
of which saturated fat g 1.81
Fiber g 0.2
Cholesterol mg 101
Sodium mg 296

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Gamberi aglio e peperoncino, a Spanish tapas favorite, is one of those dishes that just shows up on the table and—bam!—everyone’s reaching for it. Really good stuff. It’s this quick, simple garlic shrimp thing where you toss fresh shrimp into a sizzling pan with olive oil, heaps of sliced garlic, and vibrant red chili slices. So you end up with this tender and slightly spicy appetizer that's all about those bold, punchy flavors.

In Spain, this is a go-to as a tapa, which is great—meaning you get a small plate that's just right for sharing over drinks or kicking off a big meal. Compared to croquetas or tortilla de patatas, it really stands out. It’s super super juicy with that moist, garlicky kick. And listen, it’s way way easier than most people think—a simple shrimp recipe that takes just a few minutes and nails all the right notes.

Plus, when you’re in the mood for something different from the usual shrimp scampi or fried stuff, this chili garlic shrimp is where it’s at. In Spain, they might serve it steaming hot with a fresh salad or even a dollop of mayo to smooth out the tangy heat. And the black pepper? Adds another layer of flavor that keeps things interesting. It’s not fussy at all—you get this super easy, spicy shrimp recipe with crispy garlic and just enough chili to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. Pretty much.

Thing is, it fits the whole tapas vibe perfectly: a bunch of friends, a few plates of tasty stuff, and everyone just digging in. So for anyone who’s into the idea of a shrimp stir-fry but craves that real Spanish twist, gamberi aglio e peperoncino is a golden pick. Grab a crusty bread to soak up that garlicky oil, and you’re set for a seriously good evening with great company and amazing flavors.

How to prepare Garlic and Chili Shrimp

To prepare the garlic and chili shrimp tapa, start by cleaning the shrimp: shell them 1 and, with the help of a knife, remove the black intestine vein 2. Heat a pan with 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over moderate heat 3,

then add two cloves of garlic and let it turn golden 4. Meanwhile, prepare the chili: wash it, remove the stem 5, and cut it in half to remove all the seeds 6,

then chop it finely and add it to the oil 7. As soon as the oil is flavored, add the shrimp 8 and cook them on both sides for 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them otherwise they will lose flavor and become tough. Finally, adjust with salt and add pepper to taste 9. Serve your garlic and chili shrimp tapa immediately. If you like, you can accompany the garlic and chili shrimp tapa with mayonnaise, serve it with salad, or with toasted bread crostini.

Storage

The garlic and chili shrimp should be consumed immediately.

Advice

If you prefer, you can substitute the shrimp with prawns.

Curiosity

Tapas are typical dishes of the Spanish gastronomic tradition served in small portions during aperitifs or as appetizers, usually accompanied by alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. A Spanish legend tells that the name "tapa" originates from the habit of covering the glass with a "tapa," a small plate, to protect it from insects. The empty plate was later filled with the delicacies that we can appreciate and enjoy today.

Want to discover other types of tapas? Check out our recipes: Galician-style octopus, scallops with wine and croquetas

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.