That dish looks like Spanish-style Garlic Butter Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo) served with toasted bread. Here’s a detailed, restaurant-quality recipe so you can recreate it exactly.
🦐 Spanish Garlic Butter Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
🕒 Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
🍽 Serves
2–4 as appetizer, 2 as main
🛒 Ingredients
Shrimp
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
Sauce
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6–8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh cilantro (optional but matches the image look)
To Serve
Lemon slices
Crusty baguette, toasted
Extra chopped herbs for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (very important for browning).
Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
Let sit 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2️⃣ Toast the Bread
Slice baguette.
Brush with olive oil or butter.
Toast in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden.
Optional: Rub with a cut garlic clove after toasting.
3️⃣ Build the Garlic Base
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add olive oil + butter.
Once melted, add sliced garlic.
Cook gently 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden (do NOT brown heavily or it turns bitter).
Add red pepper flakes.
4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Increase heat to medium-high.
Add shrimp in a single layer.
Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
Do not overcook — shrimp cook fast!
5️⃣ Create the Sauce
Pour in white wine (it will sizzle).
Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in lemon juice and zest.
Taste and adjust salt.
The sauce should look glossy, buttery, and slightly oily (perfect for dipping bread).
6️⃣ Finish & Garnish
Turn off heat.
Stir in chopped parsley and cilantro.
Spoon extra sauce over shrimp.
Garnish with lemon slices.
Serve immediately while sizzling.
🔥 Flavor Tips (Restaurant Secrets)
Use smoked paprika, not regular — big difference.
Add 1 tbsp tomato paste when cooking garlic for deeper color like in the image.
A pinch of saffron soaked in warm wine elevates it.
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
🌶 Optional Variations
Spicy Version
Add 1 finely chopped fresh red chili.
Creamy Version
Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end.
Tomato-Garlic Style
Add ¼ cup crushed tomatoes when adding wine.
🧄 How to Get That Rich Red Color (Like the Image)
The vibrant color likely comes from:
Smoked paprika
Chili flakes
A little tomato paste
Shrimp juices mixing with butter
