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Gambas al Ajillo and crisps

Spanish Garlic Shrimp & Potato Chips


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  • Author: Cori Horton
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Description

Crispy potato chips topped with sizzling garlic shrimp, olive oil, shallots and roasted red pepper. An easy Spanish-inspired tapas snack you can make in minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8-12 tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup roasted red pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4-5 cups crispy potato chips

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp, then slice each shrimp in half lengthwise.
  2. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towel. This is important — you want the hot oil to sear and cook the shrimp, not steam them.
  3. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a shallow heatproof serving dish or pan.
  4. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Make the Garlic Oil

  1. Add the olive oil, sliced shallots, garlic, green onion and roasted red pepper to a small skillet.
  2. Heat over medium heat until the oil is very hot and the aromatics are bubbling.
  3. Once the garlic is fragrant and the oil is actively bubbling, remove it from the heat immediately.

Cook the Shrimp

  1. Carefully pour the piping-hot garlic oil and aromatics directly over the shrimp.
  2. The shrimp will begin cooking immediately.
  3. Give them about 30–60 seconds, turning once if necessary, until just cooked through.
  4. Do not overcook them — they are small, halved shrimp and cook incredibly quickly.

Build Your Spanish Bar Snack

  1. Arrange the potato chips on a large platter.
  2. Pour the hot garlic shrimp and every last drop of the infused olive oil over the chips.
  3. Scatter generously with fresh parsley.
  4. Finish with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately.

Notes

A Few Easy Variations

  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of dried chili flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili to the garlic oil.
  • Use prawns: Any small-to-medium shrimp or prawns work beautifully.
  • Add smoked paprika: A small pinch gives the oil another layer of Spanish flavour.
  • Go bigger: Serve the shrimp and garlic oil over toasted baguette instead of chips for a more traditional gambas al ajillo presentation.
  • Party size: Double the shrimp and oil, but cook in batches so the shrimp remain in a single layer.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Spanish