Gambas Pil Pil Recipe (Sizzling Garlic Prawns)

Gambas Pil Pil is a Spanish tapas dish made with prawns cooked quickly in olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and paprika. This easy version is ready in under 20 minutes and is perfect as a starter, tapas dish or light dinner.

What is Gambas Pil Pil?

Gambas Pil Pil is a traditional Spanish tapas dish that is so easy to make at home. It is usually made with olive oil, garlic, chilli and paprika. I add a little butter for extra richness, but you can skip it for a more classic dairy-free version.

I like this dish because it is easy to make, ready in under 20 minutes, rich and flavorful, and great served with bread or rice.

My advice is to keep an eye on the prawns while they are cooking to make sure they stay juicy and tender, and do not become overcooked.

You'll Need

“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”

• Raw prawns: I use raw king prawn, peeled and deveined. If using frozen prawns, thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking.
• Olive oil: I recommend using high quality olive oil for better taste.
• Garlic: I use 5 cloves of fresh garlic.
• Butter: It makes the sauce rich. I use unsalted butter. However, if you want to make this dish dairy-free, skip the butter.
• Lemon juice: Preferably freshly squeezed, but store-bought will also work.
• Fresh parsley: I prefer to chop the leaves right before I add them.
• Seasonings: I use sweet paprika, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper and salt.

Tip: I didn't want to make this dish extra spicy, so I used sweet paprika instead of hot paprika.

How To Make The Gambas Pil Pil

One: Heat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan over medium heat.

Two: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the oil is sizzling.

Tip: Use a frying pan that fits your prawns in a single layer; that way, they can be fully immersed in the oil and cook fast.

Three: Once it is sizzling, add the prawns in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes , stirring a few times until they turn pink (DON't overcook).

Four: Once pink, stir in the salt, pepper, paprika and lemon juice. After which, you can turn off the heat and stir in the parsley.

Five: Transfer the prawns and all its oil into a dish or bowl and serve immediately.

More Seafood Recipes

• Thai Fish Patties
• Spicy Korean-Chinese Seafood Soup (Jjampong)
• Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
• Baked Honey Glazed Salmon
• Cajun Fish Fry

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