If you’re craving something bold, garlicky, and packed with flavor, Camarones Al Ajillo is the dish for you! This classic Spanish and Latin American shrimp recipe is all about juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of spice. It’s quick to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for serving with warm crusty bread, rice, or pasta. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going on your regular dinner rotation!
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Why You’ll Love Camarones Al Ajillo
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Flavor Explosion – Garlic, butter, and shrimp create an irresistible combo.
Versatile – Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or with pasta.
Perfect for Entertaining – Impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Healthy & Light – High in protein and naturally low in carbs.
Ingredients
This dish comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients:
Shrimp – Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined for convenience.
Garlic – The star of the dish! Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Butter & Olive Oil – A rich and balanced base for sautéing.
Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a subtle heat (adjust to taste).
White Wine (Optional) – Enhances the sauce with a light, aromatic depth.
Fresh Parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish with a fresh citrus kick.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
This recipe is all about quick cooking and bold flavors:
Sauté the Garlic – In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional) – If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Finish with Lemon & Parsley – Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve Immediately – Enjoy hot with crusty bread, rice, or pasta!
How to Serve Camarones Al Ajillo
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious serving ideas:
With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the garlicky butter sauce.
Over Rice – A classic way to turn it into a satisfying meal.
With Pasta – Toss it with cooked pasta for a shrimp scampi-style dish.
As Tacos – Serve in warm tortillas with avocado and a squeeze of lime.
On a Salad – Add to a fresh green salad for a protein-packed meal.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Shrimp – If possible, fresh shrimp will give the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking makes them rubbery, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
Adjust the Spice – Add more red pepper flakes if you like extra heat, or omit them for a milder version.
Make It Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Pair with Wine – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: What if I don’t have white wine?
A2: You can substitute chicken broth or just omit it.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers gently on the stove.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Replace butter with more olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat?
A6: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil to keep the shrimp juicy.
Q7: Can I add other seafood?
A7: Absolutely! Try adding scallops, mussels, or even chunks of white fish.
Q8: Can I make it without spice?
A8: Yes! Just skip the red pepper flakes.
Q9: What can I serve as a side dish?
A9: Roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, or a simple mixed greens salad.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Camarones Al Ajillo is the ultimate quick and flavorful shrimp dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its garlicky butter sauce and a hint of spice, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. Try it tonight and enjoy a taste of Spain or Latin America in your own kitchen!
Print
Camarones Al Ajillo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy garlic shrimp, or Camarones al Ajillo, is a rich and flavorful dish made with succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of white wine. Perfect for an easy yet elegant meal!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 lbs shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Cream Sauce:
- 12 large garlic cloves, minced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 cans (7.2 oz each) Media Crema or 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn opaque and form a “C” shape.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the table cream (or heavy cream) along with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy with rice, crusty bread, or pasta!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Serve with rice, tostones, or warm bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 260mg