Spanish Garlic Shrimp with White Beans & Tomatoes

Name: Spanish Garlic Shrimp with White Beans & Tomatoes Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 450 g Jumbo raw shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined; 1 can (400g) Canned cannellini white beans, rinsed and drained; 250 g Sweet cherry tomatoes, halved; 60 ml Extra virgin Spanish olive oil; 6 cloves Garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 5 g Spanish smoked sweet paprika (Pimentón); 30 ml Dry white wine or fresh lemon juice; 15 g + 5g Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, salt, and pepper

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If you crave a seafood dinner that feels like dining along the coast, this Spanish Garlic Shrimp with White Beans & Tomatoes Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo) delivers every single time. Featuring jumbo shrimp , and deveined, cannellini white beans, rinsed and drained and sweet cherry tomatoes, halved, it locks in tender juiciness and bright herb aromatics in under 20 min with virtually effortless cleanup.

Ingredients

4 servings

1 lb Jumbo raw shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined
1 can (15 oz) Canned cannellini white beans, rinsed and drained
1.5 cups Sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup Extra virgin Spanish olive oil
6 cloves Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tsp Spanish smoked sweet paprika (Pimentón)
2 tbsp Dry white wine or fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp parsley, 1/2 tsp salt Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, salt, and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced garlic and smoked paprika for **2 minutes** until garlic is pale golden (do not burn).

Add halved cherry tomatoes and cannellini beans; **cook for 4 minutes** until tomatoes begin to soften and release juices.

Add shrimp, white wine, salt, and red pepper flakes. **Cook for 3 to 4 minutes**, tossing occasionally until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Remove from heat; stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve sizzling with crusty bread.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Cook the garlic over gentle medium heat so it softens and infuses the oil without turning bitter.
The combination of white beans and shrimp makes this a satisfying, fiber-rich dinner.

1. Pat Surfaces Completely Dry: Always pat seafood dry with clean paper towels before it hits the skillet. Surface moisture creates steam; dry protein sears instantly into a golden, flavorful crust. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautéing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Cook the garlic over gentle medium heat so it softens and infuses the oil without turning bitter.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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Why Did My Spanish Garlic Shrimp with White Beans & Tomatoes Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo) Stick to the Skillet?: Seafood sticks when the pan is not hot enough or if attempted to flip too quickly. Allow the fillet to sear undisturbed over medium-high heat; as the crust caramelizes, it will naturally release cleanly from the metal.
How to Avoid Rubberiness?: Seafood cooks in mere minutes. Remove fish or shellfish from direct heat the moment flesh turns opaque—residual carryover heat on the warm platter finishes cooking without toughening.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store cooked seafood in a shallow airtight glass container in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a lightly oiled covered skillet over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes. Avoid high-power microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I make this with frozen fish fillets? A: Yes, but ensure fillets are thawed completely in the refrigerator overnight and thoroughly dried with paper towels before cooking.

Q: What white wine pairs best with this dish? A: A crisp, high-acid white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry Chardonnay pairs divinely with the seafood flavors.

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 4)

320 Calories

22g Carbs 8% DV

30g Protein 60% DV

14g Fat 18% DV

5g Fiber 18% DV

490mg Sodium 21% DV

Carbs 27% Protein 37% Fat 36%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Seafood
Dietary High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Total Time 20 min
Yield 4 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate culinary explorer, recipe tester, and culinary director at YumAroma.

View Full Culinary Bio →

Spanish Garlic Shrimp with White Beans & Tomatoes Recipe (Gambas al Ajillo)

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Garlic & Paprika

Add Tomatoes & White Beans

Sear Shrimp