🦐 Gambas Pil Pil (Spanish Garlic Chili Prawns)


Serves: 8–10 people as a hot starter or part of a buffet
Time: 15–20 minutes
Style: Spanish, tapas-style, but pairs beautifully with Mediterranean menus


🧂 Ingredients:

  • 1kg raw king prawns, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)

  • 6–8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón dulce or picante)

  • 1–2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)

  • 1 tsp sea salt

  • 150ml good quality olive oil

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • Small bunch fresh parsley, chopped

  • Optional: pinch of ground cumin (adds depth)


👨‍🍳 Instructions:

🔥 1. Prep the oil:

  • In a large frying pan or shallow casserole dish, gently heat the olive oil on medium heat.

  • Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and just golden (don’t burn it!).

  • Add chili flakes, paprika, and optional cumin. Let it sizzle gently for 1 minute to infuse the oil.

🦐 2. Cook the prawns:

  • Add the prawns in a single layer. Sear 1–2 mins per side until just pink and cooked through.

  • Squeeze in lemon juice and season with sea salt.

🌿 3. Finish:

  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley, give it a quick toss, and serve immediately — sizzling hot is traditional!


🥖 To Serve:

  • Serve in a shallow dish or platter with crusty bread or warm flatbread to soak up the garlicky oil.

  • Optional: Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges.


🔄 Prep-Ahead Tips:

  • Slice garlic and marinate prawns with a bit of paprika and lemon juice in advance.

  • Cook just before serving for best texture and presentation (prawns overcook quickly).


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