Garlic Shrimp Recipe

This Garlic Shrimp recipe is a sizzling, flavor-packed dish that transforms simple shrimp into a rich and aromatic tapas favorite. Cooked in olive oil infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, paprika, sherry, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, this recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavor in every bite. Featured on Feed My Soul, V!, it showcases how a handful of fresh, simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish in just minutes.

Juicy shrimp are gently sautéed in fragrant garlic oil, then finished with bright citrus and herbs for balance. The result is a rustic yet elegant dish that works perfectly as an appetizer, shared tapas plate, or quick weeknight seafood meal.

The Inspiration

This Garlic Shrimp recipe draws inspiration from those traditional Spanish flavors while making the process easy for home kitchens. The key technique is gently infusing olive oil with garlic and chili, creating a fragrant base that coats the shrimp as they cook. Sweet paprika adds warmth and depth, while dry sherry enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood. A final splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the oil.

On Feed My Soul, V!, host Vanessa Gianfrancesco highlights approachable recipes that bring global flavors into everyday cooking. This dish reflects that philosophy perfectly, combining elegance with simplicity and delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It is ideal for entertaining, tapas nights, or whenever you want a quick yet impressive seafood dish.

Ingredients

1 pound (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt
½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
10 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon (5 ml) red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (5 ml) sweet paprika
2 tablespoons (30 ml) dry sherry
½ lemon, juice
½ cup (120 ml) chopped parsley
Crusty bread, to serve

Method

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil until shimmering. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic begins to colour, 1 minute.
Add the shrimp and paprika. Cook, tossing regularly, until the shrimp turns opaque, about 3 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the sherry, lemon juice, and parsley.
Transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with bread.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Shrimp recipe is best served hot and fresh, straight from the pan while the garlic oil is still fragrant and vibrant. It works beautifully as part of a Spanish-inspired tapas spread, where it can be paired with dishes like patatas bravas, marinated olives, roasted peppers, grilled vegetables, or Manchego cheese for a complete sharing-style meal.

It can also be served as a light main course over steamed rice, buttered noodles, or roasted potatoes, allowing the flavorful garlic oil to soak into the base of the dish. For entertaining, serve it in a shallow bowl with plenty of crusty bread so guests can enjoy every drop of the aromatic sauce.

For beverages, crisp white wines such as Albariño, Verdejo, or Sauvignon Blanc complement the garlic and spice beautifully. A dry rosé or sparkling cava also enhances the dish’s richness while keeping the palate refreshed. For non-alcoholic pairings, citrus sparkling water or chilled lemonade provides a bright contrast to the savory garlic oil.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The combination of sizzling garlic oil, tender shrimp, smoky paprika, and bright lemon delivers a dish that is both comforting and refined.

Quick to prepare yet impressive in presentation, it is ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. Featured on Feed My Soul, V!, it reflects the show’s commitment to approachable recipes inspired by global cuisine and bold, satisfying flavors.

Find more recipes from Feed my Soul, V! here!