Looking for a fast-friendly recipe that's simple to prepare, satisfying, and packed with protein? Try my Gambas PilPil! While fasting is about growing closer to God, a nutritious, balanced meal can keep you energized for prayer and reflection.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you're looking for a simple and delicious meal for fasting days, Gambas Pil Pil is perfect. It’s super easy to throw together with just a few ingredients—garlic, prawns, and a bit of heat from chili peppers. It cooks up quickly over medium-high heat, so you don’t need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, which is great when you’re busy or trying to focus on prayer. Plus, since shellfish is allowed during fasting, it’s a great way to get some protein in. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a tasty, balanced meal that totally fits within fasting guidelines!
🦐 Ingredients
1 - Key Ingredients
To make this simple yet flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 24 king prawns, peeled and cleaned
- 4 large cloves of garlic, shredded
- 2 teaspoon of dried chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup of avocado oil
- Salt
2 - Variations
Fasting days can be flexible, and you can easily adapt this recipe to your needs:
- Swap prawns for mushrooms: If you're looking for a vegan-friendly option, sauté mushrooms in place of prawns. They absorb the flavors of the pilpil sauce beautifully and add a rich, umami taste.
- Add zucchini: For a more veggie-packed meal, add sliced zucchini. Cook them along with the prawns or mushrooms for a lighter, fresher variation.
- Use olive oil instead of avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, but if you prefer the classic Mediterranean flavor, good-quality extra virgin olive oil works just as well.
🍤 Instructions
1 - Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the oil
Begin by selecting a large frying pan or, for a more authentic touch, use individual earthenware dishes as they often do in tapas bars. Add ½ cup of good quality avocado oil (or extra virgin olive oil if preferred). Heat the oil over medium-high heat, making sure it gets hot but not smoking. The key to this gambas pil pil recipe is starting with hot oil, as it helps sear the prawns and cook them perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the garlic
Once the oil is shimmering, add 4 large garlic cloves, finely shredded. Cook for about a couple of minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them—lots of garlic is the heart of this dish, and you want it to release all its aroma into the oil for the best result. Fresh garlic is essential here for that rich, classic flavor.
Step 3: Add the prawns
Now, add the 24 fresh prawns, peeled and cleaned, into the pan. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking, letting the prawns sit in a single layer for a nice sear. In just about two minutes, you’ll see them turn pink and opaque—this is when they are perfectly done. Cooking prawns quickly in hot oil keeps them tender. In Spain, dishes like gambas al pil-pil or shrimp pil pil are loved for their simple preparation and flavor-packed results.
Step 4: Spice it up
With the prawns cooked, it's time to introduce the spices. Add 2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, 2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to balance the richness. Stir everything well so the prawns are fully coated in this flavorful sauce. Adjust the amount of chilli to your preference, but remember, this dish is traditionally made with a little bit of heat. For those who love it spicier, you can also toss in a few chopped chili peppers or a touch of chilli oil. The beauty of Spanish recipes like this is in their flexibility with flavors.
Step 5: Season and serve
Add salt to taste and give the dish one last stir to ensure everything is well combined. Serve immediately while the dish is still sizzling, either in the pan or earthenware, for that authentic Spanish tapas feel. This dish is one of my favourite tapas dishes because it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Make sure to have plenty of bread on hand for soaking up that delicious garlic and chili-infused oil.
This gambas al pil pil recipe is a simple dish that makes a great addition to any Mediterranean cuisine spread, whether as a main dish or part of a small plates meal. It’s quick, flavorful, and sure to become one of your go-to Spanish recipes!
2 - Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
Here are some practical cooking tips to help you get the best results when making Gambas al Pil Pil, a great dish from the Basque Country and Costa del Sol regions:
- Use fresh prawns: Fresh prawns provide the best flavour for this garlic prawns dish. If using frozen, thaw them thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Cook the shredded garlic over medium-high heat. You want it golden brown, not burnt. This step ensures the garlic infuses the oil for the perfect delicious sauce without becoming bitter.
- Hot paprika for depth: Adding hot paprika gives this dish that rich, smoky flavor. If you like more spice, toss in some chili pepper or chilli peppers. Just be careful not to overpower the prawns.
- Control the heat: Use medium-high heat to get a good sear on the prawns. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them and cook just until they turn pink.
- Serve immediately: This dish should be served sizzling hot, so have everything ready before cooking. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce—it's the only thing that could make this dish better!
- Balance the meal: While chilli prawns make a great simple appetizer or part of a tapas recipe, you can serve it with a side of shrimp salad or a fresh green salad to turn it into a full meal.
These tips will help you create the perfect dish of gambas al pil pil every time.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Making A Batch For Later
Making A Batch For Later
If you want to get ahead on your meal prep, you can easily make a larger batch of Gambas Pilpil and freeze it:
Store in freezer-safe containers: Allow everything to cool down before storing. Use freezer bags or airtight containers to separate the sauce from the prawns. This method will extend the shelf life up to 3 months.
Cook the prawns and sauce separately: Prepare the sauce and prawns in large quantities, but freeze them separately to prevent the prawns from becoming rubbery.
Storing Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them for optimal freshness:
Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months for best results.
Fridge: Store the prawns and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the prawns are fully cooled before sealing the container to avoid excess moisture.
How to Reheat?
How to Reheat?
Reheating frozen Gambas Pilpil: Thaw the prawns overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the prawns and sauce in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also warm it on the stovetop over medium heat. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as prawns can dry out quickly.
🥖 Side Dishes
To create a balanced meal that complements your Gambas al Pil Pil, consider these nutritious side dishes, perfect for fasting days:
Rice or Pasta
Rice or Pasta
A simple side of rice or pasta is an excellent way to add carbs to this dish. You can prepare plain white or brown rice, or toss pasta with a bit of lemon juice, black pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This adds both freshness and texture while keeping the focus on the prawns. These are great options if you're looking for something filling that also balances the richness of the garlic prawns.
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed veggies such as broccoli, zucchini, or green beans provide fiber and essential nutrients. Lightly season with cayenne pepper or black pepper to add a subtle kick without overpowering the prawns. This side is a fantastic way to include healthy veggies in your meal and adds a bright contrast to the spicy garlic sauce of the prawns.
Fresh Salad
Fresh Salad
A fresh salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice makes the perfect light companion. Add a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper for extra flavor. This salad brings in some acidity and freshness to balance the richness of the Gambas al Ajillo and makes the meal more complete. It’s also an ideal, easy-to-prepare option for fasting days when you need something light but nutritious.
These sides will help create a well-rounded, satisfying meal, offering a balance of proteins, carbs, and vegetables to accompany your delicious Gambas Pil Pil.
📝 Recipe Card
Gambas Pil Pil: A Spanish Tapas for Orthodox Fast
Ingredients
- 1 lb king prawns peeled and cleaned
- 4 units garlic cloves large, shredded
- 2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 1 pinch Salt adjust to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the oil
- Begin by selecting a large frying pan or, for a more authentic touch, use individual earthenware dishes as they often do in tapas bars. Add ½ cup of good quality avocado oil (or extra virgin olive oil if preferred). Heat the oil over medium-high heat, making sure it gets hot but not smoking. The key to this gambas pil pil recipe is starting with hot oil, as it helps sear the prawns and cook them perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the garlic
- Once the oil is shimmering, add 4 large garlic cloves, finely shredded. Cook for about a couple of minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them—lots of garlic is the heart of this dish, and you want it to release all its aroma into the oil for the best result. Fresh garlic is essential here for that rich, classic flavor.
Step 3: Add the prawns
- Now, add the 24 fresh prawns, peeled and cleaned, into the pan. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking, letting the prawns sit in a single layer for a nice sear. In just about two minutes, you’ll see them turn pink and opaque—this is when they are perfectly done. Cooking prawns quickly in hot oil keeps them tender. In Spain, dishes like gambas al pil-pil or shrimp pil pil are loved for their simple preparation and flavor-packed results.
Step 4: Spice it up
- With the prawns cooked, it's time to introduce the spices. Add 2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, 2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to balance the richness. Stir everything well so the prawns are fully coated in this flavorful sauce. Adjust the amount of chilli to your preference, but remember, this dish is traditionally made with a little bit of heat. For those who love it spicier, you can also toss in a few chopped chili peppers or a touch of chilli oil. The beauty of Spanish recipes like this is in their flexibility with flavors.
Step 5: Season and serve
- Add salt to taste and give the dish one last stir to ensure everything is well combined. Serve immediately while the dish is still sizzling, either in the pan or earthenware, for that authentic Spanish tapas feel. This dish is one of my favourite tapas dishes because it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Make sure to have plenty of bread on hand for soaking up that delicious garlic and chili-infused oil.
Video
Notes
- Use fresh prawns: Fresh prawns provide the best flavour for this garlic prawns dish. If using frozen, thaw them thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Cook the shredded garlic over medium-high heat. You want it golden brown, not burnt. This step ensures the garlic infuses the oil for the perfect delicious sauce without becoming bitter.
- Hot paprika for depth: Adding hot paprika gives this dish that rich, smoky flavor. If you like more spice, toss in some chili pepper or chilli peppers. Just be careful not to overpower the prawns.
- Control the heat: Use medium-high heat to get a good sear on the prawns. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them and cook just until they turn pink.
- Serve immediately: This dish should be served sizzling hot, so have everything ready before cooking. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce—it's the only thing that could make this dish better!
- Balance the meal: While chilli prawns make a great simple appetizer or part of a tapas recipe, you can serve it with a side of shrimp salad or a fresh green salad to turn it into a full meal.
Nutrition
If you're looking for an easy, tasty dish for fasting days, Gambas Pil Pil is a great option. It’s super simple to make, yet full of flavor thanks to the garlic and a bit of heat from the hot peppers. The prawns give you a good dose of protein, which is always helpful when you're trying to stay energized during fasting. You can serve it with rice or some veggies to make it a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and healthy. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat, but still keeps things simple and fast-friendly. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Gambas Pil Pil is a traditional Spanish food dish, particularly popular in the Basque Country and along the Costa del Sol. It's commonly served as part of a tapas menu, where small plates are shared. You’ll often find it in Spanish tapas bars, sizzling hot and served in earthenware dishes.
Pil Pil sauce is a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers. The sauce is simple but packs a punch, with a garlicky and slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the prawns. It’s a staple in Spanish recipes like Gambas al Pil Pil and is often served sizzling hot.
Pil Pil prawns are prawns cooked in the traditional pil pil sauce, made with garlic, hot peppers, and olive oil. The prawns are typically cooked over medium-high heat until they turn pink, absorbing the flavors of the sauce. They’re a popular dish in Spanish food, often served as an easy tapas option.
Gambas Pil Pil are garlic prawns cooked in a spicy oil-based sauce. The name comes from the Spanish word "gambas," meaning prawns, and "pil pil," referring to the sizzling sauce they’re cooked in. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for sharing as part of a tapas spread.
Pil Pil prawns refers to prawns cooked in the signature pil pil sauce, which is a combination of garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers. The dish is typically served hot and is a must-try for anyone who loves Spanish recipes.
Pil Pil shrimp is just another name for Pil Pil prawns, where shrimp are cooked in the same garlicky, spicy sauce. This dish is often enjoyed as a simple appetizer or part of a healthy recipe rotation, especially for those who love Mediterranean-inspired meals.
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