Garlic Shrimp
Garlic Shrimp, or Gambas al Ajillo, is a classic Spanish tapas dish featuring shrimp sautéed in a generous amount of olive oil with sliced garlic and a touch of dried chili pepper for heat. It's a simple yet flavorful staple from Spain, often served sizzling in a small earthenware dish with crusty bread for dipping.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the olive oil, while being very low in carbohydrates. A typical serving provides a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and antioxidants, with a rough calorie estimate of 250-350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Selenium | 40 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Zinc | 2.1 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin E | 2.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Gambas al Ajillo is a quintessential part of Spanish tapas culture, meant to be shared and enjoyed with a drink. Nutritionally, the generous use of olive oil not only carries the garlic flavor but also provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
