Gambas al Ajillo with Rice
King prawns seared with smoked paprika and sherry, finished with garlic and lemon, served over rice for four.
TOTAL TIME
26 min
ACTIVE TIME
17 min
QUANTITY
~2.05 kg
DIFFICULTY
Medium
CUISINE
—
Who’s eating
A
Cooking for A typical adult.
This should leave everyone comfortably full.
Ingredients0/11
Tools0/16
Ingredients0/11 gathered · 4 servings
300g
600ml
2tsp
8clove
20g
1piece
800g
120ml
1tsp
1tsp
60ml| # | Product | Quantity | Notes | State | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 300g | — | — | |
| 2 | | 600ml | — | — | |
| 3 | | 2tsp | — | — | |
| 4 | | 8clove | — | — | |
| 5 | | 20g | — | — | |
| 6 | | 1piece | — | — | |
| 7 | | 800g | — | — | |
| 8 | | 120ml | — | — | |
| 9 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 10 | | 1tsp | — | — | |
| 11 | | 60ml | — | — |
Tools18 items
Serveware1 item
Procedure35 steps
1 of 35
Tip the rice into the medium saucepan.
Long-grain white rice · 300 g
⏱ 10s
ResultLong-grain white rice2 of 35
Pour in the cold water.
Water · 600 ml⏱ 10s
ResultRice and water3 of 35
Add a teaspoon of salt.
Fine sea salt · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSalted rice and water4 of 35
Bring to the boil over a high heat, stirring once to separate the grains.
⏱ 3 min
ResultBoiling rice5 of 35
Turn the heat to its lowest setting and fit the lid tightly.
⏱ 10s
6 of 35
Leave the rice to cook undisturbed for 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender.
⏱ 18 min
ResultSteamed white rice7 of 35
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
Garlic · 8 clove
⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic8 of 35
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
⏱ 1 min
ResultPeeled garlic cloves11 of 35
Lay the parsley on the chopping board.
Flat-leaf parsley · 20 g⏱ 5s
ResultFlat-leaf parsley12 of 35
Pick off the leaves and chop them roughly.
⏱ 40s
ResultRoughly chopped parsley14 of 35
Lay the lemon on the chopping board.
Lemon · 1 piece⏱ 5s
ResultLemon16 of 35
Squeeze the lemon halves into a third small bowl, catching the pips in your other hand, and throw away the squeezed halves.
⏱ 20s
ResultFresh lemon juiceused in step 3917 of 35
Tip the prawns into the colander.
Raw king prawns · 800 g
⏱ 10s
ResultRaw king prawns18 of 35
Rinse the prawns under cold running water and shake off the water.
⏱ 30s
ResultRinsed king prawns20 of 35
Press kitchen paper over the prawns to dry them well.
⏱ 1 min
ResultDried prawnsused in step 2821 of 35
Pour the olive oil into the large frying pan.
Extra-virgin olive oil · 120 ml
⏱ 10s
ResultMeasured oil22 of 35
Warm the oil over a medium heat until it shimmers.
⏱ 1 min 30s
ResultHot oil24 of 35
Stir gently for about 90 seconds, until the garlic is pale gold and fragrant; do not let it brown.
⏱ 1 min 30s
ResultGolden garlic oil25 of 35
Scatter in the chilli flakes.
Chilli flakes · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic oil with chilli26 of 35
Add the smoked paprika.
Smoked paprika · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultGarlic oil with chilli and paprika27 of 35
Stir for about 20 seconds, until fragrant.
⏱ 20s
ResultSpiced garlic oil28 of 35
Lay the prawns in the pan in a single layer.
⏱ 15s
ResultPrawns in spiced oil29 of 35
Sprinkle over a teaspoon of salt.
Fine sea salt · 1 tsp⏱ 5s
ResultSalted prawns in spiced oil30 of 35
Cook without moving them for about 60 seconds, until pink underneath.
⏱ 1 min
ResultHalf-cooked prawns31 of 35
Turn each prawn over with tongs.
⏱ 30s
ResultTurned prawns32 of 35
Pour the sherry in around the prawns.
Dry sherry · 60 ml⏱ 5s
ResultPrawns with sherry33 of 35
Let it bubble for about a minute, until the sherry has reduced by half and the prawns are opaque and curled.
⏱ 1 min
ResultGambas al ajilloused in step 3734 of 35
Lift the lid off the rice.
⏱ 5s
35 of 35
Run the fork through the rice to separate the grains.
⏱ 20s
ResultFluffed riceTotal Time26 min
| # | Product | Tool | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300 g | | Tip the rice into the medium saucepan.⏱ 10sResultLong-grain white rice |
| 2 | 600 ml | | Pour in the cold water.⏱ 10sResultRice and water |
| 3 | 1 tsp | | Add a teaspoon of salt.⏱ 5sResultSalted rice and water |
| 4 | — | | Bring to the boil over a high heat, stirring once to separate the grains.⏱ 3 minResultBoiling rice |
| 5 | — | | Turn the heat to its lowest setting and fit the lid tightly.⏱ 10s |
| 6 | — | | Leave the rice to cook undisturbed for 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender.⏱ 18 minResultSteamed white rice |
| 7 | 8 clove | | Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultGarlic |
| 8 | Garlicstep 7 | | Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.⏱ 1 minResultPeeled garlic cloves |
| 9 | Peeled garlic clovesstep 8 | | Slice the cloves thinly.⏱ 1 minResultThinly sliced garlic |
| 10 | Thinly sliced garlicstep 9 | | Put the garlic in the small bowl.⏱ 5sResultThinly sliced garlicused in step 23 |
| 11 | 20 g | | Lay the parsley on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultFlat-leaf parsley |
| 12 | Flat-leaf parsleystep 11 | | Pick off the leaves and chop them roughly.⏱ 40sResultRoughly chopped parsley |
| 13 | Roughly chopped parsleystep 12 | | Put the parsley in a second small bowl.⏱ 5sResultRoughly chopped parsleyused in step 38 |
| 14 | 1 piece | | Lay the lemon on the chopping board.⏱ 5sResultLemon |
| 15 | Lemonstep 14 | | Cut the lemon in half.⏱ 10sResultHalved lemon |
| 16 | Halved lemonstep 15 | | Squeeze the lemon halves into a third small bowl, catching the pips in your other hand, and throw away the squeezed halves.⏱ 20sResultFresh lemon juiceused in step 39 |
| 17 | 800 g | | Tip the prawns into the colander.⏱ 10sResultRaw king prawns |
| 18 | — | | Rinse the prawns under cold running water and shake off the water.⏱ 30sResultRinsed king prawns |
| 19 | Rinsed king prawnsstep 18 | | Spread the prawns on the plate.⏱ 10sResultRinsed king prawns |
| 20 | — | | Press kitchen paper over the prawns to dry them well.⏱ 1 minResultDried prawnsused in step 28 |
| 21 | 120 ml | | Pour the olive oil into the large frying pan.⏱ 10sResultMeasured oil |
| 22 | — | | Warm the oil over a medium heat until it shimmers.⏱ 1 min 30sResultHot oil |
| 23 | Thinly sliced garlicstep 10 | | Slide the sliced garlic into the oil.⏱ 5sResultGarlic in oil |
| 24 | — | | Stir gently for about 90 seconds, until the garlic is pale gold and fragrant; do not let it brown.⏱ 1 min 30sResultGolden garlic oil |
| 25 | 1 tsp | | Scatter in the chilli flakes.⏱ 5sResultGarlic oil with chilli |
| 26 | 1 tsp | | Add the smoked paprika.⏱ 5sResultGarlic oil with chilli and paprika |
| 27 | — | | Stir for about 20 seconds, until fragrant.⏱ 20sResultSpiced garlic oil |
| 28 | Dried prawnsstep 20 | | Lay the prawns in the pan in a single layer.⏱ 15sResultPrawns in spiced oil |
| 29 | 1 tsp | | Sprinkle over a teaspoon of salt.⏱ 5sResultSalted prawns in spiced oil |
| 30 | — | | Cook without moving them for about 60 seconds, until pink underneath.⏱ 1 minResultHalf-cooked prawns |
| 31 | — | | Turn each prawn over with tongs.⏱ 30sResultTurned prawns |
| 32 | 60 ml | | Pour the sherry in around the prawns.⏱ 5sResultPrawns with sherry |
| 33 | — | | Let it bubble for about a minute, until the sherry has reduced by half and the prawns are opaque and curled.⏱ 1 minResultGambas al ajilloused in step 37 |
| 34 | — | | Lift the lid off the rice.⏱ 5s |
| 35 | — | | Run the fork through the rice to separate the grains.⏱ 20sResultFluffed rice |
| Total Time | 26 min | ||
Serving
- Spoon the rice onto 4 warmed plates.
- Spoon the prawns and their garlic oil over the rice.
- Scatter the parsley over the prawns.
- Spoon the lemon juice over the prawns and serve at once.
Nutritionper serving
Estimated · pre-cooking · 100% ingredients covered
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| 585kcal | |
| 44g | |
| 29g | |
| 4g | |
| 27g | |
| 1g | |
| 2g | |
| 1,507mg |
Ingredients0/11
Tools0/16
Recipe
Gambas al Ajillo with Rice
King prawns seared with smoked paprika and sherry, finished with garlic and lemon, served over rice for four.
What you’ll doYou will steam rice on low heat while you prepare the prawns and aromatics. Once the rice is nearly done, you'll warm garlic in olive oil until pale gold, add spices, then cook the prawns briefly in a single layer before turning them and finishing with sherry. The prawns take only a few minutes at the end.
Serves4
Total26 min
LevelMedium
Ingredients
- Long-grain white rice300 g
- Water600 ml
- Fine sea salt2 tsp
- Garlic8 clove
- Flat-leaf parsley20 g
- Lemon1 piece
- Raw king prawns800 g
- Extra-virgin olive oil120 ml
- Chilli flakes1 tsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Dry sherry60 ml
Tools
SpoonPan lidTongsThinly bowl (small bowl)Parsley bowl (small bowl)Lemon juice bowl (small bowl)Saucepan lidLarge frying panChef's knifeCitrus juicerWooden spoonDinner plateColanderPlateForkMedium saucepanKitchen paperChopping board
Method
1
Tip the rice into the medium saucepan.
10sMedium saucepanLong-grain white rice · 300 g
2
Pour in the cold water.
10sMedium saucepanWater · 600 ml
3
Add a teaspoon of salt.
5sMedium saucepanFine sea salt · 1 tsp
4
Bring to the boil over a high heat, stirring once to separate the grains.
3 minMedium saucepan, Wooden spoon
5
Turn the heat to its lowest setting and fit the lid tightly.
10sMedium saucepan, Saucepan lid
6
Leave the rice to cook undisturbed for 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender.
18 minMedium saucepan
7
Lay the garlic cloves on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardGarlic · 8 clove
8
Crush each clove lightly with the flat of the knife and pull off the skin.
1 minChopping board, Chefs knifeGarlic · step 7
9
Slice the cloves thinly.
1 minChopping board, Chefs knifePeeled garlic cloves · step 8
10
Put the garlic in the small bowl.
Result · Thinly sliced garlic · used in step 23
5sThinly bowl (small bowl)Thinly sliced garlic · step 9
11
Lay the parsley on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardFlat-leaf parsley · 20 g
12
Pick off the leaves and chop them roughly.
40sChopping board, Chefs knifeFlat-leaf parsley · step 11
13
Put the parsley in a second small bowl.
Result · Roughly chopped parsley · used in step 38
5sParsley bowl (small bowl)Roughly chopped parsley · step 12
14
Lay the lemon on the chopping board.
5sChopping boardLemon · 1 piece
15
Cut the lemon in half.
10sChopping board, Chefs knifeLemon · step 14
16
Squeeze the lemon halves into a third small bowl, catching the pips in your other hand, and throw away the squeezed halves.
Result · Fresh lemon juice · used in step 39
20sLemon juice bowl (small bowl), Citrus juicerHalved lemon · step 15
17
Tip the prawns into the colander.
10sColanderRaw king prawns · 800 g
18
Rinse the prawns under cold running water and shake off the water.
30sColander
19
Spread the prawns on the plate.
10sPlateRinsed king prawns · step 18
20
Press kitchen paper over the prawns to dry them well.
Result · Dried prawns · used in step 28
1 minPlate, Kitchen paper
21
Pour the olive oil into the large frying pan.
10sLarge frying panExtra-virgin olive oil · 120 ml
22
Warm the oil over a medium heat until it shimmers.
1 min 30sLarge frying pan
23
Slide the sliced garlic into the oil.
5sLarge frying panThinly sliced garlic · step 10
24
Stir gently for about 90 seconds, until the garlic is pale gold and fragrant; do not let it brown.
1 min 30sLarge frying pan, Wooden spoon
25
Scatter in the chilli flakes.
5sLarge frying panChilli flakes · 1 tsp
26
Add the smoked paprika.
5sLarge frying panSmoked paprika · 1 tsp
27
Stir for about 20 seconds, until fragrant.
20sLarge frying pan, Wooden spoon
28
Lay the prawns in the pan in a single layer.
15sLarge frying panDried prawns · step 20
29
Sprinkle over a teaspoon of salt.
5sLarge frying panFine sea salt · 1 tsp
30
Cook without moving them for about 60 seconds, until pink underneath.
1 minLarge frying pan
31
Turn each prawn over with tongs.
30sLarge frying pan, Tongs
32
Pour the sherry in around the prawns.
5sLarge frying panDry sherry · 60 ml
33
Let it bubble for about a minute, until the sherry has reduced by half and the prawns are opaque and curled.
Result · Gambas al ajillo · used in step 37
1 minLarge frying pan
34
Lift the lid off the rice.
5sMedium saucepan, Pan lid
35
Run the fork through the rice to separate the grains.
20sMedium saucepan, Fork
36
Spoon the rice onto 4 warmed plates. → Into 4 equal portions
40sDinner plate, SpoonFluffed rice · step 35
37
Spoon the prawns and their garlic oil over the rice.
40sDinner plate, SpoonGambas al ajillo · step 33
38
Scatter the parsley over the prawns.
15sDinner plateRoughly chopped parsley · step 13
39
Spoon the lemon juice over the prawns and serve at once.
Result · Gambas al Ajillo with Rice
10sDinner plate, SpoonFresh lemon juice · step 16
Printed 7 October 2026