Quick Shrimp Garlic Oil Dip

This speedy shrimp and garlic oil dip brings the flavors of a Spanish tapas bar right into your kitchen. In just twenty minutes, you get a creamy vibrant spread that tastes just like Gambas al Ajillo but is so much easier to eat with friends. I lean on this whenever I need a bold appetizer that never fails to win the crowd over

There was a party where I doubled the recipe because the first bowl disappeared in less than fifteen minutes. Now I always keep extra shrimp in my freezer just for this dip

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined Look for plump shrimp with a delicate sweet smell to ensure they are fresh
• Extra virgin olive oil: This infuses all the aromatics and brings a rich Spanish flavor Use a good bottle since it really shines
• Large garlic cloves: Sliced for intense fragrance and depth Go for firm heavy cloves with papery skins
• Small red chili or red pepper flakes: Choose a vibrant chili for heat and color Remove seeds if you prefer it mild
• Smoked paprika: Adds a mellow heat and smoky undertone Spanish paprika gives the best flavor
• Sea salt: Brightens all the flavors Fine or flaky works
• Lemon juice: Fresh juice adds a little zip and balances the richness Pick a lemon that's heavy and glossy for juiciness
• Fresh parsley: Finishes the dish with grassy freshness Opt for leaves with vibrant green color avoid yellow spots
• Cream cheese: Use full fat for best texture Let it come to room temp so it blends smoothly
• Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and body Choose a good quality or homemade mayo
• Freshly ground black pepper: Just a pinch for subtle heat and balance

Instructions

Prep the Aromatics:

Slice the garlic and chili carefully for even pieces Thinner slices cook more evenly and prevent burning

Infuse the Oil:

Pour olive oil into a medium skillet Warm it up on medium heat Add garlic and chili Cook gently for two minutes stirring often to release their aroma but not let them brown

Cook the Shrimp:

Add the cleaned shrimp directly into the fragrant oil Sprinkle in smoked paprika and sea salt Stir constantly Cook for two to three minutes just until the shrimp turn pink and firm

Finish with Freshness:

Remove the skillet from heat Squeeze in lemon juice and toss in fresh parsley Give everything a stir so the flavors meld Set aside for a few minutes to let it cool slightly This prevents the cheese from melting too much

Blend the Dip:

Spoon the shrimp mixture including every drop of that garlicky oil into a food processor Add cream cheese mayonnaise and a pinch of black pepper Pulse a few times for a creamy dip with some shrimp pieces left for texture

Check and Adjust:

Taste the mixture and season with more salt pepper or lemon if needed Remember balance is key

Serve and Garnish:

Scoop the dip into a bowl Drizzle with a little more olive oil if you like and scatter over extra parsley Best warm or at room temp with slices of crusty bread or crunchy crackers

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Whenever I use my favorite smoked paprika from La Vera the result gets extra raves My family always fights over the last scoop reminding me exactly why this recipe is on repeat

Storage Tips

Chill leftovers in an airtight container and eat within two days For best flavor and texture let it sit out for twenty minutes before scooping

Ingredient Substitutions

No fresh shrimp Use thawed high quality frozen shrimp Greek yogurt can swap in for cream cheese for a lighter version If you cannot find red chili use a bigger pinch of mild red pepper flakes

Serving Suggestions

Pile this onto toasted baguette rounds dip with potato chips or offer with cool crunchy vegetables It pairs perfectly with crisp dry white wine or a citrusy lager

Cultural Context

This dish is inspired by the Spanish classic Gambas al Ajillo which turns simple shrimp and garlic into a show stopping appetizer It is famous for that irresistible sizzle and aroma in tapas bars across Spain My take adds creamy richness while keeping that authentic hit of garlic and chili

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The first time I made this dip a friend asked for the recipe before she finished her second helping It has been my party trick ever since

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, thawed frozen shrimp work well. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.

→ What can I serve alongside this dip?

Crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks complement the creamy texture and bold flavors perfectly.

→ Is the dip spicy?

The heat comes from red chili or pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to match your preference for spice.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Keep any remaining dip refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best flavor.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Try substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

→ What pairs well to drink with this?

Chilled Spanish white wine or a light lager pairs nicely with the garlicky, savory flavors.