Heart-Healthy Spanish Gambas al Ajillo
Discover the vibrant flavors of Heart-Healthy Spanish Gambas al Ajillo, a lighter twist on the classic Spanish tapas dish that's perfect for seafood lovers. This quick and easy recipe features tender, succulent shrimp sautéed in heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil with fragrant garlic, a hint of smoky paprika, and a touch of red chili for gentle heat. Simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth and brightened with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this dish strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and mindful eating. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a nutritious yet indulgent meal—pair it with whole-grain bread or a crisp side salad for a complete, heart-smart dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.25 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and set aside.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Do not let it burn.
Stir in the red chili flakes and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and simmer for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Turn off the heat, and stir in the chopped parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste (no additional salt is necessary due to the heart-healthy objective).
Serve immediately with whole-grain bread, brown rice, or a side salad for a heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
897 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 976 mg | 326% | |
| Sodium | 991 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.7 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 121.8 g | 244% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1540 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
