Sizzling Spanish Prawn Tapas Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta at Home

Whipping up delectable Spanish prawn tapas brings pure Mediterranean magic right to your kitchen.

Small plates burst with vibrant flavors that transport you instantly to sunny coastal regions.

Succulent prawns sizzle with garlic and olive oil, creating an irresistible aroma.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic Spanish culinary traditions.

Quick and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a mouthwatering appetizer that sparks conversation.

You’ll want to serve these tantalizing prawns alongside chilled sangria for the ultimate dining experience.

What’s Special About Easy Spanish Prawn Tapas

• Using simple pantry staples like garlic, paprika, and lemon, you can create a mouthwatering dish that tastes incredibly sophisticated.
• These succulent prawns work brilliantly as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a larger tapas spread, making them ideal for casual gatherings and elegant dinner parties alike.
• Even novice cooks can master this recipe, with straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Spanish Prawn Tapas

• Prawns: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein and flavor for this classic Spanish tapas dish.
• Olive Oil: A traditional Mediterranean cooking fat that helps to sauté and enhance the overall taste of the prawns.

• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Signature spices that add depth and traditional Spanish flavor to the prawns.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a rich, savory base for the dish.

• Lemon Juice, Parsley: Bright, fresh elements that add a zesty and herbal note to complete the tapas.

Easy Steps for Making Spanish Prawn Tapas at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Allow the oil to spread evenly across the cooking surface.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic Aroma

• Garlic cloves

Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the kitchen fills with a fragrant, mouth-watering smell.

The garlic should become lightly golden but not burnt, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce the Prawns

• Fresh prawns
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently place the prawns into the pan.

Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the prawns, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Cook the prawns for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink color and are fully cooked through.

Step 4: Add Zesty Brightness

• Fresh lemon juice

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the prawns and let them simmer for an additional minute, allowing the citrus to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the pan from heat.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the prawns for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the prawns to a serving plate.

Accompany with crusty bread or include as part of a vibrant tapas spread.

Enjoy immediately while hot and aromatic.

Top Advice for Best Spanish Prawn Tapas Results

• Watch the cooking time carefully, as prawns can quickly become tough and rubbery if left in the pan too long.
• Use fresh garlic and high-quality Spanish paprika to enhance the authentic taste of the dish.
• Choose medium-sized, fresh or properly thawed prawns with a firm texture for the best results.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, remembering that paprika adds both color and subtle spice to the dish.
• Enjoy these tapas immediately while hot to appreciate the full depth of flavors and maintain the prawns' tender texture.

The Right Way to Store and Reheat Spanish Prawn Tapas

• Store leftover prawns in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Carefully place cooled prawns in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Prawns can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor and texture.
• Warm prawns in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid reheating prawns multiple times, as this can make them tough and rubbery. Always consume reheated seafood immediately for the best taste and quality.

Serving Suggestions for Spanish Prawn Tapas

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp Albariño Wine
• Match this Spanish prawn dish with a chilled Albariño from Galicia, whose citrusy and mineral notes perfectly complement the seafood's zesty profile.
• Bread Companion: Rustic Sourdough
• Select a hearty, crusty sourdough bread with tangy undertones to soak up the garlicky olive oil and catch all the delicious pan juices.
• Herbal Side Kick: Mixed Green Salad
• Create a light green salad with arugula, fresh herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory prawns and add a refreshing contrast.
• Flavor Amplifier: Smoky Romesco Sauce
• Serve alongside a traditional Spanish romesco sauce made with roasted red peppers and almonds, which adds depth and nutty complexity to the prawns.

Spanish Prawn Tapas: Variations Worth Trying

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace bread with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use ghee instead of olive oil to boost healthy fat content and maintain low-carb requirements.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Serve with gluten-free bread or rice crackers. Ensure all spices and seasonings are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap prawns with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms. Marinate protein substitute in same spice blend to maintain authentic Spanish flavor profile.
• Spicy Seafood Upgrade: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking. Incorporate smoked paprika for deeper heat and more complex flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What type of paprika works best for this recipe?

Smoked paprika is ideal for authentic Spanish flavor, adding a rich, deep taste that complements the prawns perfectly.

• Can I use frozen prawns instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release excess water in the pan.

• How do I know when the prawns are fully cooked?

Prawns are done when they turn from translucent to a solid pink color and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or use hot paprika if you want to increase the heat level to your preference.

Easy Spanish Prawn Tapas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Spanish Prawn Tapas bring Mediterranean coastal flavors right to kitchen counters, packed with garlic, olive oil, and zesty spices. Crisp shrimp nestled on crusty bread deliver an authentic taste of Spain that promises to transport diners straight to Barcelona’s charming streets.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) large prawns, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil at medium temperature, carefully infusing the garlic until it releases its aromatic essence, approximately 1-2 minutes.
2. Introduce the succulent prawns into the heated pan, generously coating them with vibrant paprika, and complementing with delicate salt and pepper seasoning.
3. Allow prawns to sizzle and transform, cooking each side for roughly 2-3 minutes until they develop a beautiful pink hue and reach perfect doneness.
4. Drizzle fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a tangy glaze and allowing the flavors to meld for an additional minute.
5. Carefully transfer the prawns to a serving platter, elegantly scattering fresh parsley across the top for a burst of color and herbaceous complexity.
6. Present immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or as a centerpiece within a traditional Spanish tapas ensemble, inviting guests to savor the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Notes

• Ensure prawns are patted dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Use high-quality Spanish paprika (preferably smoked) for an authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Opt for fresh, large prawns with shells removed for the best texture and easier eating experience.
• Adjust cooking time based on prawn size to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 150mg