Gambas Pil Pil – Spicy Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Caro Club Madrid Style)

One of the most beloved tapas in Spain is Gambas Pil Pil, also known as Spicy Garlic Shrimp. At Caro Club Madrid, this dish is a regular favorite on our table. Juicy shrimp cooked in a sizzling sauce of garlic, olive oil, and a touch of chili — it's simple, bold, and incredibly delicious.

In Madrid, you'll find Gambas Pil Pil in almost every tapas bar. The secret lies in using fresh shrimp and high-quality olive oil, with just the right balance of heat. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Spanish kitchens straight to your home.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tomatoes, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make Gambas Pil Pil (Caro Club Madrid Recipe)

1. Grate the tomatoes and set aside. Heat the olive oil and vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
2. Add the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Stir well and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and most of the water evaporates.
3. About 15 minutes before serving, return the pan to medium heat. Add the peeled shrimp to the sauce and stir gently. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
4. Remove from heat immediately. Serve hot straight from the pan with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Caro Club Madrid Cooking Tips

• Do not add the shrimp too early. Cooking them at the last moment keeps them tender and juicy.
• Use fresh garlic and good quality olive oil — they are the heart of this dish.
• Adjust the heat level by adding chili flakes or fresh chili if you prefer it spicier.
• Serve immediately in the same pan for the authentic Spanish tapas experience.

Why Gambas Pil Pil is a Madrid Favorite

In Madrid, Gambas Pil Pil is a classic tapas dish you'll find in almost every bar. At Caro Club Madrid, we prepare it with fresh shrimp and the perfect balance of garlic and spices. It's quick to make, full of flavor, and always disappears fast when served.

Whether you're in Madrid or recreating Spanish flavors at home, this Gambas Pil Pil recipe from Caro Club Madrid delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Bold, garlicky, and irresistibly delicious!

Buen provecho!