Vegetarian Spanish Gambas al Ajillo

Spice up your plant-based menu with this irresistible Vegetarian Spanish Gambas al Ajillo, a clever twist on the classic Spanish tapas dish. In this flavorful adaptation, tender king oyster mushrooms take center stage, mimicking the texture of shrimp while soaking up the rich, garlicky olive oil infused with smoky paprika and a hint of heat from dried chili flakes. Fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice brighten the dish, making it as vibrant as it is delicious. Ready in just 20 minutes, this savory vegetarian recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer or a light meal when paired with crusty bread to mop up every drop of the aromatic sauce. A must-try for fans of Spanish cuisine and creative meat-free dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces King oyster mushrooms
• 6 pieces Garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Dried red chili flakes
• 0.5 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoons Sea salt
• 0.5 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 1 loaf Crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Clean and prepare the king oyster mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth and slicing them into thick, oval-shaped pieces that resemble shrimp. Optionally, score the surface lightly to mimic the appearance of shrimp.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 4

Once the oil is warm, add the sliced garlic and dried red chili flakes. Stir frequently and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic turns lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and sea salt, stirring to coat the mushrooms evenly in the spiced oil.

Step 6

Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and begin to brown slightly.

Step 7

Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Stir to combine and remove the pan from heat.

Step 8

Transfer the vegetarian Gambas al Ajillo to a serving dish and serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(723.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1648.1

Total Fat 71.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3287.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 218.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 9.8g
Protein 42.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 198.2mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 1212.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.2%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 51.7%