Spanish Style Shrimp Tapas

Shrimp and other seafood tapas recipes are extremely popular throughout Spain, given their coastline. This Spanish tapa is a twist on shrimp scampi.

Types of shrimp tapas

Theres more than one way to shrimp tapas! Spanish tapas come in many varieties. I've chosen a simple yet delicious preparation that works well as a shrimp appetizer or stirred into rice or pasta.  This dish calls for Roma tomatoes which can present a problem during the frigid winters. But, fear not! It's perfectly okay to used canned tomatoes - diced work especially well.

I recently prepared this dish for a small gathering at our home, and it went over very well. I was thrilled since it was the first time I was making it and my guests, the unsuspecting guinea pigs, loved it.

One thing that stands out: no garlic! Not that I don't like garlic, I love it!!! No garlic allows for the natural sweetness of the shrimp to really shrine through. The contrast of the red shrimp and the green parsley make this a pretty shrimp appetizer.

Shrimp with tomatoes and onions has a delicate flavor. The delicious sauce just calls for you to dip as many pieces of crusty bread as you can possibly eat.

Tips for your tapas

1. If you can't find fresh Roma tomatoes, diced canned tomatoes work just as well.
2. The pairing is up to you. Try rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Steps by step photos

1. Add olive oil to a pan on low heat, add the onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Once the onions are done add the tomato.
3. Add the white wine right after the tomato.
4. Add red wine vinegar, oregano and a dash of red pepper flake for heat.
5. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes or until thick.
6. Once thick, add the shrimp and cook until pink.
7. Add the chopped parsley.
8. Add some grated Manchego or Parmesan cheese then serve with a crusty bread, rice or pasta.  You pick!
   

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can I store the shrimp tapas in the refrigerator? Once they have cooled you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• How do I reheat the shrimp tapas? Reheat the shrimp in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to stir every 30-45 seconds until hot.
• Can I freeze the shrimp tapas in the sauce? Yes, allow them to cool and you can freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave as described above.

If you want to bring the flavors of Spain to your home I have several great recipes for Spanish tapas to share with you.
Prueba de cerdo is a classic tapas dish of thinly sliced marinated pork with Spanish paprika that is grilled fast and is so easy to make.
Spanish chorizo in red wine sauce  is a great dish to pair with some tempranillo or rioja.
Croquetas de jamón y pollo take a little effort but you will be rewarded with a delicious appetizer that is crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
If you visit bars in Spain one popular tapas dish is mushrooms in sherry sauce served on a nice crusty bread.
Empanadas are savory turnovers filled with meat or cheese. Most are fried but I like to cheat and bake mine using pre-made pie crust.

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5 from 2 votes

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Spanish Style Shrimp Tapas with Tomatoes and Onions Recipe

Here is a classic Spanish tapas dish with shrimp, tomatoes, onions and cooked in a dry white wine sauce.  A little red pepper flake give it some heat. You will love this gambas con tomate y cebolla appetizer dish and it is so easy to make. 

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Spanish

Keyword authentic, camarones, easy recipe, gambas, tapas

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Servings: Change to adjust-> 6 servings

Calories 162 kcal

Author Analida Braeger

Ingredients

• 1 lb. shrimp not frozen
• 1 cup white wine dry
• 1 cup tomatoes diced
• 1 onion small, diced
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp parsley fresh, chopped
• 1 dash red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp oregano

Optional: 2 oz grated Manchego cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil on low until onion is translucent.
2. Add the tomatoes, wine, oregano, vinegar, and red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.
3. Turn down heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until thick.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Manchego cheese.
6. Make sure plenty of warm crusty bread is on hand.

Recipe Notes

• If you can't find fresh Roma tomatoes, diced can works just as well.
• The pairing is up to you. Try rice, pasta, or crusty bread. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How long can I store the shrimp tapas in the refrigerator? Once they have cooled you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• How do I reheat the shrimp tapas? Reheat the shrimp in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to stir every 30-45 seconds until hot.
• Can I freeze the shrimp tapas in the sauce? Yes, allow them to cool and you can freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave as described above.

Nutrition Facts

Spanish Style Shrimp Tapas with Tomatoes and Onions Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 162 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Cholesterol 190mg63%

Sodium 592mg26%

Potassium 181mg5%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 315IU6%

Vitamin C 9.6mg12%

Calcium 122mg12%

Iron 1.9mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.