Authentic Spanish Tapas Platter with Chorizo, Olives, and Garlic Shrimp

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Spanish

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Calories

320

Tapas are the heart of Spanish dining culture, meant for sharing and savouring with good company. These small plates are less about formality and more about togetherness, offering a variety of flavours and textures in one sitting.

From sizzling garlic shrimp to crispy patatas bravas and smoky chorizo with briny olives, tapas combine bold tastes with simple preparation, making them ideal for gatherings.

The beauty of tapas lies in their versatility. You can prepare a few dishes for a light meal or an entire spread for a festive evening with friends. They’re also endlessly adaptable — swap proteins, play with sauces, or keep it vegetarian.

Tapas nights capture the essence of Spain: vibrant, communal, and filled with flavor. Serve with crusty bread, Spanish wine, or sangria for an authentic experience that turns any night into a celebration.

Ingredients

Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Alillo)

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Chorizo and Olives

6 ounces Spanish chorizo, sliced into rounds
1 cup mixed olives (green and black)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Patatas Bravas

3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

For garlic shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic, paprika, and red pepper. Sauté until fragrant, then add shrimp. Cook 2–3 minutes until pink. Garnish with parsley.
For chorizo and olives: Heat olive oil in a pan, add chorizo slices, and cook until lightly crisp. Toss with olives and set aside.
For patatas bravas: Roast cubed potatoes in olive oil at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden. In a small saucepan, heat tomato sauce with paprika and vinegar. Season and drizzle over potatoes before serving.
Arrange all dishes on a large platter or serve separately as small plates.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 320

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 18 grams; 23%
Saturated Fat: 5 grams; 25%
Cholesterol: 85 milligrams; 28%
Sodium: 720 milligrams; 31%
Carbs: 20 grams; 7%
Protein: 18 grams; 36%
Sugar: 3 grams
Fiber: 3 grams; 11%

10 Tips for when cooking this dish

Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best garlic shrimp.
Balance salty chorizo with briny olives for contrast.
Roast potatoes for patatas bravas instead of frying for lighter texture.
Adjust paprika levels to control smokiness and spice.
Cook shrimp quickly to avoid toughness.
Prepare sauces in advance to save time on tapas night.
Serve on small plates or a large shared platter.
Pair with Spanish wine like Rioja or a fruity sangria.
Add crusty bread for dipping into sauces and oils.
Mix and match additional tapas like tortilla Española or marinated peppers.

Serve it with suggestions

Crusty bread or baguette slices
A Spanish cheese board with Manchego
Glasses of sangria or red wine
Roasted peppers or marinated artichokes
Light green salad with vinaigrette

FAQs

Q: What are tapas?
A: Tapas are small Spanish dishes meant for sharing, often enjoyed with drinks.

Q: Can I make tapas vegetarian?
A: Yes, swap chorizo for grilled vegetables or stuffed peppers.

Q: What drinks pair best with tapas?
A: Sangria, Rioja wine, or Spanish beer complement tapas well.

Q: Can tapas be served as a full meal?
A: Absolutely, combine several small plates for a complete dinner.

Q: Can I prepare tapas ahead of time?
A: Yes, many tapas like patatas bravas sauce and chorizo can be prepped in advance.

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Authentic Spanish Tapas Platter with Chorizo, Olives, and Garlic Shrimp