Chorizo & Prawns in Fino Sherry

By Lee Jackson ↣ Published on: December 6, 2019

Chorizo and prawns in Fino sherry is a bold Spanish-inspired dish built around smoky sausage, sweet seafood, garlic, paprika and a glossy pan sauce made for mopping up with bread. The combination may sound unexpected at first, but the rich, paprika-heavy chorizo and tender prawns work beautifully together. Add dry Fino sherry and you get a deeply savoury, aromatic sauce that tastes like something served straight from a busy Spanish tapas bar.

This easy chorizo and prawn recipe is ideal for sharing. Serve it in the pan, place it in the middle of the table, and let everyone help themselves. It is quick enough for a weeknight meal, special enough for friends, and at its best with crusty bread, lemon wedges and a simple salad on the side.

This Spanish chorizo and prawns dish is all about generous, communal eating. It belongs on a table filled with small plates, salads, bread and simple sides, but it can also stand proudly as the main event. The best part is that everything cooks in one pan, so none of the flavour is lost. The oil from the chorizo, the sweetness of the prawns, the garlic, onion, herbs and dry sherry all come together in one rich sauce.

Spanish cooking often celebrates food made for sharing, from tapas and grilled meats to stews and paella. This recipe follows that spirit. It is relaxed, informal and full of character. Once the prawns and chorizo are gone, the remaining sauce is every bit as important as the main ingredients. That is why bread is essential. You will want to scoop up every drop of the smoky, garlicky oil left in the pan.

What’s Ahead?

• A quick look at why Fino sherry works so well in this dish
• The key ingredients you will need
• Step-by-step cooking instructions
• Serving and storage suggestions
• A complete printable-style recipe card

A Fino Romance

Fino sherry brings a distinctive Spanish flavour to this recipe. It is dry, crisp and savoury, with a character that sits perfectly beside paprika, garlic and cured chorizo. When it bubbles in the pan, it lifts the browned flavours from the onion, sausage and garlic, creating a sauce that is earthy, aromatic and slightly tangy.

The dish works because each ingredient supports the next. Chorizo adds smoky richness, prawns add sweetness, garlic adds depth, and lemon brightens the finish. The extra virgin olive oil may seem generous, but it is part of what makes the sauce so satisfying. It carries the paprika and garlic through the whole dish and turns the pan juices into something worth lingering over.

Why It Works

It is packed with flavour. This recipe brings together sweet prawns, smoky Spanish chorizo, dry Fino sherry, garlic, onion, paprika, fresh herbs and lemon. The result is rich but balanced, with enough freshness to stop it feeling heavy.

It cooks quickly. The whole dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a practical recipe for entertaining or for a fast dinner with big flavour.

It is made for sharing. Serve it straight from the pan with bread and let everyone dig in. The sauce is one of the best parts of the dish.

Stuff You’ll Need

Choose good ingredients and this simple Spanish prawn and chorizo recipe will reward you with deep, satisfying flavour.

• Prawns – Use raw prawns, peeled and deveined. They are easier to eat from the pan and cook quickly in the sauce.
• Spanish cured chorizo – Choose the firm cured style. It is rich with paprika and brings the smoky, sweet flavour that defines the dish.
• Red onion and garlic – These form the base of the sauce and add sweetness and depth.
• Spanish paprika – Smoked paprika boosts the chorizo flavour. Use mild or spicy depending on your preference.
• Fresh oregano or thyme – Fresh herbs add brightness. Marjoram or tarragon can also work if you have them.
• Fino sherry – Dry Fino sherry gives the sauce its Spanish character. If you cannot find it, use dry white wine or a dry cider. Avoid anything sweet.
• Lemon and parsley – These finish the dish with freshness and colour.

Step by Step

This recipe is straightforward and reliable. Have everything prepared before you start, because the cooking moves quickly.

1. Step 1 – Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over a moderate heat. Add the red onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to soften.
2. Step 2 – Add the sliced chorizo and chopped garlic. Let them sizzle for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, so the chorizo releases its paprika-rich oil.
3. Step 3 – Stir in the smoked paprika and fresh oregano or thyme. Add the prawns and cook for 1 minute, then pour in the Fino sherry. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add about 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking.
4. Step 4 – Shake the pan regularly and let the sauce reduce by about half, which should take around 4 minutes. Pour in the remaining olive oil, let it warm through for 10-20 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat.
5. Step 5 – Taste before adding salt, as chorizo can already be salty. Season with pepper, squeeze over the lemon juice and scatter generously with chopped parsley.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

• Serve – Serve immediately, straight from the pan. Add plenty of crusty bread for the sauce, lemon wedges for squeezing, and a simple salad if you want something fresh alongside.
• Fridge – Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Eat cold or reheat gently. Avoid overheating, as prawns can become tough.
• Freezer – Freezing is not recommended. This dish is best enjoyed freshly cooked.

Ready to Get Cooking?

Chorizo and prawns may sound like an unusual pairing, but the contrast is exactly what makes this Spanish dish so good. The chorizo brings smoke, spice and richness, while the prawns add sweetness and a delicate texture. Fino sherry ties everything together with a dry, savoury flavour that makes the sauce irresistible.

For the best experience, keep the serving simple. A hot pan of chorizo and prawns, a loaf of crusty bread and a few lemon wedges are all you need. It is easy, fast and full of Spanish flavour.

More Delicious Spanish Recipes

If you enjoy this recipe, try other Spanish-inspired dishes such as Spanish chicken, chorizo tapas with Fino sherry, Pisto Manchego, roasted red pepper salad, Spanish bean and chorizo stew, eggplant salad, jamón croquetas, asparagus tapas with smoked alioli, pork ribs with sherry and garlic, or Pinchos Morunos.

Any Questions? (FAQ)

Have a question about this chorizo and prawns recipe? Here are a couple of helpful answers.

This recipe may include affiliate references.