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Home Recipes

Sizzling Gambas Recipe

Sizzling Gambas is a shrimp dish that is considered to be both an appetizer and a main dish.

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By: Vanjo Merano 13 Comments Updated: 11/5/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Gambas in Spanish typically refers to prawns, but this dish usually uses medium to large-sized shrimp instead of very large prawns due to cost and availability. Additionally, the term โ€œsizzlingโ€ describes the way the dish is served. A sizzling plate, or fajita plate, presents the dish hot and creates an exciting visual appeal that enhances the dining experience. This same recipe was featured in my interview on Adobo Nation. I thought some of you might want the exact ingredients and cooking steps, so hereโ€™s the recipe. Letโ€™s try making Sizzling Gambas!

sizzling gambas


 

How To Cook Sizzling Gambas

preparing the shrimp by marinating

Start by combining 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 30 minutes. This step tenderizes the shrimp while adding a bright, tangy flavor that balances the dish’s heat.

sautรฉing Garlic and Vegetables for an aromatic base

In a wok or frying pan, pour in 1/4 cup of cooking oil or olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and sautรฉ until it turns light brown, releasing its rich aroma. Next, add 1 medium-sized quartered onion and 1 cup of chopped red bell pepper, cooking until they soften and the colors become vibrant.

Cooking the Shrimp with Seasonings

Now, add the marinated shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes. This quick cooking time ensures the shrimp stays juicy. After that, pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking rice wine, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.

spicing it up with tomato and chili sauce

Stir in 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and cook for 2 more minutes. This adds a tangy base that complements the shrimp beautifully. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of chili sauce and let it simmer for 30 seconds, intensifying the heat and flavor of your Sizzling Gambas. Turn off the heat and transfer the shrimp mixture onto a pre-heated sizzling plate. Top with 1/2 cup of sliced green chilies for an extra kick.

sizzling gambas recipe

Prawns Vs. Shrimp

They might look alike, but they have some key differences. Prawns usually have bigger bodies, longer legs, and a more noticeable curve in their shape compared to shrimp. Prawns also have branching gills and their front legs are often larger, while shrimp have plate-like gills and legs that are more even in size. These differences can affect how they taste and are used in cooking. In this Gambas recipe, we’ll use large shrimp since prawns are less commonly available in Canada, and itโ€™s likely a similar situation in the Philippines.

How To Serve Sizzling Gambas

To serve sizzling gambas, first, heat a sizzling plate until it’s very hot. Carefully transfer the gambas and other ingredients onto the sizzling plate. Top the shrimp with freshly sliced green chilies for an extra burst of flavor and a vibrant touch. Sizzling gambas pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed rice to balance the spice and soak up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can accompany this sizzling gambas with warm, crusty bread for dipping. This dish is ideal for a spicy lunch or as an “pulutan”โ€”a popular Filipino term for appetizers enjoyed with drinks.

sizzling gambas ingredients

Sizzling Gambas Ingredients

Prepare your sizzling plate and take some notes to easily find these ingredients at the market. Donโ€™t forget to wake up early to get the freshest and largest shrimp!

Main Ingredients
  • 1ย lbย shrimpย peeled and deveined โ€“ It should be peeled and deveined to remove the shell and the dark vein running along its back, making it more pleasant to eat.
  • 1ย cupย red bell pepperย chopped โ€“ Red bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to the recipe, making your kitchen smell Mediterranean!
  • 1/2ย cupย green chiliย sliced diagonally โ€“ Green chilies contribute a fresh, spicy kick to our recipe!
  • 2ย tablespoonsย garlicย minced โ€“ Minced garlic adds a strong, aromatic flavor to the dish. It is finely chopped to release its essential oils, which infuse the shrimp with a rich taste.
  • 1ย medium-sized onionย quartered โ€“ Onions add depth of flavor and sweetness, complementing the shrimp and other ingredients.

Flavorings And Seasonings
  • 1/4ย cupย lemon juice โ€“ This tenderizes the shrimp and adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the spiciness.
  • 1/4ย cupย cooking oil or olive oil โ€“ This is used to sautรฉ the ingredients, providing a base for cooking and enhancing flavor. Olive oil is preferred.
  • 2ย tablespoonsย cooking rice wine โ€“ This adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to our gambas, helping to balance the flavors. It also helps to tenderize the shrimp.
  • 1/4ย cupย tomato sauce โ€“ Tomato sauce provides a tangy base and adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the shrimp and spices.
  • 2ย tablespoonsย chili sauce โ€“ Chili sauce adds extra heat and a touch of sweetness to enhance the spiciness of the dish. The spicier the gambas, the better!
  • Salt and pepper to taste โ€“ These seasonings are essential for bringing out and balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

sizzling gambas

Sizzling Gambas Recipe

Shrimp cooked in a spicy, garlicky sauce and served on a hot sizzling plate
Prep: 8 minutes minutes
Cook: 15 minutes minutes
Total: 23 minutes minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup green chili sliced diagonally
  • 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium-sized onion quartered
  • 2 tablespoons cooking rice wine
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Combine lemon juice and shrimp and marinade for 30 minutes.
    1 lb shrimp, 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • Pour cooking oil in a wok of frying pan then apply heat.
    1/4 cup cooking oil or olive oil
  • When the oil is hot enough, put-in the garlic and cook until the color turns light brown.
    2 tablespoons garlic
  • Add the onions and red bell pepper then cook until the texture softens.
    1 medium-sized onion, 1 cup red bell pepper
  • Put-in the shrimps and cook for 2 minutes.
    1 lb shrimp
  • Add the cooking rice wine, salt, and pepper then cook for another minute.
    2 tablespoons cooking rice wine, Salt and pepper to taste
  • Add the tomato sauce and stir. Cook for 2 minutes.
    1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • Put-in the hot sauce and simmer for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and set-aside.
    2 tablespoons chili sauce
  • Heat a sizzling plate and transfer the shrimp along with the other ingredients.
  • Top with sliced green chilies and serve.
    1/2 cup green chili
  • Share and enjoy!

Notes

Effect of Cooking Shrimp with the Shell On
Using shrimp with the shell still on can have a noticeable impact on both the cooking process and the final result. When cooked with the shell on, shrimp often retain more of their natural juices and flavors, which can make them more tender and flavorful. However, this method can make the shrimp harder to eat, as diners will need to peel them before enjoying the dish. Additionally, cooking shrimp with the shell on can make it more difficult to ensure that the marinade and sauces are evenly distributed. For dishes like Sizzling Gambas, where ease of eating is important, it is generally better to peel the shrimp beforehand to achieve a more enjoyable meal and more consistent flavor.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 4g Calories: 179kcal (9%) Carbohydrates: 11g (4%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 14g (22%) Saturated Fat: 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 9g Trans Fat: 0.1g Sodium: 239mg (10%) Potassium: 226mg (6%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 1285IU (26%) Vitamin C: 61mg (74%) Calcium: 21mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
ยฉ copyright: Vanjo Merano

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Vanjo Merano

Vanjo Merano is the creator of PanlasangPinoy.com. His goal is to introduce Filipino Food and Filipino Cuisine to the rest of the world. This blog was the first step that he took.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Claire Villanueva says

    Posted on 10/9/18 at 5:40 pm

    Your Gambas recipe is yummy,Thank you for sharing.Looking forward for more recipes of shrimp.kindly share recipe of chicken feet like in Dim sum restaurant.SALamuch

    Reply
  2. Ian Palabrica says

    Posted on 3/4/17 at 12:53 am

    Ano po alternative pg wlang rice wine ? ????

    Salamat po pla sir s recipe nyo from scratch ntuto po ako ng ibat ibang luto from ur website. More power po sana po madami pa po kayong m share ????

    Reply
  3. Chichay says

    Posted on 8/30/16 at 7:17 am

    Hi. Been a fan of your recipes. I will try to cook Gambas. This has been one of my favorites but will be my first time to cook it myself. Will try the add some vegies. Hope it will still taste as good.

    Reply
    • Vanjo Merano says

      Posted on 8/30/16 at 9:24 pm

      I’m sure that it will. Let me know how it went.

      Reply
  4. Leny says

    Posted on 4/25/12 at 12:39 pm

    hi chef, i tried sizzling gambas today and it was really good…i didn’t put rise wine coz i dont have but still delicious and i loved it…thank u

    from Leny Rossbach
    Quebec

    Reply
  5. jonathan mijares laureano says

    Posted on 8/15/11 at 11:21 am

    i hope available na ang inyung recipe books…thanks a lot for continuing support.

    chefjo’

    Reply
  6. jun alejo says

    Posted on 3/13/11 at 1:10 am

    wow it look sooo yummmy, ill definitely try this why i get home this comming June, thanks for sharing Chef Vanjo and GOD BLESS^_^

    Reply
  7. Nadene says

    Posted on 11/16/10 at 6:30 am

    Hi, I sent you an email as well but I am posting this comment additionally in hopes that I will get a response soon -- since I am so eager and excited to make this tonight! =]

    Hi,

    Thank you for sharing your recipes and better yet, teaching your audience how to cook them via youtube. I like your Sizzling Gambas recipes and would like to try and make them tonight for my boyfriend (he is a heavy seafood and hot spice lover). I do have a couple question though -- where can I find Cooking Rice Wine? I imagine they will not be easily found in common “American” stores such as Ralphs or Vons or Albertsons? I haven’t had any luck searching those stores. Is there a substitute liquid that I can use? Also, would it be possible to use red pepper flakes rather than the chili sauce?

    Thank you for your input! I look forward to hearing from you.

    Cheers,
    Nadene

    Reply
  8. marlene says

    Posted on 9/15/10 at 8:23 am

    it looks very appetizing…i will try this one

    Reply
  9. teddy of australia says

    Posted on 6/25/10 at 3:59 pm

    nice recipe pinoy is the best

    Reply
  10. ann_cute says

    Posted on 6/18/10 at 9:58 am

    looks good kuya.thank you so much.. pde po ba paturo ng yema roll cake next time.”?thank you..

    Reply
  11. Panlasang Pinoy says

    Posted on 6/17/10 at 9:51 pm

    This recipe is good for 4 persons.

    Reply
  12. jeninay says

    Posted on 6/15/10 at 8:32 pm

    Kelan ka po magrerelease ng cooking book???? Can’t wait to have it po ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply

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As a huge fan of Filipino food, it is my goal to teach people how to cook it using the simplest way possible. Prepare your taste buds for an ultimate showdown of delectable Filipino dishes! Read more…

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