Sizzling Gambas Recipe

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

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

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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 “sizzling” 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 here’s the recipe. Let’s try making 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.

sautéing 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 sauté 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.

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 it’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”—a popular Filipino term for appetizers enjoyed with drinks.

Sizzling Gambas Ingredients

Prepare your sizzling plate and take some notes to easily find these ingredients at the market. Don’t forget to wake up early to get the freshest and largest shrimp!

Main Ingredients

1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined – It should be peeled and deveined to remove the shell and the dark vein running along its back, making it more pleasant to eat.
1 cup red bell pepper chopped – Red bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to the recipe, making your kitchen smell Mediterranean!
1/2 cup green chili sliced diagonally – Green chilies contribute a fresh, spicy kick to our recipe!
2 tablespoons garlic minced – 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.
1 medium-sized onion quartered – Onions add depth of flavor and sweetness, complementing the shrimp and other ingredients.

Flavorings And Seasonings

1/4 cup lemon juice – This tenderizes the shrimp and adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the spiciness.
1/4 cup cooking oil or olive oil – This is used to sauté the ingredients, providing a base for cooking and enhancing flavor. Olive oil is preferred.
2 tablespoons cooking rice wine – This adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to our gambas, helping to balance the flavors. It also helps to tenderize the shrimp.
1/4 cup tomato sauce – Tomato sauce provides a tangy base and adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the shrimp and spices.
2 tablespoons chili sauce – 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 – These seasonings are essential for bringing out and balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Watch How to Cook Sizzling Gambas

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.