Sautéed Shrimp Gambas with Garlic and Chili
A quick Filipino-inspired shrimp dish sautéed in olive oil with garlic and red chili for a spicy, aromatic appetizer or main. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, dried red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and are opaque.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and squeeze 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over shrimp. Toss in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and mix well.
- Step 4: Serve immediately with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the garlicky chili oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp Gambas with Garlic and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp Gambas with Garlic and Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp Gambas with Garlic and Chili?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp Gambas with Garlic and Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp Gambas with Garlic and Chili?
Filipino seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
