Sambal Udang is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of prawns with a spicy sambal sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of heat and sweetness, with the prawns absorbing the aromatic spices and tangy tamarind. It's a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and festive...

Sambal Udang recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
15min
Total Time
35min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)
  • Vennamei prawns (butterflied & deveined)
    Vennamei prawns (butterflied & deveined)
    12
  • tamarind paste
    tamarind paste
    2tbsp
  • garlic
    garlic
    2clove
  • ginger (minced)
    ginger (minced)
    1tbsp
  • lemongrass stalks (bruised)
    lemongrass stalks (bruised)
    2
  • red chillies (deseeded & chopped)
    red chillies (deseeded & chopped)
    8
  • paprika powder
    paprika powder
    2tbsp
  • Onion (finely chopped)
    Onion (finely chopped)
    1cup
  • dried lime leaves
    dried lime leaves
    4
  • Macadamia nuts (coarsely chopped & toasted)
    Macadamia nuts (coarsely chopped & toasted)
    1/2cup
  • Fish sauce
    Fish sauce
    2tbsp
  • palm sugar (dissolved in hot water)
    palm sugar (dissolved in hot water)
    2tbsp
  • Vegetable oil
    Vegetable oil
    3tbsp
  • spring onions (diagonally sliced)
    spring onions (diagonally sliced)
    2tbsp
  • Salt & pepper to taste
    Salt & pepper to taste

How to make Sambal Udang

  1. Step 1

    Soak tamarind paste in 1 cup hot water. Knead and discard seeds and pulp. Set tamarind water aside.

  2. Step 2

    Make the sambal by placing the chillies, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, tamarind water, and paprika into a blender and grind until smooth.

  3. Step 3

    Fry the onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until golden brown. Add the lemongrass sticks and lime leaves.

  4. Step 4

    Add the chilli paste and cook for 5 minutes. Add the toasted macadamia nuts and palm sugar syrup.

  5. Step 5

    Add the prawns and cook until they turn pink. Garnish with sliced spring onions.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

143.3kcal (7.17%)

Protein

2.1g (4.2%)

Carbs

7.4g (2.69%)

Sugars

2.6g (5.16%)

Healthy Fat

10.2g

Unhealthy Fat

1.9g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the prawns are fresh for the best flavor.

  2. Adjust the number of chillies to control the spice level.

  3. Use fresh lime leaves for a more aromatic dish.

FAQS

  1. Can I use other types of prawns?

    Yes, you can use other types of prawns, but Vennamei prawns are recommended for their texture and flavor.

  2. Is there a substitute for macadamia nuts?

    You can use cashew nuts as a substitute for macadamia nuts.

  3. How can I make the dish less spicy?

    Reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds to make the dish less spicy.

  4. Can I prepare the sambal in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the sambal in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

  5. What can I serve with Sambal Udang?

    Sambal Udang pairs well with steamed rice or coconut rice.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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