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 occasions, where the aroma of sambal fills the air, inviting everyone to the table. The combination of lemongrass, lime leaves, and macadamia nuts adds a...

Sambal Udang recipe

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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.

    Step 1.1: 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.

    Step 1.1: Add the chilli paste and cook for 5 minutes
  5. Step 5

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

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

140.9kcal (7.04%)

Protein

2.1g (4.3%)

Carbs

6.6g (2.4%)

Sugars

3.3g (6.6%)

Healthy Fat

10.2g

Unhealthy Fat

2.2g

% 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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