Sambal Goreng Udang (Spicy Shrimp Sambal)

Name: Sambal Goreng Udang (Spicy Shrimp Sambal)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesia
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 8 red chilies; 4 shallots; 3 cloves garlic; 2 candlenuts; 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi); 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp palm sugar; 2 kaffir lime leaves; 2 tbsp tamarind water; 3 tbsp cooking oil

Sambal Goreng Udang (Spicy Shrimp Sambal) photo 1

4 servings15 min prep15 min cookEasy Indonesia

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Sambal Goreng Udang (Spicy Shrimp Sambal)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Sambal, Indonesia's foundational chile paste, has been part of the archipelago's cooking for centuries, and sambal goreng udang builds shrimp directly into that spicy, aromatic base fried with shallots, garlic, and chile. It's a common feature of festive Indonesian spreads, especially during Lebaran celebrations at the end of Ramadan.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 red chilies
4 shallots
3 cloves garlic
2 candlenuts
1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi)
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp palm sugar
2 kaffir lime leaves
2 tbsp tamarind water
3 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

1Blend chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and shrimp paste into a smooth sambal paste.
2Fry the paste in oil over medium heat until fragrant and darkened, about 8 minutes.
3Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened and the mixture thickens.
4Stir in palm sugar, kaffir lime leaves, and tamarind water.
5Add the shrimp and cook, stirring, until just pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
6Serve hot with steamed rice.

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