Recipe: Prawn Sambal
Description:
This Prawn Sambal recipe offers a delightful taste of Singaporean cuisine, blending the succulent flavors of prawns with the aromatic spice of sambal chili paste. It’s a dish that encapsulates the essence of Asian cooking, and with its quick preparation time, it’s perfect for those seeking a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Just remember, the key to perfection lies in not overcooking the prawns, ensuring they retain their juicy tenderness.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 249.6
- Fat Content: 18.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 63mg
- Sodium Content: 589.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 14.7g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 2.1g
- Protein Content: 9.5g
Ingredients:
- 100g small shrimp
- 6 shallots
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon sambal chili paste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mix the pounded ingredients with the chili paste and salt. | 5 mins |
| 2 | Heat oil in a saucepan. | 1 min |
| 3 | Fry pounded ingredients until fragrant. | 3 mins |
| 4 | Add prawns. | – |
| 5 | Stir for 1 minute. | 1 min |
| 6 | Add coconut milk, tamarind juice, and MSG (if using). | – |
| 7 | Bring to a boil. | 2 mins |
| 8 | Serve hot with steamed white rice. | – |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the small shrimp. Peel and roughly chop the shallots and garlic clove.
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Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shallots, garlic, sambal chili paste, and salt. Mix them well with a spoon or pestle until they form a coarse paste.
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Heat Oil: Place a saucepan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Allow it to heat up for about a minute until it shimmers.
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Fry the Aromatics: Carefully add the pounded ingredients to the hot oil in the saucepan. Fry them, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and golden brown, about 3 minutes.
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Add the Prawns: Gently add the prepared small shrimp to the saucepan with the aromatic paste. Stir them into the mixture and cook for about 1 minute until they start to turn pink and curl up slightly.
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Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and add the tamarind pulp. If desired, sprinkle in the MSG for added flavor. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Once the prawns are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat. Serve the Prawn Sambal hot with steamed white rice, allowing the spicy-sweet flavors to complement each other perfectly.
Tips:
- For extra heat, increase the amount of sambal chili paste according to your preference.
- If you don’t have access to fresh tamarind pulp, you can use tamarind paste or concentrate diluted in water.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar to suit your taste buds.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced red chili for added freshness and color.
With its aromatic blend of spices and tender prawns, this Prawn Sambal recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors of Singaporean cuisine in the comfort of your own home, and savor each bite with steamed rice for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
