Sambal Udang Pete Tahu: A Spicy Shrimp, Petai, and Tofu Delight
Sambal Udang Pete Tahu is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines succulent shrimp with the unique flavor of petai (stink beans) and the rich texture of tofu, all enveloped in a spicy, aromatic sambal sauce. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds with its bold flavors but also brings together a medley of spices that embody the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for serving alongside steamed rice, this dish will certainly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1/2 kg |
| Petai (stink beans) | 2 boards |
| Tofu | 4 pieces |
Ground Spices
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bird’s eye chilies | 1 handful |
| Red chilies | 5 pieces |
| Curly red chilies | 5 pieces |
| Shallots | 7 pieces |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Tomato | 1 piece |
| Grilled shrimp paste | 1 tsp |
| Ginger | 1 small piece |
| Turmeric | 1 small piece |
Additional Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lemongrass (smashed) | 1 stalk |
| Galangal (smashed) | 1 small piece |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 2 leaves |
| Salt | to taste |
| Brown sugar | to taste |
| Water | as needed |
| Flavor enhancer (Masako) | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp: Start by cleaning the shrimp, removing their heads and deveining them if necessary. Soak the shrimp in fresh lime juice for about 15 minutes to enhance their flavor and eliminate any fishy taste. Rinse thoroughly under clean water, then fry them until they are golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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Prepare the Tofu: Cut the tofu into small cubes. Fry the tofu until it is golden brown and half-cooked, then remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Blend the Ground Spices: Using a mortar and pestle or a blender, process the previously fried ground spices (bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, curly red chilies, shallots, garlic, tomato, grilled shrimp paste, ginger, and turmeric) into a smooth paste. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse it a few times.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the smashed lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, sautéing until fragrant. This step will infuse the oil with the aromatic flavors that are characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.
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Cook the Sambal: Add the blended spice paste to the pan, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour in some water, followed by salt, brown sugar, flavor enhancer, and petai. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture reduces slightly.
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Add Shrimp and Tofu: Once the sambal mixture has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and fried tofu, ensuring they are well coated with the sambal sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for a few more minutes until the shrimp and tofu are heated through.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Sambal Udang Pete Tahu hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside a plate of steaming white rice. Enjoy this aromatic dish that perfectly balances the spiciness of the sambal with the unique flavors of shrimp, petai, and tofu.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimates)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Final Thoughts
Sambal Udang Pete Tahu is more than just a dish; it is a representation of the vibrant and rich culinary traditions of Indonesia. With its bold flavors and delightful textures, this recipe is perfect for those looking to explore new tastes or impress guests with a delicious homemade meal. Enjoy the experience of creating and savoring this delightful dish!
