Sambal Udang Gado-Gado

Sambal Udang Gado-Gado

Gado-gado is one of Indonesia’s most beloved dishes — a vibrant plate of vegetables, tofu, eggs, and crackers brought together by a rich peanut sauce. In this version, we give the traditional sauce a bold twist by using Sambal Udang mixed with peanut powder. The shrimp sambal adds deep umami, natural sweetness, and a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of peanuts.

It’s a simple shortcut that delivers incredible flavour without needing to grind spices or cook a complex sauce.

Ingredients (2 servings)

For the salad

  • 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded and lightly blanched
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 potato, boiled and sliced
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
  • 1 block tofu, pan-fried and cubed
  • optional: tempeh or long beans

For the sauce

  • 2 tbsp Sambal Udang (or however much to your liking)
  • 3-4 tbsp peanut powder
  • 2-4 tbsp warm water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 tsp lime juice (optional)

For topping

  • keropok (prawn crackers)
  • fried shallots
  • extra lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables
Blanch the bean sprouts and cabbage briefly in boiling water for about 30–40 seconds, then drain. Slice the cucumber, boil the potato until tender, and prepare the hard-boiled eggs.

2. Cook the tofu
Cut tofu into cubes and pan-fry in a lightly oiled pan until golden on all sides. Set aside.

3. Make the Sambal Udang peanut sauce
In a bowl, combine the Sambal Udang and peanut powder. Gradually add warm water while stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick. Add lime juice if you like a hint of brightness.

4. Assemble the gado-gado
Arrange the vegetables, tofu, potatoes, and eggs on a plate or bowl.

5. Add the sauce
Generously drizzle the Sambal Udang peanut sauce over the salad and toss lightly to coat everything.

6. Finish and serve
Top with prawn crackers and fried shallots for crunch.

Why Sambal Udang Works So Well

Traditional gado-gado sauce relies on multiple ingredients to build flavour. Sambal Udang already contains shrimp, aromatics, and spices that create a deep savoury base. When mixed with peanut powder, it transforms instantly into a rich, balanced sauce with:

  • Natural umami from shrimp
  • Spicy sambal depth
  • Creamy peanut richness

The result is a sauce that tastes complex but takes just minutes to prepare.

Serving Tips

  • Add rice cakes (lontong) to make it more filling.
  • Toss everything together for a salad style, or serve the sauce on top for a classic presentation. 
  • Adjust the peanut powder to make the sauce thicker or lighter. 

Make It at Home

You can recreate this quick Sambal Udang Gado-Gado using our sambal — perfect for turning simple vegetables into a satisfying meal.

Shop Sambal Udang at:
👉 www.honshitsu.com.sg


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