Sambal Dabu Dabu (Indonesian spicy raw sambal from Manado)
This spicy Sambal Dabu Dabu packs the fiery embrace of bird's eye chilies, the vibrant freshness of green chilies and tomatoes, and pungent shallots and garlic. Its roots trace back to the city of Manado, where it's a beloved accompaniment to grilled foods.
Servings: 14 Yield: 2 ½ cups
Calories: 37kcal
Cost: $5.50
Ingredients
- 3 bird’s eye chillies minced
- 1 Korean chili or Fresno chili, thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies hari mirch, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 4 shallots thinly sliced
- 1 cup tomato diced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil canola, vegetable or sunflower
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Begin by finely chopping the bird's eye chillies, Korean chili (or fresno chili), green chilies, garlic, shallots, and tomato.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared vegetables with the salt (adjusted to your preference), and sugar.
- Heat the cooking oil in a saucepan over high heat for 90 seconds.
- When the oil is hot, pour it over the seasoned vegetables.
- Stir in fresh squeezed lime juice.
- Serve fresh or pack in an airtight container to use within two days.
Notes
Adjust Spice: Modify the bird's eye chilies to match your spice preference; it's easier to add more heat later than it is to take any away!
Knife skills: Ensure your vegetables are finely chopped. Especially the shallots should be as thin as possible so that the juices from the tomatoes and hot oil penetrate them a little and soften their bite.
Lime Juice Tip: Add lime juice at the end so the hot oil can work it’s magic on the veggies with less liquid to contend with.
Excess Liquid? If stored, tomatoes may release water. Drain before serving and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 92IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg