Sambal Shrimp

Name: Sambal Shrimp
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 145 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste); 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup minced garlic; 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger; 1/4 cup mirin; 2 tablespoons Vietnamese fish sauce; 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil; 3 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, with head and tail intact; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped

Recipe GLPRdd2133e6530dab

Asian

Main Course

145 min

422 cal

Servings: 8

Grill

This vibrant Southeast Asian-inspired dish combines succulent grilled shrimp with a fiery sambal marinade infused with lime, ginger, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The shrimp are marinated in a complex blend of sambal oelek, fresh citrus, and umami-rich fish sauce, then grilled until just cooked through and finished with fresh cilantro and mint. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

2 cups sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste)

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup minced garlic

1/4 cup minced fresh ginger

1/4 cup mirin

2 tablespoons Vietnamese fish sauce

2 tablespoons dark sesame oil

3 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, with head and tail intact

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sambal oelek, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, minced garlic, ginger, mirin, fish sauce, and dark sesame oil. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sugar has dissolved. Set the marinade aside at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop, up to 4 hours maximum.
Transfer the prepared shrimp into a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag. Pour all but 1/2 cup of the prepared sambal marinade into the bag with the shrimp, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for finishing. Seal the bag and allow the shrimp to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour, occasionally rotating the bag to ensure even coating.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the shrimp from the marinade and arrange them on the preheated grill. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large serving bowl.
Add the reserved 1/2 cup of sambal marinade, fresh cilantro, and fresh mint to the bowl of grilled shrimp. Toss gently to combine and coat evenly. Transfer the finished shrimp to a large serving platter and serve immediately while still warm.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff3.75

Sambal oelek and fish sauce require a special stop at Harris Teeter or an Asian market; ALDI and Food Lion won't consistently carry both. The 145-minute stated time is misleading—active prep is perhaps 20 minutes, but if that includes marinating time, clarify it upfront for weeknight planning. Shrimp are readily available at Charlotte chains and this is a bright, no-fuss dish that reheats adequately and feeds eight, but the ingredient hunt and vague time estimate create friction. Budget the extra stop and read the method carefully before committing to this one on a weeknight."