Spicy Shrimp Balado

Spicy Shrimp Balado (Udang Balado)

Ingredients

• 500g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on (optional)
• 10-15 bird's eye chilies or red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 5-7 shallots
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp shrimp paste (terasi), optional
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, optional
• 2 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

1. Grind or blend chilies, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and shrimp paste (if using) into a coarse paste.
2. Heat cooking oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.
3. Sauté the ground paste until fragrant and the oil separates, about 5-7 minutes. Add kaffir lime leaves if using.
4. Add shrimp to the pan and stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with sugar and salt. Stir well to combine.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.