This homemade sambal dabu dabu Manado (Manado dabu dabu chili sauce) is an instant crowd-pleaser. It takes 5 minutes to make and with only 5 ingredients to mix. It’s fresh, flavourful, and zesty with a spicy kick.
If you enjoy spicy food and always exploring, then you should try sambal dabu-dabu Manado. As the name says, this chili sauce is a staple condiment in Manadonese households, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi. The chili sauce uses fresh chilies; hence, it is fresh but fiery.
The ingredients
- Tomato. I use medium-size tomato or grape tomatoes
- Chili, such as bird’s eye chilies. They are small, but is hot (piquant)
- Shallot to give a delicate and sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness
- Lime to balance the spiciness of this chili sauce
- Salt to add more flavors and texture
How to make sambal dabu dabu
Get all the ingredients ready. Slice the shallot and chop the tomato and chili. Stir to mix, cover the bowl, and chill in the fridge. Easy peasy!
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Sambal variations
You will notice there are a few versions when it comes to this Indonesian sambal; however, the only thing that doesn’t change is the chili itself.
Some versions add chopped basil to add a fresh look and smell to the chili sauce.
You can also add cooked petai or sator for a better texture.
Some people also prefer adding hot oil instead of lime juice to give a chili oil texture.
What to serve with sambal dabu dabu
It originally served as a condiment to eating seafood; however, this Indonesian sambal goes well with anything! From fried or grilled seafood to ayam kalasan fried chicken or nasi kuning (turmeric rice). But, go wild and serve this over tuna sandwiches or hotdog.
Storing
This type of sambal usually only lasts for 2-3 days (or a maximum of 1 week) in the fridge.
More chili sauce recipes
Be sure to check all these spicy recipes from sambal terasi (belacan), sambal kacang (peanut sauce), or spicy chili oil.
This sambal is perfect to make instantly to impress anyone at the dinner table. And no cooking required!
Sambal Dabu Dabu Manado (Manado Dabu Dabu Sauce)
Ingredients
- 5 shallot thinly sliced
- 8 bird's eye chilies sliced
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes remove the seeds, diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt
Instructions
- Get all the ingredients ready. Slice the shallot and chop the tomato and chili. Stir to mix, cover the bowl, and chill in the fridge.
Sunrita says
When you say this sauce is a crowd pleasure, it sure is. Everyone loved it. Served it with toasted tortillas. Instant hit! Thanks for this.
Susannah says
I am making fish for dinner tonight and I think this would go with it perfectly!
Amy says
Loved this recipe! I needed something fresh on the side for the dinner the other night but didn’t want to make anything complicated. So refreshing and the perfect palate cleanser with a bit of heat form the chili. Was yum!
Kristina says
This sounds simple enough and really delicious. I plan to make it for dipping na’an bread as a side for my curry soup. It’s like a fresh salsa to me!
Oscar says
I made this sauce to go with fried chicken and it was delicious. Going to be a staple in my house from now on. Great recipe.
Sherry says
I happen to have all 5 ingredients on hand. This recipe made the perfect topping to my oven baked walleye. So delicious and easy to make.
Jennifer says
Oooh, this has some kick to it! Just how I like it! Such a fresh and fabulous condiment – we put it on everything!
Lucy says
This is definitely a sauce that everyone loves! I love spicy food so this sauce is perfect. I love how many different meals and foods you can serve it with. So quick and easy to make too!
Donna says
Love all of the fresh flavors in this, the perfect condiment to so many dishes!