Javanese Sambal with Grilled Shrimp
James Carrier
An unsung Asian cuisine, Indonesian food appeals to fans of big, bold flavors. Just use a food processor to create a five-ingredient sauce laden with coconut, chilies, and garlic for a pungent and spicy accompaniment to shrimp.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a food processor, whirl coconut, chilies, anchovy paste, garlic, and lime juice until coconut and chilies are minced; scrape container sides frequently.
Step 2
2
Rinse and drain shrimp. Thread onto 4 flat metal skewers (10 to 14 in.).
Step 3
3
Place shrimp on a barbecue grill over a solid bed of medium-hot coals or on a gas grill set at medium-hot (you can hold your hand at grill level only 3 to 4 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook shrimp, turning once, until bright pink and opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 3 to 5 minutes total.
Step 4
4
Transfer shrimp to a platter. Serve with sambal paste to add to taste.
Ingredients
1 cup sweetened flaked or shredded dried coconut
6 fresh serrano chilies (about 1 1/2 oz. total), stemmed, seeded, deveined, and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons anchovy paste
2 cloves garlic
5 tablespoons lime juice
1 pound (26 to 30 per lb.) peeled, deveined shrimp