Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi Recipe -Easy Kitchen Guide

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By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 24, 2023 | Last Updated on September 24, 2023

Sambal Terasi is an Indonesian condiment that is made with dried shrimp paste. It is a spicy and flavorful condiment that can be used as an accompaniment to dishes or as a dip. This condiment is an absolute treat for those who crave spicy and flavorful dishes.

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi takes this classic condiment to the next level by adding some extra lemony zest from calamansi and sweetness from tomatoes. This easy-to-make sambal terasi is a great way to spice up any meal.

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this unique and delicious dish. We’ll also provide some tips for adjusting the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. So let’s get started!

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi Recipe

What is Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi?

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi is a spicy and flavorful condiment that blends together the classic Sambal Terasi with some added zest. This condiment has a unique aroma, derived from the combination of different ingredients.

It is made by combining calamansi (small citrus fruits), terasi (dried shrimp paste), salt, long red cayenne peppers, bird eyes chilies, and tomatoes into a paste. The chilies add an intense heat to the dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Health Benefits

Yes, this condiment is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A from the tomatoes, as well as potassium from the calamansi and chilies. The shrimp paste in the terasi also provides important trace minerals such as zinc.

In addition, Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi is low in calories and fat-free, making it a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.  

It is also high in antioxidants due to the presence of tomatoes and peppers, which can help protect against diseases such as cancer.  Finally, it helps boost immunity as the chili peppers in the dish contain capsaicin, a compound known to support the immune system.

Overall, Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi is a healthy and delicious condiment that can be added to any meal!

How did I first get introduced to the Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi?

I first discovered Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi during a trip to Indonesia. I was dining at an outdoor eatery with some of my friends, and we ordered a dish that came served with this condiment. From the moment I tasted it, I knew something special was going on here.

The combination of spices and flavors created an intense and complex taste that I hadn’t encountered before. After asking the locals about it, they were happy to share their recipe with me.

I was amazed at how simple the ingredients were but yet how flavorful the final result was. It seemed like a perfect combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors that created an irresistible condiment for meals.

When I got back home, I was determined to recreate this. After some experimentation, I finally got the calamari just right and it quickly became a favorite in my household.

Whenever we have dinner guests, making Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi is always a pleasure for me. I’m so glad that I found this amazing condiment, and I’m happy to share it with others.

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How to make Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi?

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi is an easy-to-make condiment that you can prepare in just a few minutes.

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi Copycat Recipe

Ingredients

  • Calamansis: Calamansis are small citrus fruits that have a unique flavor and aroma. They are used frequently in Filipino dishes, especially those with a sour or tart taste.
  • Terasi: Terasi is an Indonesian condiment made from ground shrimp paste which gives the food a saltiness.
  • Salt: Salt adds taste to this dish, as well as helps to draw out the other flavors.
  • Long Red Cayenne Peppers: Long red cayenne peppers make this dish spicy , without being too hot for most people.
  • Bird Eyes Chilies: Bird eyes chilis are small and intensely spicy, adding an extra layer of heat to the sambal terasi lemon cui calamansi.
  • Tomatoes: Tomatoes help to balance out the heat from the other ingredients by adding a sweet, acidic flavor to the dish. They also add texture and natural sweetness.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

In a blender or food processor, combine the calamansi, terasi, salt, long red cayenne peppers, and bird eyes chilies. Blend until everything is finely minced into a paste.

Step 2

Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and add to the mixture. Pulse for a few seconds to combine everything together.

Step 3

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir until it becomes a thick paste.

Step 4

Serve your Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi with steamed rice or grilled meats.

Tips

  • If the paste becomes too thick, you can add some water to thin it out.
  • For extra zest, try adding a dash of lime or lemon juice.
  • You can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of long red cayenne peppers and bird-eye chilies.
  • For a milder version, use bell peppers instead of chilies.
  • If you want to add some sweetness to the dish, try adding a bit of sugar or honey. 
How To Make Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi

Nutrition Information

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What to serve with Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi?

Here are some of the dishes that pair well with Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi:

  • Grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or pork
  • Steamed rice
  • Fried noodles or stir-fry
  • Seafood dishes
  • Salads and vegetable dishes
  • Soups and stews
  • Wraps and sandwiches

How to store leftover Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi?

Leftover Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store, simply transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. The condiment will stay fresh until you’re ready to use it again!

You can also freeze the condiment for up to three months. To freeze, transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw out the condiment at room temperature before serving.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi. While it is made with chili peppers that may cause some discomfort in pregnant women, the small amounts typically used should not be a problem.

The other ingredients are generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy as well. However, it is always wise to consult your doctor before introducing any new food to a pregnancy diet. This is especially true if you’re concerned about any of the ingredients used in the condiment.

For pregnant women who don’t feel comfortable eating Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi, there are a few alternatives available. You can try making a milder version with bell peppers instead of chilies, or simply add some extra lime or lemon juice to the dish.

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi Recipe2

Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi Recipe

Sambal Terasi is an Indonesian condiment that is made with dried shrimp paste. It is a spicy and flavorful condiment that can be used as an accompaniment to dishes or as a dip. This condiment is an absolute treat for those who crave spicy and flavorful dishes.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ready in: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 19kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • Juice from 12 calamansi
  • 6 tsp dried shrimp paste
  • Salt to taste
  • 20 red cayenne peppers
  • 8 bird eyes chilies
  • 4 diced tomatoes

Instructions

  • Blend together calamansi, terasi, salt, long red cayenne peppers, and bird eyes chilies until finely minced.
  • Dice tomatoes and incorporate into the paste.
  • Stir to form a thick mixture.
  • Serve with steamed rice or grilled meats for an appetizing meal. ​​

Notes

  • If the paste becomes too thick, you can add some water to thin it out.
  • For extra zest, try adding a dash of lime or lemon juice.
  • You can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of long red cayenne peppers and bird-eye chilies.
  • For a milder version, use bell peppers instead of chilies.
  • If you want to add some sweetness to the dish, try adding a bit of sugar or honey. 
Keyword: Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi Recipe

FAQs 

Does Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi have a lot of heat?

Yes, this condiment has a lot of heat because it is made with chili peppers and bird-eye chilies. The level of heat can vary depending on how many of these ingredients you use. You can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of long red cayenne peppers and bird-eye chilies.

Is Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi vegan-friendly?

Yes, this condiment is vegan-friendly because it does not contain any animal products.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi is gluten-free since it does not contain any wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. This makes it a great option for those with celiac disease or those following a gluten-free diet.

Can I add other vegetables to this?

Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables. For example, you could try adding some diced onions or garlic for an extra touch. You could also add in some grated carrots or zucchini for a bit of crunch and natural sweetness.

How can I add more sweetness to this?

To add more sweetness to this condiment, try adding a bit of sugar or honey. You could also add in some diced mangos or pineapples for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.

Wrapping Up

Thank you for reading this article about Sambal Terasi Lemon Cui Calamansi! This condiment is a great way to add some excitement and heat to any dish.

Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. If you have any questions about this, please leave a comment below.

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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

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