What Is Sambal Ebi?

Sambal ebi is an Indonesian sambal made with tiny dried shrimp (ebi or udang kering). The dried shrimp are toasted or fried until crisp, then combined with red chilli paste to create a condiment that is intensely savoury, crunchy and hot. Ebi is prized in Indonesian cooking for its concentrated umami — a small amount adds a depth that fresh shrimp cannot match. SS Mart makes sambal ebi in small Melbourne batches with imported Indonesian dried shrimp and fresh aromatics, packed in a compact 60g jar that delivers a concentrated punch.

Ingredients: Dried tiny shrimp (ebi), red chillies, shallots, garlic, sugar, salt, vegetable oil. The defining ingredient is dried tiny shrimp (ebi), which gives the sambal its intense umami, crunch and seafood depth.

Allergen Information: Contains crustacean (shrimp). Made in a facility that handles nuts, soy, gluten and fish. No artificial colours and no preservatives added.

Flavour Profile and Heat Level: Sambal ebi is intensely savoury, crunchy and medium-to-hot. The first impression is the toasted, umami-rich flavour of the dried shrimp, followed by the warmth of the red chilli. The texture is a key part of the experience — the tiny shrimp provide a satisfying crunch against the smooth paste. The heat builds steadily and is balanced by a subtle sweetness from the palm sugar. It is a concentrated sambal; a little goes a long way. Best suited to those who enjoy bold, seafood-forward flavours.

How to Use Sambal Ebi: Sambal ebi is a versatile umami booster. Sprinkle it over steamed rice for a quick, flavoursome meal. Stir it into fried rice or noodle dishes for depth. It works as a topping for congee, bubur and plain rice porridge. Spoon it over fried tofu or tempeh for a savoury crunch. It also makes an excellent seasoning for stir-fried vegetables — a teaspoon added to kangkung belacan or stir-fried water spinach transforms the dish.

Pairing Ideas:

• Steamed rice with fried eggs
• Fried rice and noodle stir-fries
• Congee, bubur and rice porridge
• Fried tofu and tempeh
• Stir-fried vegetables (kangkung, water spinach)
• Try alongside Sambal Teri 130g for a crunchy-seafood sambal duo

Storage: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 1 month. Before opening, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stir before serving to redistribute the dried shrimp through the paste.

About SS Mart: SS Mart is the online home of Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal, a Melbourne-based Indonesian sambal kitchen located at 398 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC. Every jar is made in small batches using traditional Indonesian methods and imported aromatics, roasted and cooked locally for freshness. SS Mart exists to bring Indonesia’s sambal culture to Australian tables — one jar at a time. Explore our full sambal range.

Buy Sambal Ebi Online: Order dried shrimp sambal online and have it delivered anywhere in Australia. For wholesale or restaurant enquiries, contact SS Mart directly.