Seafood Saus Padang – Spicy, Savory & Indonesian-Style Favorite
Seafood saus Padang is a bold and flavorful Indonesian dish known for its rich, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly coats a mix of fresh seafood. Popular in seafood restaurants and street-style eateries, this dish combines shrimp, squid, mussels, and crab with a thick chili-tomato sauce enhanced by garlic, onions, and signature Indonesian spices. What makes seafood saus Padang special is its balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe brings restaurant-style Indonesian flavor straight to your home kitchen with simple steps and accessible ingredients.
Recipe Time & Servings
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Seafood Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 300 g |
| Squid (cleaned, sliced) | 250 g |
| Mussels or clams | 300 g |
| Crab pieces (optional) | 300 g |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooking oil | 3 tbsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Red chili sauce | 4 tbsp |
| Tomato ketchup | 4 tbsp |
| Sweet chili sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Chili paste (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Water or seafood stock | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch + water (slurry) | 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp |
How to Make Seafood Saus Padang
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Clean all seafood thoroughly. Toss shrimp and squid with lime juice and a little salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in chili sauce, tomato ketchup, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Liquid
Pour in water or seafood stock and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Cook the Seafood
Add squid and mussels first, cooking for 2–3 minutes. Add shrimp and crab last to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the seafood evenly.
Step 7: Final Taste & Serve
Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or spice. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Seafood saus Padang is best enjoyed hot and pairs well with:
- Steamed white rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Buttered noodles
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Lime wedges
This dish is perfect for sharing and makes an excellent centerpiece for seafood meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking seafood (it becomes rubbery)
- Adding shrimp too early
- Making sauce too watery
- Skipping lime juice for freshness
- Using high heat throughout cooking
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Saus Padang
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor
- Adjust chili level based on preference
- Keep heat medium to protect sauce texture
- Add crab last if pre-cooked
- Serve immediately for best taste
Variations
Extra Spicy Version
Add fresh chopped chilies or extra chili paste.
Creamy Saus Padang
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cooking cream.
Shrimp-Only Version
Perfect for quick cooking and lighter meals.
Mixed Seafood Deluxe
Include scallops and lobster for special occasions.
Low-Spice Option
Reduce chili sauce and increase tomato ketchup.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does saus Padang taste like?
It’s spicy, savory, slightly sweet, and rich with chili-tomato flavor.
Can I make seafood saus Padang ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw completely and drain well before cooking.
Is saus Padang very spicy?
Spice level is adjustable based on chili sauce quantity.
What seafood works best?
Shrimp, squid, mussels, crab, and scallops all work well.
Conclusion
Seafood saus Padang is a bold and satisfying dish that brings authentic Indonesian flavors to your table. With its thick, spicy sauce and tender seafood, it’s a recipe that delivers comfort, excitement, and restaurant-quality results at home. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy rich, spicy flavors. Once you try this seafood saus Padang recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home cooking rotation.
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