Dairy-Free Sambal Chicken
Bring bold, fiery flavors to your table with this Dairy-Free Sambal Chicken recipe, a mouthwatering Southeast Asian-inspired dish that's perfect for spice lovers. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, tangy sauce crafted from sambal oelek, tamarind paste, coconut sugar, and soy sauce—creating a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. The dish is further elevated by the aromatic trio of red onions, garlic, and ginger, while a squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy twist. Ready in just 40 minutes, this gluten-free, dairy-free recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant and flavorful feast that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 red onions
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 3 tablespoons sambal oelek
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 100 milliliters water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Begin by preparing the ingredients: thinly slice the red onions, finely chop the garlic cloves, and grate the ginger.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and sauté them until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring frequently for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken thighs to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken starts to brown, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix together sambal oelek, tamarind paste, coconut sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and water to form a sauce.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan, stirring well to ensure all the chicken is coated.
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan with a lid, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Season the dish with the salt, stirring once more to combine.
Transfer the sambal chicken to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice or cauliflower rice, along with extra lime wedges on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1548 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.0 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 625 mg | 208% | |
| Sodium | 3186 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.5 g | ||
| Protein | 138.5 g | 277% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 203 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 2179 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
