Indonesian Sambal Sauce
Bursting with bold flavors, this authentic Indonesian Sambal Sauce is a fiery, aromatic condiment that packs a punch. Made with a vibrant blend of red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and juicy tomatoes, this versatile sauce is elevated with the sweetness of palm sugar and the tangy depth of tamarind paste. Perfectly sautéed to unlock its rich, smoky undertones, sambal is the ideal accompaniment to elevate rice dishes, noodles, grilled meats, or even a simple fried egg. Customize the spice level to your liking, and add a splash of lime juice for a refreshing zing. Ready in just 25 minutes, this traditional homemade sambal is a must-have recipe for any spice lover's repertoire.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 pieces Red chili peppers (bird's eye or cayenne)
- 4 pieces Shallots
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves
- 2 medium-sized Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Tamarind paste
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Lime juice (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients by roughly slicing the red chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes into smaller pieces for easier blending or grinding.
In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the chilies, shallots, and garlic into a coarse paste. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chili, shallot, and garlic paste to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
Mix in the palm sugar, tamarind paste, and salt. Stir well until the palm sugar dissolves and the flavors combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
If desired, squeeze in the lime juice for extra brightness and stir to combine.
Remove the sambal from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving or storing.
Store leftover sambal in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
443 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.1 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1216 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.7 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1192 mg | 25% | |
*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.
