Sambal Matah
Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, Sambal Matah is a traditional Balinese condiment that brings zesty heat and aromatic complexity to your plate. This raw sambal combines thinly sliced shallots, fiery red bird’s eye chilies, fragrant lemongrass, and citrusy kaffir lime leaves, balanced with a splash of lime juice and a touch of savory fried shrimp paste. The final flourish—a sizzling pour of coconut oil—softens the raw ingredients just enough to let their bold personality shine. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy sambal is the perfect accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or even steamed rice, offering a tantalizing mix of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors in every bite. Whether you're exploring Indonesian cuisine or looking for a spicy twist to elevate your meal, Sambal Matah delivers a punch of authentic island flair!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Shallots
- 10 pieces Red bird's eye chilies
- 3 stalks Lemongrass stalks
- 5 leaves Kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Fried shrimp paste
- 6 tablespoons Coconut oil
Instructions
Peel the shallots and thinly slice them into rings.
Slice the red bird's eye chilies finely. You can adjust the number based on your spice tolerance.
Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass stalks, then slice the softer inner parts very thinly.
Roll the kaffir lime leaves up tightly and slice them into thin strips, removing any tough stems.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the sliced shallots, chilies, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
Add the fresh lime juice, salt, and fried shrimp paste to the bowl and mix well.
Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, until just hot but not smoking.
Pour the hot coconut oil over the sambal mixture. The heat from the oil will slightly mellow the intense raw taste.
Mix everything thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
Allow the sambal matah to sit for a few minutes before serving, which helps the flavors develop further.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve as a condiment with your favorite grilled fish or chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1048 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.5 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.4 g | 352% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 2144 mg | 93% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.5 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 9.7 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 3840 mg | 82% | |
*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.
