Traditional Indonesian Sambal
Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant aromas, Traditional Indonesian Sambal is a spicy chili paste that serves as a quintessential condiment in Indonesian cuisine. Crafted from red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and tomatoes, and elevated with the rich umami of shrimp paste (terasi) and the tangy brightness of lime juice, this sambal balances heat with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Made in just 25 minutes, it involves a simple stir-fry and blending technique, making it perfect for home cooks looking to explore authentic Indonesian flavors. Use this versatile sambal to enhance grilled meats, stir-fries, fried rice, or noodles, or as a zesty dip. Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, this homemade sambal is a must-try for spice lovers and fans of Southeast Asian cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 pieces red chili peppers
- 5 pieces shallots
- 4 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 large tomato
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the red chili peppers and tomato. Peel the shallots and garlic cloves.
Roughly chop the chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and tomato.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped shallots, garlic, and chili peppers to the pan. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until the shallots become translucent and the chili peppers soften.
Add the chopped tomato and shrimp paste into the pan. Continue to stir fry for an additional 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Transfer the sautéed mixture to a blender or a mortar and pestle. Grind or blend the mixture to your preferred consistency, either chunky or smooth.
Return the sambal to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt, sugar, and lime juice, adjusting to taste.
Allow the sambal to cool before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
79 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 295 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.1 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 1.7 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 480 mg | 10% | |
*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.
