15 Chinese Sambal Belacan Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
One of the most beloved and versatile condiments in Chinese cuisine is sambal belacan. This fiery hot sauce is made from chili peppers, shrimp paste, and other aromatic ingredients, and is a staple in many households across China. While sambal belacan can be found in stores, there's nothing quite like making it from scratch in the comfort of your own kitchen. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Chinese sambal belacan recipe and how you can make it at home to add a spicy kick to your dishes.
Main Ingredients: Red Chilies, Belacan, Calamansi Lime, Sugar
Sambal Belacan is a traditional chili paste from Malaysia, made with shrimp paste and a variety of other ingredients such as chili peppers, garlic, and shallots. The name Belacan comes from the Malay word for shrimp paste, which is a key component in this spicy condiment. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, and also as a base for many other dishes.
2of 20
Goreng Sambal Belacan
Main Ingredients: Red Chilies, Green Chilies, Thai Bird S Eye Chilies
Goreng Sambal Belacan is a popular dish in Malaysia, made by frying sambal belacan with additional ingredients such as onion, tomato, and dried anchovies. The result is a flavorful and spicy side dish that pairs well with rice or as a topping for noodles. This dish is a great way to use up any leftover sambal belacan and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
3of 20
Sambal Belacan (Charcoal Roasted)
Main Ingredients: Belacan, Bird S Eye Chili, Red Chili, Green Chili
If you want to take your sambal belacan to the next level, try roasting it over charcoal. This method gives the chili paste a smoky flavor that adds depth to any dish it is used in. The roasting process also helps to release the oils and flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a richer and more aromatic sambal belacan.
4of 20
Pad Krapaw With Sambal Belacan
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Garlic, Red Chili, White Onion, Carrots
Pad Krapaw, also known as Thai Basil Chicken, is a popular Thai dish that is often served with a spicy chili sauce. Instead of using a traditional chili sauce, try adding some sambal belacan to your Pad Krapaw for an extra kick of flavor. The shrimp paste in the sambal belacan adds a unique umami taste to the dish, making it a must-try for all spicy food lovers.
5of 20
Sambal Belacan as a relish
Main Ingredients: Belacan, Red Chilies, Calamansi Lime, Sugar
Aside from being used as a condiment or a base for dishes, sambal belacan can also be served as a relish or a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs. The spicy and tangy flavors of the chili paste can enhance the taste of any sandwich, giving it a delicious and unique twist. For an extra indulgence, try topping your burger with some sambal belacan and a fried egg.
6of 20
Sambal Belacan [Condiment from SEA]
Main Ingredients: Red Chili, Chili, Belacan, Sea Salt, Sugar, Onion
Sambal belacan is not just limited to Malaysia; it is also widely used in other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Each country has its own variation of sambal belacan, with different ingredients and levels of spiciness. So, if you are a fan of this delicious chili paste, be sure to try out different versions from different countries.
7of 20
Grilled Fish with Sambal Belacan in Banana Leaves
Main Ingredients: Red Chilies, Belacan, Shallots, Salt, Fish Sauce
One of the best ways to enjoy sambal belacan is with grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves. The fish is marinated in the chili paste, giving it a spicy and fragrant flavor. The banana leaves not only add a unique aroma to the dish but also help to keep the fish moist and tender. It's a simple yet delicious way to elevate your grilled fish game.
8of 20
Sambal Belacan – Malay Chilli Paste with Shrimp Paste
Main Ingredients: Jalapenos, Chillies, Belacan, Salt, White Sugar
In Malaysia, sambal belacan is often referred to as the "Malay chili paste with shrimp paste." It is a staple in Malay cuisine and can be found in many traditional dishes. The combination of spicy and savory flavors from the chili and shrimp paste makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from stir-fries to curries.
9of 20
QUICK KL-STYLE CLAYPOT HOKKIEN MEE WITH EGG
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Fresh Prawns, Light
This dish is a popular street food in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. It is made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and seafood, all cooked in a claypot and topped with a fried egg. To give it an extra kick, add some sambal belacan to the dish before serving. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more.
10of 20
Kangkung Belacan (Water Spinach with Shrimp Paste)
Main Ingredients: Sauce, Water Spinach, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Shaoxing
Kangkung Belacan is a simple yet flavorful dish that is commonly found in Malaysian households. Water spinach, also known as kangkung, is stir-fried with sambal belacan and topped with crispy fried anchovies. The result is a deliciously spicy and crunchy dish that is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
11of 20
Sambal Telur (Egg Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Sambal, Red Chilies, Belacan
Sambal Telur is a popular dish in Malaysia that is often served as a side dish or a snack. Hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a spicy sambal belacan sauce, giving them a delicious and fiery flavor. This dish is usually served with rice or as a topping for noodles, making it a great way to add some protein and spice to any meal.
12of 20
Sambal Udang (Prawn Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Prawn, Water, Tamarind Pulp, Kaffir Lime Leaves
Sambal Udang is a classic Malaysian dish that is enjoyed by many. Prawns are cooked in a spicy sambal belacan sauce, resulting in a tasty and aromatic dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This dish pairs well with rice and can be made with a variety of prawns, from small to jumbo, depending on your preference.
13of 20
Best Sambal (Nasi Lemak Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Galangal, Peanut Oil, Red Chilies, Dried
Nasi Lemak is a popular Malaysian dish that is often served for breakfast. It consists of coconut rice, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and boiled egg, all served with a spicy sambal belacan sauce on the side. The sambal belacan is an essential component of this dish, adding a burst of heat and flavor to the otherwise mild dish.
14of 20
Sambal Goreng Tempeh (Fried Tempeh in Spicy Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Belacan, Tamarind Paste, Gula Jawa, Salt
Sambal Goreng Tempeh is a vegetarian version of the popular Sambal Goreng dishes in Malaysia. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, is fried and then cooked in a spicy sambal belacan sauce, giving it a flavorful and crunchy texture. This dish is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to meat dishes.
15of 20
BRINJAL IN DRIED SHRIMP SAMBAL ~ TERUNG MASAK SAMBAL...
Main Ingredients: Brinjals, Shrimps, Belacan, Shallots, Garlic, Red
Terung Masak Sambal is a traditional Malaysian dish that is made with eggplant and a spicy sambal belacan sauce. The eggplant is cooked until tender and then simmered in the chili paste until the flavors are well combined. This dish is often served with rice and can also be made with other vegetables such as okra or long beans.
16of 20
Sambal Asparagus
Main Ingredients: Asparagus, Scallops, Shrimps, Sambal Paste, Sugar, Fish
If you are looking for a way to spice up your asparagus, try cooking it in sambal belacan. The combination of the slightly bitter asparagus and the spicy chili paste is surprisingly delicious and makes for a great side dish. This dish is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
17of 20
Sambal Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Oil, Dried Shrimp, Sambal, Eggplant, Sugar, Fish Sauce
Sambal Eggplant is a popular dish in Indonesia, made with eggplant and a spicy sambal sauce. The eggplant is usually grilled or roasted until tender and then topped with the sambal belacan sauce. This dish is often served with rice and is a great way to add some variety to your vegetable dishes.
18of 20
Sambal Tumis ( Sauteed Chili Paste)
Main Ingredients: Red Pepper, Red Chili Pepper, Belacan, Shallot, Garlic
Sambal Tumis is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to seafood. The chili paste is sautéed with garlic, onion, and other spices to create a flavorful and spicy sauce. It can be used as a condiment, a base for dishes, or as a topping for noodles and rice.
19of 20
Stir-fry Okra with Shrimp in Sambal
Main Ingredients: Okra, Snipe, Carrot, Belacan, Dried Shrimp, Tamarind
Okra, also known as lady's fingers, is a popular vegetable in Malaysia and is often cooked in sambal belacan. The okra is stir-fried with shrimp and then simmered in the chili paste until tender. This dish is usually served with rice and is a great way to add some greens to your diet while still enjoying the spicy flavors of sambal belacan.
20of 20
Nyonya Sambal Goreng (Creamy Lemongrass Shrimp)
Main Ingredients: Tamarind, Water, Raw Cashew Nuts, Lemongrass, Belacan
Nyonya Sambal Goreng is a rich and creamy dish that is popular in Nyonya cuisine, a fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors. Shrimp is cooked in a spicy sambal belacan sauce with lemongrass, coconut milk, and other spices, resulting in a flavorful and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions.
The History of Sambal Belacan
The Origins
Sambal belacan is believed to have originated from the southern region of China, particularly in the Fujian province. It was then brought to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries by Chinese immigrants. Over time, the recipe evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in different variations of sambal belacan across different regions. However, the base ingredients of chili peppers and shrimp paste remain the same, making it a quintessential Chinese condiment.
The Versatility of Sambal Belacan
One of the reasons why sambal belacan is so beloved in Chinese cuisine is its versatility. It can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for meats, or added to stir-fries and noodle dishes for an extra punch of flavor. Its bold and spicy taste adds depth and complexity to any dish, making it a must-have in any Chinese kitchen.
Making Sambal Belacan at Home
The Ingredients
To make sambal belacan, you will need red chilies, shrimp paste, garlic, shallots, and lime juice. While the recipe may vary slightly depending on personal preferences, these are the basic ingredients you will need to create the fiery sauce. Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
The Process
First, you will need to lightly toast the shrimp paste in a pan until fragrant. Then, grind the toasted shrimp paste with the chilies, garlic, and shallots in a mortar and pestle or food processor until it forms a paste. Add lime juice to the paste and mix well. Your sambal belacan is now ready to use or can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
Conclusion
Sambal belacan is a beloved condiment in Chinese cuisine, known for its spicy and bold flavor. Making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients and create a sauce that suits your taste preferences. Add a jar of homemade sambal belacan to your pantry and elevate your dishes with its fiery kick.