Making Traditional Malaysian Sambal Belacan at Home
Malaysian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse ingredients, and one of the most iconic dishes in Malaysian cuisine is sambal belacan. This spicy and savory condiment is a staple in Malaysian households and is often served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the authentic flavors of traditional Malaysian sambal belacan in your own kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Malaysian sambal belacan.
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Main Ingredients: Red Chilies, Belacan, Calamansi Lime, Sugar
Sambal Belacan is a staple condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. Made from a blend of chili peppers, shrimp paste, and other ingredients, this spicy and savory sauce adds a kick to any dish. It is a popular accompaniment to grilled meats, fried rice, and other dishes.
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Goreng Sambal Belacan
Main Ingredients: Red Chilies, Green Chilies, Thai Bird S Eye Chilies
Goreng Sambal Belacan, which translates to "fried Sambal Belacan," is a popular dish in Malaysia. It consists of stir-fried vegetables, meat, and sambal belacan sauce. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a flavorful and spicy way to enjoy the flavors of Sambal Belacan.
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Sambal Belacan (Charcoal Roasted)
Main Ingredients: Belacan, Bird S Eye Chili, Red Chili, Green Chili
For a smoky twist on Sambal Belacan, try making it on a charcoal grill. The heat from the grill adds a unique flavor to the sauce, making it perfect for dishes like grilled fish or chicken. The charred bits of chili peppers and shrimp paste add a delicious depth of flavor.
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Pad Krapaw With Sambal Belacan
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Garlic, Red Chili, White Onion, Carrots
Pad Krapaw, or Thai basil stir-fry, is a popular dish in Thailand. The addition of Sambal Belacan adds a spicy kick to this already flavorful dish. It's a delicious way to incorporate Sambal Belacan into your cooking and introduce it to new flavors and cuisines.
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Sambal Belacan as a relish
Main Ingredients: Belacan, Red Chilies, Calamansi Lime, Sugar
Sambal Belacan can also be used as a relish or dipping sauce for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, and even vegetables. The spicy and tangy flavors of Sambal Belacan add an extra layer of flavor and heat to any dish.
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Sambal Belacan [Condiment from SEA]
Main Ingredients: Red Chili, Chili, Belacan, Sea Salt, Sugar, Onion
Sambal Belacan is a popular condiment in Southeast Asian countries, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. It is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to marinades. Its distinct flavor and heat make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
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Grilled Fish with Sambal Belacan in Banana Leaves
Main Ingredients: Red Chilies, Belacan, Shallots, Salt, Fish Sauce
For a truly mouth-watering dish, try grilling fish with Sambal Belacan in banana leaves. The fish is marinated in a spicy Sambal Belacan sauce and then wrapped in banana leaves before being grilled. The result is a tender and flavorful fish with a hint of smokiness from the banana leaves.
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Sambal Belacan – Malay Chilli Paste with Shrimp Paste
Main Ingredients: Jalapenos, Chillies, Belacan, Salt, White Sugar
Sambal Belacan is a Malay chili paste made with shrimp paste, chili peppers, and other ingredients. It is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes. The combination of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a unique and delicious condiment.
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Sambal Telur (Egg Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Sambal, Red Chilies, Belacan
Sambal Telur, or Egg Sambal, is a popular dish in Malaysia. Hard-boiled eggs are coated in a spicy Sambal Belacan sauce and then fried until crispy. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
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Sambal Udang (Prawn Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Prawn, Water, Tamarind Pulp, Kaffir Lime Leaves
Sambal Udang, or Prawn Sambal, is a classic Malaysian dish that features succulent prawns cooked in a spicy Sambal Belacan sauce. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of Sambal Belacan.
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Best Sambal (Nasi Lemak Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Galangal, Peanut Oil, Red Chilies, Dried
Nasi Lemak, or coconut rice, is a popular dish in Malaysia and is often served with Sambal Belacan as a condiment. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is a match made in heaven, and it's no wonder why this dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
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Sambal Goreng Tempeh (Fried Tempeh in Spicy Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Belacan, Tamarind Paste, Gula Jawa, Salt
Sambal Goreng Tempeh is a popular dish in Indonesia that features fried tempeh (fermented soybean cake) cooked in a spicy Sambal Belacan sauce. The dish is typically served with rice and is a delicious and protein-packed way to enjoy the flavors of Sambal Belacan.
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BRINJAL IN DRIED SHRIMP SAMBAL ~ TERUNG MASAK SAMBAL...
Main Ingredients: Brinjals, Shrimps, Belacan, Shallots, Garlic, Red
Brinjal in Dried Shrimp Sambal, also known as Terung Masak Sambal, is a popular Malaysian dish that features eggplant cooked in a spicy Sambal Belacan sauce. The dried shrimp adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish, making it a must-try for any Sambal Belacan lover.
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Sambal Asparagus
Main Ingredients: Asparagus, Scallops, Shrimps, Sambal Paste, Sugar, Fish
Sambal Asparagus is a delicious and simple dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Fresh asparagus is stir-fried with Sambal Belacan, creating a spicy and flavorful vegetable dish that is perfect for any meal.
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Sambal Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Oil, Dried Shrimp, Sambal, Eggplant, Sugar, Fish Sauce
Sambal Eggplant is a popular dish in Indonesia that features eggplant cooked in a spicy Sambal Belacan sauce. The dish is typically served with rice and is a delicious and vegetarian-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of Sambal Belacan.
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Malaysian Nasi Lemak
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Coconut Milk, Water, Pandan, Ginger, Salt
Nasi Lemak is a popular Malaysian dish that features coconut rice cooked in pandan leaves and served with a variety of accompaniments, including Sambal Belacan. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors makes this dish a must-try for any Sambal Belacan lover.
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Malaysian Curry Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Meat, Potatoes, Star Anise, Cinnamon Stick
Curry Chicken is a popular dish in Malaysia that features tender chicken cooked in a rich and spicy curry sauce. The addition of Sambal Belacan adds an extra layer of heat and flavor to this already delicious dish.
Chicken Satay is a popular street food in Malaysia and can be found on almost every corner. Marinated chicken skewers are grilled and served with a peanut sauce and a side of spicy Sambal Belacan. The combination of flavors is a match made in heaven and is a must-try for any Sambal Belacan lover.
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Rojak (Malaysian Salad)
Main Ingredients: Yam Bean, Cucumber, Boiled Potatoes, Bean Sprouts, Firm
Rojak is a popular Malaysian salad that features a mix of fruits, vegetables, and fried dough fritters tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. The addition of Sambal Belacan adds a unique and delicious twist to this refreshing and flavorful salad.
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Acar (Spicy Malaysian Pickled Vegetable)
Main Ingredients: French Beans, Small Carrots, Persian Cucumbers
Acar is a spicy pickled vegetable dish that is popular in Malaysia and can be found in many dishes, including Nasi Lemak. The addition of Sambal Belacan adds a kick to this already flavorful dish, making it a must-try for any Sambal Belacan lover.
Gather Your Ingredients
The key to making a delicious sambal belacan is using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The main components of this spicy condiment are belacan (shrimp paste), chilies, and shallots. Make sure to use fresh and ripe chilies for maximum flavor. You will also need some garlic, lime juice, and sugar to balance out the spiciness and add a touch of tanginess to the sambal belacan.
Prep and Roast the Ingredients
To bring out the flavors of the ingredients, it is important to properly prep and roast them. Start by slicing the chilies and shallots, mincing the garlic, and grinding the belacan into a paste. Then, heat a pan on medium-high and dry roast the belacan until fragrant. Next, add in the chilies, shallots, and garlic and continue to roast until they are slightly charred and softened.
Blend and Season
Once the ingredients are roasted, let them cool down before blending them into a paste. You can use a traditional mortar and pestle or a food processor to achieve the desired consistency. As you blend, add in a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Serve and Store
Your homemade sambal belacan is now ready to be served! It goes well with a variety of dishes such as rice, noodles, and even sandwiches. If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the sambal belacan for longer storage.
In conclusion, making traditional Malaysian sambal belacan at home is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic version of this iconic condiment. So why not give it a try and add a touch of Malaysian flavor to your meals?
