Malaysian sambal is a popular spicy condiment that is a staple in Malaysian cuisine. Made with a variety of ingredients such as chilies, shrimp paste, and tamarind, sambal adds a punch of flavor to dishes. In this article, we will explore the traditional Malaysian sambal recipe and how to make it at home.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ginger, Onion, Garlic, Peppercorns, Kosher
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to serve chicken, try this Malaysian chicken noodle soup recipe. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and aromatic spices will have your taste buds dancing with every spoonful. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing your guests at a dinner party. Don't be afraid to add some extra spice for an extra kick of flavor!
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Malaysian Sambal Sauce
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Fresh Chilies, Garlic, Lemongrass, Fresh
Sambal sauce is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and for good reason. This versatile sauce is made with a blend of chilies, garlic, and other spices, giving it a bold and fiery flavor. Use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks, or mix it into your stir-fry for an extra burst of heat. For a more unique twist, try adding some sambal to your beer can chicken marinade.
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Malaysian Sambal Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Garlic, Shrimp Paste, Red Chili
Eggplant lovers, rejoice! This Malaysian sambal eggplant recipe is the perfect way to elevate this humble vegetable into a flavorful and satisfying dish. The eggplant is cooked in a spicy sambal sauce, making it the perfect side dish to accompany any main course. For an extra indulgent touch, top it off with some crispy fried shallots.
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How To Make Malaysian Chili Paste (Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Chillies, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shrimp Paste
No Malaysian dish is complete without a dollop of sambal! Learn how to make this iconic chili paste from scratch and elevate your cooking to the next level. The process may seem daunting, but the end result is worth it. Use this homemade sambal in your marinades, sauces, and dips for an authentic Malaysian touch. Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference.
Satay is a popular street food in Malaysia, and this recipe for satay peanut sauce will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur. The creamy and nutty sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat, including beer can chicken. Make sure to use high-quality peanuts for the best flavor.
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, Stock, Shrimp Paste
This mouth-watering stir-fried shrimp dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. The shrimp is cooked in a spicy sambal sauce, giving it a rich and bold flavor. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try using sambal belacan for an extra punch of flavor.
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Malaysian Beef Rendang
Main Ingredients: Shallots, Garlic, Dried Red Chile Peppers, Fresh Ginger
Beef rendang is a traditional Malaysian dish that has gained popularity all over the world. This slow-cooked beef dish is made with a blend of aromatic spices, coconut milk, and sambal, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. It's the perfect dish for a special occasion or a comforting meal on a rainy day. For a shortcut, use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
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Malaysian Ripe Mango Salad
Main Ingredients: Mango, Red Onion, Fresh Coriander, Mint Leaves, Sambal
This refreshing and tangy salad is the perfect accompaniment to a spicy dish like beer can chicken. The ripe mango adds a touch of sweetness while the sambal dressing gives it a spicy kick. For a more substantial meal, add some grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
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Malaysian Satay Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh, Onion, Chicken, Salt, Sugar, Coriander
Satay chicken is another popular Malaysian street food that can easily be recreated in your own kitchen. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Serve it with a side of sambal for an extra burst of heat. If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a pan or oven.
Main Ingredients: Chili, Red Chili Pepper, Shallots, Garlic, Terasi
Sambal uleg, also known as sambal oeleg, is a popular Indonesian chili sauce that is also widely used in Malaysian cuisine. This spicy sauce is made by grinding together chilies, shallots, garlic, and other spices. It's the perfect condiment to have on hand to add a spicy kick to any dish. Be careful when handling the chilies and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after making the sauce.
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Malaysian Pork Jerky
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Brown
This homemade pork jerky is a popular snack in Malaysia and is often found in local markets and street stalls. The jerky is marinated in a blend of sambal and other spices, giving it a unique and addictive flavor. It's the perfect snack to munch on while enjoying a cold beer. Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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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 side dish in Malaysia and can also be served as a main course with some steamed rice. The hard-boiled eggs are cooked in a spicy sambal sauce, giving them a rich and flavorful coating. Add some extra veggies like green beans or cauliflower for a more filling dish.
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Sambal Udang (Prawn Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Prawn, Water, Tamarind Pulp, Kaffir Lime Leaves
If you love seafood, then this sambal udang, or prawn sambal, recipe is a must-try. The prawns are cooked in a spicy sambal sauce until they are juicy and tender. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish for a seafood feast. For an extra burst of flavor, add some lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to the sauce.
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Sambal Telur - Egg Sambal
Main Ingredients: Oil, Tomato Sauce, Hard Boiled Eggs, Coconut Milk
Sambal telur, also known as egg sambal, is a popular Malaysian dish that is often served during festive occasions. The eggs are cooked in a spicy sambal sauce and then simmered until the sauce thickens and coats the eggs. It's a simple and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Feel free to add some extra spices like turmeric or coriander for a unique twist.
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Malaysian Curry Puff
Main Ingredients: Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, Red Potatoes
Curry puffs are a popular snack in Malaysia and can be found in almost every bakery or street stall. These flaky pastries are filled with a spicy and flavorful potato and chicken filling, making them the perfect snack to enjoy with a cold beer. Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while frying.
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Sambal, Oh My Sambal
Main Ingredients: Onions, Chilies, Coconut Sugar, Salt, Oil
Sambal is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and can be found in many different variations. From sambal telur to sambal udang, this versatile sauce is used as a condiment, marinade, and even as a main ingredient in dishes. Experiment with different types of sambal to find your favorite and add some heat to your meals. Don't be afraid to add a little extra for an extra spicy kick!
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Eggplant Sambal (Sambal Terong)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Onions, Oil, Tomatoes, Ginger, Garlic
Eggplant lovers, rejoice! This eggplant sambal recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves this versatile veggie. The eggplant is cooked in a spicy sambal sauce until it becomes soft and flavorful. Serve it as a side dish or mix it into your favorite stir-fry for a unique twist. For an extra indulgent touch, top it off with some crispy fried shallots.
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Green Sambal (Sambal Hijau)
Main Ingredients: Red Onions, Green Chilli, Green Tomatoes, Garlic
This vibrant green sambal is made with a blend of fresh chilies, herbs, and spices, giving it a unique and refreshing taste. Use it as a dipping sauce, mix it into your stir-fry, or even use it as a marinade for your beer can chicken. The possibilities are endless with this flavorful sambal. For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce in a food processor or blender.
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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. The star of this dish is the sambal, which is made with a blend of chilies, garlic, and other spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to the fragrant coconut rice and various toppings like fried anchovies and boiled eggs. Make sure to cook the sambal until the oil separates for the best flavor.
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Sambal Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Bamboo, Rice Vinegar, Light Brown Sugar, Sambal Oelek
These sambal chicken skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue or as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a spicy sambal sauce and then grilled to perfection. The result is tender and juicy chicken with a spicy and flavorful crust. For an extra kick, brush some extra sambal on the chicken while grilling.
The Ingredients for Malaysian Sambal
Chilies
The main ingredient in sambal is, of course, chilies. These fiery peppers give sambal its signature heat and are the backbone of the recipe. Malaysian sambal typically uses bird's eye chilies, also known as cili padi, which are small but pack a powerful punch. You can adjust the amount of chilies used depending on your spice tolerance.
Shrimp Paste
Another essential ingredient in Malaysian sambal is shrimp paste, also known as belacan. This fermented shrimp paste adds depth and umami to the sambal. It can be found in most Asian grocery stores and comes in a block or paste form.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a tart and tangy fruit that adds a unique flavor to sambal. It is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine and can be found in the form of paste or concentrate. Tamarind adds a slight sweetness and sourness to balance out the spiciness of the chilies.
Garlic and Shallots
Garlic and shallots are commonly used in Malaysian sambal to add depth and aroma. These two ingredients are finely chopped and sautéed in oil before adding the rest of the ingredients. They give the sambal a rich and savory flavor.
Making Malaysian Sambal
To make Malaysian sambal, start by blending the chilies, shrimp paste, tamarind, garlic, and shallots in a food processor or mortar and pestle. This creates a paste that will be the base of your sambal. Next, heat oil in a pan and fry the paste until fragrant. Add some water and let the sambal simmer until it thickens. You can also add other ingredients such as sugar or fish sauce to balance out the flavors.
Enjoying Malaysian Sambal
Malaysian sambal is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is commonly served with Malay dishes such as nasi lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish, or with fried rice and noodles. Sambal can also be used as a dip for seafood or as a marinade for meats. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, Malaysian sambal is a delicious and essential element in Malaysian cuisine. With its bold and complex flavors, it adds a unique kick to any dish. Now that you have the recipe, it's time to start making your own sambal at home and elevate your meals with this flavorful condiment.
