17 Sambals Recipe South Africa Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
Sambals are a popular condiment in South African cuisine, known for their fiery and flavorful taste. These spicy accompaniments are often made with a variety of fresh herbs, chilies, and other ingredients that add a burst of flavor to any dish. While there are many different types of sambals found in South Africa, they all have one thing in common - they are a staple in local households and a must-try for any food lover. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different sambals recipes in South Africa and how you can incorporate them into your own cooking.
Main Ingredients: Kecap Manis, Fresh Lime Juice, Thai Chiles, Kaffir Lime
If you're looking for a unique and delicious dipping sauce for your beer can chicken, look no further than Sambal Kecap. This sweet and tangy Indonesian sauce is made from a combination of fresh chilies, garlic, and sweet soy sauce. It adds a burst of flavor to your chicken and is perfect for dipping pieces of succulent meat into.
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Bunny Chow South Africa
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Canola Oil, Curry Leaves, Minced
This popular South African dish is not actually made with bunnies, but rather with a delicious curry served inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread. For a twist on this classic dish, try using your leftover beer can chicken as the base for the curry. The tender and flavorful meat pairs perfectly with the spicy and fragrant curry sauce. This is a must-try for any fans of South African cuisine.
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Bobotie – Savory ground meat custard from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Whole Milk, Large Eggs, White Bread
Bobotie is another traditional South African dish that is perfect for using up leftover beer can chicken. This savory custard is made with ground meat, eggs, and a variety of spices and herbs. By adding in shredded chicken, you can elevate the dish and add a new layer of flavor. Serve with yellow rice and chutney for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Lamb stew from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Lamb Shoulder, Butter, Tomatoes, Red Chilies, Medium
This hearty and comforting stew is a staple in South African cuisine. It is typically made with lamb, but you can easily substitute the meat with shredded beer can chicken for a delicious twist. The rich and flavorful broth is made with a variety of vegetables and spices, making it the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.
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Sambal Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Bamboo, Rice Vinegar, Light Brown Sugar, Sambal Oelek
For a fun and easy way to enjoy your leftover beer can chicken, try making sambal chicken skewers. Simply marinate chunks of chicken in a spicy sambal sauce and then grill them on skewers for a tasty and flavorful appetizer or main dish. The smoky flavors from the grill will enhance the already delicious taste of the chicken.
Main Ingredients: Chili, Red Chili Pepper, Shallots, Garlic, Terasi
Sambal Uleg is a traditional Indonesian chili paste that is perfect for adding a kick to your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of fresh chilies, garlic, and spices, this paste can be used as a marinade for the chicken or as a dipping sauce. The bold flavors will take your chicken to the next level and leave your taste buds tingling.
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North Africa Vegetable Dish
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Paprika, Cumin Powder, Ras El Hanout, Black
If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful way to use your leftover chicken, try making a North African-inspired vegetable dish. Simply sauté a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, with some spices and herbs. Then add in shredded beer can chicken and let it simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve over couscous for a complete meal.
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Sambal Telur (Egg Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Sambal, Red Chilies, Belacan
Sambal Telur is a popular Indonesian dish that consists of hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spicy sambal sauce. For a twist on this dish, use your leftover beer can chicken instead of eggs. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce and creates a unique and delicious meal that is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Sambal Udang (Prawn Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Prawn, Water, Tamarind Pulp, Kaffir Lime Leaves
If you want to switch up your usual beer can chicken recipe, try making Sambal Udang. This traditional Malaysian dish features a spicy sambal sauce with succulent prawns. By substituting the prawns with shredded chicken, you can create a delicious and unique version of this dish that is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
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Sambal Telur - Egg Sambal
Main Ingredients: Oil, Tomato Sauce, Hard Boiled Eggs, Coconut Milk
For a simple and easy way to use your leftover beer can chicken, try making Sambal Telur. This dish features hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spicy sambal sauce, which pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying meal that is full of flavor.
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Sambal, Oh My Sambal
Main Ingredients: Onions, Chilies, Coconut Sugar, Salt, Oil
This catchy and playful dish name is perfect for a spicy and flavorful dish made with your leftover beer can chicken. Simply marinate the chicken in a spicy sambal sauce and then grill it to perfection. The bold and complex flavors of the sambal will take your chicken to the next level and leave you wanting more.
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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 features fragrant coconut rice served with a variety of dishes, including sambal. For a unique twist on this dish, use your leftover beer can chicken as the protein. The tender and flavorful meat pairs perfectly with the spicy and tangy sambal, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Eggplant Sambal (Sambal Terong)
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Onions, Oil, Tomatoes, Ginger, Garlic
Eggplant Sambal, also known as Sambal Terong, is a popular Indonesian dish that features eggplant cooked in a spicy sambal sauce. For a twist on this dish, try adding in shredded beer can chicken for a protein boost and a new layer of flavor. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Green Sambal (Sambal Hijau)
Main Ingredients: Red Onions, Green Chilli, Green Tomatoes, Garlic
If you're a fan of spicy and tangy flavors, then you'll love Sambal Hijau. This traditional Indonesian sauce is made with green chilies, shallots, and a variety of spices. Use it as a marinade for your beer can chicken or as a dipping sauce for a delicious and flavorful meal that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Tomato Chili Sambal (Sambal Tomat)
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Red Chillies, Chillies, Shallots, Tomatoes
Sambal Tomat is a delicious and versatile sambal sauce that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including beer can chicken. Made with tomatoes, chilies, and spices, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to your chicken and is perfect for dipping or using as a marinade. You can also add in some shredded chicken for a heartier and more satisfying meal.
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Nutritious Breakfast Dish from Africa
Main Ingredients: Salt, Water, Flour, Cold Water
For a nutritious and flavorful breakfast dish, try making a traditional African dish using your leftover beer can chicken. Simply sauté a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers, with some spices and herbs. Then add in shredded chicken and let it simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve with eggs and toast for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Sambal Telur (Indonesian Egg Sambal)
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Cooking Oil, Cayenne Peppers, Thai
Sambal Telur is a popular Indonesian dish that features hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spicy sambal sauce. For a twist on this dish, use your leftover beer can chicken instead of eggs. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce and creates a unique and delicious meal that is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Injera | Flatbread from Northeast Africa
Main Ingredients: Teff Flour, All Purpose Flour, Instant Dry Yeast
Injera is a traditional Ethiopian flatbread that is perfect for serving with your leftover beer can chicken. This spongy and slightly sour bread is made from teff flour and is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the chicken. Serve alongside a variety of dips and sauces for a delicious and unique meal.
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Sambal Ijo Padang/ Indonesian Green Sambal
Main Ingredients: Green Chili, Shallots, Tomatillos, Cooking Oil, Lemon
Sambal Ijo Padang is a spicy and flavorful green sambal sauce that is perfect for adding a kick to your leftover beer can chicken. Made with green chilies, shallots, and a variety of spices, this sauce is perfect for marinating the chicken or using as a dipping sauce. The bold and complex flavors will take your chicken to the next level and leave you wanting more.
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Sambal Udang (Prawn Sambal) with Roti Jala
Main Ingredients: Sambal Tumis, Onion, Shrimps, Salt, Sugar, Tamarind
For a unique and delicious twist on a traditional Malaysian dish, try making Sambal Udang with Roti Jala. This dish features succulent prawns cooked in a spicy sambal sauce and served with a delicate and flavorful roti jala, a lacy crepe-like bread. By substituting the prawns with shredded beer can chicken, you can create a unique and tasty version of this dish that is sure to impress your guests.
The Many Varieties of Sambals
Sambals come in many different forms, with each region in South Africa having its own unique take on this popular condiment. The most common type of sambal is the traditional tomato and onion sambal, which is made with ripe tomatoes, red onions, and a generous amount of chili peppers. This sambal is often served alongside grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Hot and Spicy Sambals
For those who love a bit of heat in their food, there are plenty of sambals that offer a fiery kick. The peri-peri sambal is a popular choice, made with peri-peri chilies, garlic, and lemon juice. This sambal is a staple in Portuguese-influenced dishes and is sure to add a punch of flavor to any meal. Another hot and spicy sambal to try is the chakalaka, which is a mix of chilies, peppers, and various vegetables. This sambal is often served with pap, a porridge-like dish made from maize meal.
Mild and Tangy Sambals
Not all sambals are spicy, and there are plenty of milder options for those who prefer a less intense flavor. The fruit sambal is a popular choice, made with a mix of fresh fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and bananas. This sambal is a great accompaniment to curries and adds a refreshing sweetness to the dish. Another mild sambal to try is the raisin sambal, which is made with raisins, apricots, and spices. This sambal is often served with lamb dishes and adds a subtle sweetness to the meal.
Making Your Own Sambal
While you can find sambals at most grocery stores in South Africa, making your own is a fun and easy way to experiment with different flavors. The key to a good sambal is using fresh and high-quality ingredients. You can also adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste. To make a basic sambal, simply chop up your chosen ingredients, mix them together, and let the flavors marinate for a few hours before serving.
Incorporating Sambals into Your Cooking
Sambals are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways in your cooking. They can be used as a dipping sauce, added to marinades and dressings, or used as a topping for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. They can also be used to add flavor to stews, curries, and casseroles. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen with sambals.
In Conclusion
Sambals are a staple in South African cuisine, adding a burst of flavor to any dish. From hot and spicy to mild and tangy, there is a sambal for every palate. Whether you choose to make your own or try the different varieties available in stores, incorporating sambals into your cooking is a must-try for any food lover. So next time you're looking to add some extra flavor to your meal, don't forget to reach for a jar of sambal.