sambal recipe.
🥢 Sambal Recipe (Authentic Indonesian Chili Paste)
A spicy, flavorful, and aromatic Indonesian sambal made with chilies, garlic, shallots, and lime. This homemade sambal pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, satay, fried chicken, seafood, and stir-fries.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Sambal
- Easy to make
- Uses simple ingredients
- Authentic Indonesian flavors
- Perfect condiment for any Asian dish
- Stores well in the fridge
🌶 Ingredients for Sambal
- 10–12 red chilies (fresh or dried)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 shallots
- 1 tomato (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional but traditional)
🔥 How to Make Sambal (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the chilies
Remove stems and roughly chop the chilies. If you prefer mild sambal, remove some seeds.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Heat oil in a pan and sauté:
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Chilies
- Tomato (if using)
Cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Blend into a paste
Transfer the sautéed mixture to a blender or mortar and grind into a smooth or slightly chunky paste.
Step 4: Season
Mix in:
- Salt
- Sugar
- Shrimp paste (if using)
- Lime juice
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Cook again (optional)
For longer shelf life, cook the sambal again in a little oil until thickened.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Sambal goes perfectly with:
- Fried rice (Nasi Goreng)
- Noodles (Mie Goreng)
- Grilled chicken
- Satay
- Seafood
- Soups and curries
- Snacking with crackers
Nutrition Facts for Sambal Recipe
Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 55 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Total Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the type and amount of chilies, oil, sugar, salt, and other ingredients used.
❄ How to Store Sambal
- Store in an airtight jar
- Keeps for 1 week in the fridge
- Freeze for up to 2 months
❓ FAQs
What type of chili is best for sambal?
Red bird’s eye chilies or long red chilies give the best color and heat.
Can I make sambal without shrimp paste?
Yes! It will still taste delicious but slightly less rich.
Why does my sambal taste bitter?
Overcooking chilies or burning garlic can cause bitterness. Cook on medium heat.
Can I use sambal for marinating?
Absolutely! Sambal works great as a marinade for chicken, prawns, or tofu.
🔗 Similar Recipes
- Nasi Goreng
- Mie Goreng
- Satay Ayam
- Indonesian Gado-Gado Sauce
- Thai Chili Paste (Nam Prik Pao)
Final Thoughts
Sambal is a vibrant and versatile Southeast Asian chili sauce that adds spicy, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors to almost any meal. Made with fresh chilies, aromatics, and simple seasonings, this homemade sambal is an easy way to bring authentic Indonesian and Malaysian-inspired flavor to your table.
For the best results, balance the heat with a little sweetness and acidity, and adjust the amount of chilies to your preferred spice level. Serve it with nasi lemak, fried rice, noodles, grilled meats, seafood, eggs, or vegetables. Once you make this flavorful sambal at home, you'll always want a jar ready to add an extra kick to your favorite dishes.

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