Malaysian Culinary Delight: Crafting Authentic Sambal Belacan at Home

This traditional Malaysian recipe is a staple in many households, known for its robust and spicy taste, perfect for those who love exploring authentic Asian flavours.

Our Sambal Belacan recipe brings the essence of Malaysian cuisine into your kitchen. Made with fresh red chillies, fragrant belacan (shrimp paste), and a blend of shallots and garlic, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and umami flavours.

Why Try Homemade Sambal Belacan?

• Authentic Flavours: Experience the real taste of Malaysia with traditional ingredients.
• Versatility: Perfect as a condiment with rice, noodles, or as a unique dip.
• Customisable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your preference.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavour: Made with easily accessible ingredients, yet packed with bold taste.

Step-by-Step Guide: Follow our detailed instructions to create this pungent, spicy condiment, including tips on toasting belacan to perfection.

Serving and Storage Tips: Learn how to best serve and store your homemade Sambal Belacan, ensuring its freshness and flavour for every use.

Our "Malaysian Culinary Delight: Crafting Authentic Sambal Belacan at Home" is an invitation to explore the rich and spicy flavours of Malaysian cuisine. It's a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary repertoire with authentic Asian condiments.

Get ready to spice up your meals! Try this Sambal Belacan recipe today and bring a taste of Malaysia into your home. Share your cooking experiences and favourite pairings with us!

Traditional Malaysian Sambal Belacan: A Spicy Shrimp Paste Delicacy

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Cuisine

South East Asian

Servings

4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Discover the rich and piquant world of Malaysian cuisine with our "Traditional Malaysian Sambal Belacan: A Spicy Shrimp Paste Delicacy." This recipe captures the quintessential flavours of Malaysia, combining the fiery heat of red chillies with the umami depth of belacan, a traditional Malaysian shrimp paste. The addition of shallots and garlic enhances the complexity of this condiment, while a splash of lime juice adds a refreshing tanginess, balancing the robust flavours. 

Perfect for those who savour spicy and aromatic foods, Sambal Belacan serves as a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from simple rice meals to elaborate main courses. Whether you're using it as a spicy dip for vegetables or adding a spoonful to elevate your stir-fries, this sambal is sure to bring an authentic Malaysian twist to your table. Simple to prepare yet rich in taste, it's a must-try for anyone eager to explore the vibrant and diverse flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 200 grams of fresh red chillies
• 20 grams of belacan (Malaysian shrimp paste)
• 3-4 shallots, peeled
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt to taste

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Directions

Toast the Belacan:

1. Wrap the belacan in foil and toast it in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step enhances the flavour.

Prepare the Chillies:

1. Rinse the red chillies and chop them coarsely. You can remove some seeds to reduce the heat if desired.

Blend Ingredients:

1. In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine the toasted belacan, chopped chillies, shallots, and garlic. Grind or blend them into a paste.

Cook the Sambal:

1. Transfer the paste to a frying pan. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should darken slightly and become aromatic.

Season:

1. Add the sugar and salt to taste. Continue to cook for a few more minutes.

Add Lime Juice:

1. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the lime juice.

Serve or Store:

1. The Sambal Belacan can be served immediately or stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe Note

Serving Suggestions:

Sambal Belacan is a versatile condiment and can be used in various ways. It's great with rice dishes, noodles, or as a dipping sauce for seafood and vegetables.

Note:

Belacan is quite pungent and strong in flavour. It's a key ingredient in Malaysian cuisine, offering a unique depth of flavour.The heat level of the sambal can be adjusted by varying the number of chillies and the inclusion of their seeds.

Enjoy your homemade Malaysian Sambal Belacan, a true representation of the rich and bold flavours of Malaysia!

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 30-50 kcal per serving - Most of the calories come from the belacan and shallots.

Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams - Primarily from the shallots, red chillies, and a small amount of sugar.

Fibre: 1-2 grams - Provided by the red chillies and shallots.

Protein: 1-2 grams - Mainly from the belacan.

Fat: Negligible to low - Belacan contains some fat, but the amount is generally low.

Vitamins and Minerals:

• Vitamin C: Significant amounts from red chillies.
• Vitamin A: Present in red chillies.
• Sodium: Can be high due to the salt content in belacan and added salt.

Sugar: Natural sugars from the shallots and chillies, and added sugar if used.

Sambal Belacan is a low-calorie, low-fat option that's rich in Vitamin C and provides some protein. However, the sodium content can be a consideration for those monitoring their intake. As always, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.