If you’re an Indonesian food enthusiast, you probably know that chili and sambal are essential components of any Indonesian delicacy. As true Indonesians, many people always seek out sambal to accompany their main dishes. That’s why the sambal bawang recipe is one of the most popular sambal recipes in Indonesia.
Although sambal is considered a condiment, it is a must-have for those who enjoy spicy food. The simplicity, umami flavor, and fragrant shallots make this sambal incredibly addictive, tantalizing your taste buds. Here, we’ll provide you with a simple sambal bawang recipe that you can easily prepare on your own!
What is Sambal Bawang?
Sambal bawang is a unique Indonesian delicacy that features the use of shallots (bawang). It comes in various versions, whether freshly made or cooked down for longer shelf life. However, this sambal stands out as one of the simplest recipes, with its incredible taste and spicy taste.
The sambal is made by combining coarsely ground shallots, garlic, and chilies, which are then cooked down and caramelized in fragrant oil. The result is a flavorful sambal that gets its vibrant appearance from the oil. It pairs deliciously with a wide range of dishes, whether as condiment or for cooking.
Due to its oil base, you can store this sambal in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it with a thin layer of sunflower oil to maintain its freshness. If you prefer, you can also store it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. It serves as a convenient stock in the fridge and ready to be enjoyed with steamed rice and any fried side dish.
In previous years, sambal bawang was a simple dish on its own. However, it gained significant popularity when an F&B business combined it with fried chicken, creating a dish called “ayam geprek.” Since then, many restaurants have showcased their expertise in preparing this flavorful combination, leading to its widespread popularity throughout Indonesia.
Step-by-Step For Simple Sambal Bawang Recipe
Making sambal bawang is a simple process that requires only three main ingredients and minimal tools. What’s great about it is that the sambal can last for a long time in the refrigerator and serves as a simple side dish that adds magic to any meal. Just pair it with steamed rice, and any dish will taste incredible.
Below are several things that you need to do in making sambal bawang. We have chosen the simplest recipe for you to follow. So, check it out!
1. Prepare All Tools Required to Make Sambal Bawang
The tools needed to make sambal bawang are quite easy to find in your kitchen. However, pestle and mortar may not be commonly found for those who don’t live in Indonesia. These tools can provide authenticity and a unique texture to the sambal. Alternatively, you can use a chopper or grinder to achieve a coarse texture. Here are the list of other tools:
- Pestle
- Mortar
- Knife
- Drainer
- Some of the containers
- Pan
- Spatula
2. Obtain the Ingredients
The main ingredients for sambal bawang are very simple, as it only requires shallots, chilies, and oil. You can optionally add garlic for extra flavor. However, this recipe focuses on the most authentic and simple ingredients. Below is the list of ingredients:
- 125 gr of shallots (bawang merah)
- 50 gr of red Thai chilies (cabe rawit merah)
- 6 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 pack chicken bouillon granules or chicken stock powder (bubuk kaldu ayam)
3. Let’s Make it
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and tools, you can begin the cooking process. Follow these easy sambal bawang recipe steps:
a. Start by peeling, washing, and draining the shallots. Since you will be crushing them with a mortar and pestle, it’s better to cut them into two pieces to make grinding easier. Set them aside.
b. Take the chilies and remove the stalks. If you have a low tolerance for spiciness, it is recommended to remove the seeds. Wear plastic gloves to remove the seeds from the chilies. However, if you enjoy spicy food, it is common in Indonesia to leave the seeds intact. Once done, wash and drain the chilies.
c. Avoid using a blender as it will make the paste too smooth.
d. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the chili paste. Cook until it darkens in color and becomes aromatic. Then, season it with sugar, salt, and chicken bouillon granules according to your preference. If the chili paste becomes slightly caramelized, it is done.
e. Then, turn off the heat and allow the sambal bawang to cool. Transfer it to a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before serving, let it return to room temperature or reheat it in the microwave.
Let’s Try To Make Sambal Bawang!
What do you think? It’s very easy to make, right? The steps and ingredients are simple, yet the taste is undeniably good. Moreover, many Indonesians have their own secret recipes to create a unique and delicious sambal.
Fortunately, you can still enjoy authentic Indonesian sambal bawang with instant chili sauce. Nyahtewel is one of the Indonesian brands that offers instant Indonesian sambals, including their secret sambal bawang recipe. It saves time and allows you to experience the most authentic flavor.
FAQ
- What is the main ingredient of sambal bawang?
The main ingredient of sambal bawang is shallots, chilies, and oil. - How long sambal bawang can last?
It will last for up to 1 week in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. - What can you use instead of pestle and mortar?
To get the exact texture like using a pestle and mortar, use the grinder or chopper instead. However, the texture will be not exactly the same. - How can I enjoy sambal bawang?
Eating sambal bawang is never go wrong with any kind of food, even with the most humble one. But based on our experience, it’s better to combine it with steamed rice and deep-fried chicken or tempe.