When discussing Indonesian specialties, it is impossible to separate them from spicy food. The taste of Indonesian cuisine, which is famous for its abundance of spices, cannot be complete without various chili sauce menus. The recipe for sambal oelek is one of the additional menus that must be present in every Indonesian dish. If you are not familiar with chili sauce, then this is the perfect introduction for you.
What is Sambal Oelek?
Sambal Oelek’s recipe is currently in high demand among Indonesians and foreigners alike. The existence of sambal itself is a typical side dish from Indonesia that is mandatory in every type of Indonesian cuisine. You could say sambal is a spicy chili paste made as a complementary food to the main course.
The word ‘oelek’ is taken from the old Indonesian spelling, which has the same meaning as ‘ulek.’ That means ground with a mortar. So, this eolek/ulek chili is ground chili using a mortar, which looks like a spicy paste. However, the texture is not as soft as chili sauce.
Of course, you can also make this chili paste recipe by grinding it in a food processor to make it easier. But most of the making of this ground chili still uses a mortar. Because, technically, sambal oelek is a chili that was made traditionally.
How to Make Sambal Oelek
This sambal oelek recipe is very easy and simple to make at home. It becomes even easier as you can adapt the recipe to the ingredients you already have at home. You only need to prepare the basic ingredients such as chili, salt, garlic, and shallots.
Sambal Oelek Recipe
This recipe can be used for a week’s supply, including:
Ingredients:
- 200 gr Shallots
- 200 gr Bird’s Eye chili
- 4 Garlic (Skin-on)
- Shrimp paste (optional)
- Oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon MSG
How to cook:
- Put the shallots and chilies in the mortar, then grind them evenly. This may take some time to finish. If you don’t have a mortar, you can use a food processor and grind it to a fine
powder. - Heat a small bowl of cooking oil over low heat.
- Crush the garlic without peeling the skin, and put it in the oil. Garlic is useful for giving a delicious aroma to the chili sauce, so the skin is deliberately not peeled. This will reduce the chance of burnt garlic color. However, this is optional, and you are free to choose whether to peel it and cut it into small pieces or not.
- Add the finely chopped chilies and shallots to the hot oil. Don’t forget to keep the heat on low. Cook slowly because high heat will make the chili flammable and dry out.
- Add other seasonings such as shrimp paste, salt, MSG, and sugar. In addition, you can adjust the sugar based on individual tastes.
- Add enough water and stir evenly until the color of the oil becomes golden and the chilies turn brown. The purpose of adding water is to maintain the wet texture of the chili and prevent the sautéed chili from becoming too dry. However, be cautious as adding too much water can shorten the shelf life of the chili sauce.
- If the color of the chili sauce is slightly browned, and the aroma is fragrant. That means Sambal Oelek is ready to be served.
Which Indonesian Food Match with Sambal Oelek Recipe?
Many Indonesian specialties will be even more delicious when paired with this sambal oelek recipe. Here are recommendations for Indonesian food that you can eat with spicy and delicious chili sauce.
1. Every Fried-Food; Chicken, Fish, and even Eggs
Sambal has a strong and spicy taste, which makes it best enjoyed with fried foods such as chicken, fish, tempeh, tofu, and eggs. It tastes even better when eaten with steamed rice!
2. Ikan Bakar Madu plus Sambal Oelek is best for Dinner
If the spiciness of sambal oelek is too strong for you, then it’s best to pair it with something sweet like honey-grilled fish. The sweet and savory taste of the fish, which has been marinated
with honey seasoning and grilled at high temperatures, releases a sweet aroma into the air. The sweetness of the grilled fish seasoning will slightly balance the spiciness of the chili sauce.
3. Sayur Asem
Sayur asem itself is a typical Javanese soup that is famous for its sour, sweet, slightly savory, and spicy taste. So that when you enjoy this vegetable, it will give you a very fresh taste.
The clear broth and fresh vegetable fillings make this vegetable often served with chili sauce and salted fish.
Sambal Oelek Is Best for Spicy Food Lovers
Not everyone can stand the spicy taste, but there are still people who love spices. Various types of spicy dishes are exciting and delicious which weirdly can make you not want to stop eating.
If you are one of them, then you must try this sambal oelek recipe. Either make it yourself at home or buy a sambal instant by Nyahtewel. It’s simpler but delicious too! Enjoy trying out this recipe!
FAQ
- What kinds of chili are used for sambal oelek?
There are two types of chili, namely curly chili and cayenne pepper that are usually used for sambal oelek. Curly chilies and cayenne peppers, both have different levels of spice. - Why are there various creations of sambal oelek?
The various creations of this sambal oelek recipe are varied. You can add various other ingredients, such as adding anchovies, shrimp paste, boiled fish, lime leaves, and squid. - How long is Sambal Oelek worth consuming once you cook them?
Making Sambal Oelek based on the recipe can last for about 7 days to consume. But, it depends on how you cook it. If you want to have sambal oelek that may last longer, you can buy the instant version. - Where we can find sambal oelek instant?
You can get instant sambal oelek at supermarkets, or buy it more easily online at Nyahtewel.com.