Spice up with Sambal: The Indonesian Flavour-Maker

From Sumatra, Java and Bali to Nusa Tenggara, South Borneo to Sulawesi – the Indonesian islands are home to a massive range of gastronomic wonders, made by combining rich-tasting local ingredients, unique to every region. That said, some ingredients are ubiquitous across the archipelago, and make up the staples of Indonesian taste. For instance, the Kecap Manis sweet soy sauce is the main flavour-maker for Nasi Goreng fried rice and a variety of yummy dishes.

But besides the savoury-sweet, Indonesian cuisine is most defined by the spiciness. And for that, you need Sambal. Chilli peppers mashed with pestle and mortar. Blended with flavour ‘enhancers’ like shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallot, scallion, palm sugar and lime juice. Sambal is served raw or cooked. Enjoyed as a condiment, sauce-blend, and flavouring for stir-fries. Awesome in veggie, meat and seafood dishes.

How Sambal began

The love for Sambal extends beyond Indonesia. For the Malay populace in Malaysia and Singapore, nearly every meal is served with at least a pinch of the spicy darling. The Southern Thais adore it too.

Meanwhile, Indonesia was once a Dutch colony, so you can actually find Sambal in the Netherlands today. However Sambal’s origin dates prior to the Dutch, around the 15th Century, when Spanish and Portuguese traders brought South American chilli peppers to Southeast Asia.

Back then, the Indonesian islanders already had a local long pepper named Cabya, enjoyed as a spicy condiment. But the capsicum chilli pepper plants are richer in flavour, easy to cultivate, and blend well with other ingredients. Hence, the Sambal was born.

Delicious variants

The most basic Sambal is mashed raw chilli with salt and lime juice, called Sambal Oelek. It doesn’t stop there, of course. As mentioned, every part of Indonesia has their own flavours, and thus, their own Sambal too. You can check out the full list on the Sambal wiki-page. But the favourite five are:

Sambal Belacan, made with shrimp paste. Spicy and savoury with a funky taste and aroma.

Sambal Asam with tamarind paste. Hot with a tangy twist.

Sambal Ebi with dried shrimps. Less pungent than Sambal Belacan, with a similar spicy-savoury taste and texture.

Sambal Goreng is pan-fried with shallots for a smoky, nutty aroma.

Sambal Kecap is blended with Kecap Manis. Spicy-sweet and savoury.

Cooking with Sambal

Salad, stir-fried, grilled, deep-fried, braised or even soup, a touch of Sambal on the side, can give almost any dish an instant flavour boost. Besides a condiment, you can also cook a myriad of yummies with Sambal.

Nasi Lemak

Malaysia’s favourite breakfast is defined by the Sambal. Cooked with dried anchovies, onion, garlic, shallots, dried chilli, and toasted shrimp paste. Zesty, savoury and filing. Enjoy the classic Nasi Lemak with our homely recipe!

Sambal Seafood

Sambal can neutralise your seafood’s fishy smell, and elevate their natural taste. Savour a mouth-watering stir-fried squid, lathered in a spicy-sweet and tangy sauce. Or, indulge in the zesty sumptuous flavour of Sambal Oelek prawns!

Ayam Percik

Ayam Percik is an Indonesian and Malaysian grilled chicken special. Marinated with Sambal, cumin, turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, shallot and ginger. Spicy and savoury with an appetizing earthy-tangy aroma. Make yours with this award-winning recipe!

Nasi Goreng

Indonesian fried rice combines their two quintessential flavour-makers: Kecap Manis and Sambal. Filled with julienned cabbage, chicken and prawns. Topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Delicious and satisfying. Great for any meal of the day.

Sambal Noodles

Are stir-fried noodles your jam? Add a dash of Sambal for a zesty oomph! You can try it with Pad Thai, Char Kway Teow or Mee Goreng.

Sambal Veggies

Enjoy your greens with a Sambal boost! Have the yummy okra, boiled or stir-fried. Tender stir-fried water spinach, a classic Indonesian and Malaysian home-cooked fave. Or a spicy, savoury and crunchy Kerabu cucumber salad.

More Indonesian Goodies

Hungry for more Indonesian recipes and flavours? Here are 10 delicious wonders you simply must try. Need a drink to quell the spicy heat? Discover the traditional Indonesian beverages made with all natural ingredients!