How to Make Malaysian sambal belacan sauce

• Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add the belacan (shrimp paste) and toast it for a few minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the dried red chili peppers and dried shrimp. Toast them for a few minutes until they become slightly charred. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
• Once cooled, place the toasted shrimp paste, dried red chili peppers, dried shrimp, shallots, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend them together until you get a smooth paste.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended paste and stir-fry it for a few minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic and the oil separates.
• Add the sugar and tamarind paste to the pan and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let the sambal belacan sauce cool down. Transfer it to a jar or container for storage.

The sambal belacan sauce is typically served as a condiment or dipping sauce with various dishes in Malaysian cuisine. It adds a spicy, savory, and umami flavor to a wide range of dishes, including grilled seafood, fried rice, noodles, and vegetables. It can also be used as a base for stir-fries or marinades.

Sambal belacan is a popular Malaysian hot sauce made from shrimp paste and chili peppers. It is a versatile condiment that adds a rich and spicy flavor to various dishes. The sauce’s combination of belacan, dried chili peppers, and other aromatic ingredients creates a unique taste profile that is loved by many. It is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and is known for its ability to enhance the overall flavor of a dish. Enjoy the sambal belacan sauce as a delicious and fiery addition to your favorite meals.

Facts about the sauce:

1. Sambal belacan is a traditional Malaysian condiment that has been enjoyed for centuries.
2. Belacan, the main ingredient of the sauce, is a fermented shrimp paste that is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines.
3. The sauce is known for its spicy and savory flavor, which comes from the combination of dried chili peppers, shrimp paste, and other aromatic ingredients.
4. Sambal belacan is a versatile sauce that can be used as a dipping sauce, condiment, or base for various dishes.
5. The sauce is popular not only in Malaysia but also in other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Singapore.