Sambal Bajak

Name: Sambal Bajak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 10 oz red chilies, chopped; 4 oz shallots, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 roma tomato, chopped; 1 tsp shrimp paste, toasted; 1/2 inch fresh galangal, sliced; 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised; 3 kaffir lime leaves; 1 tbsp palm sugar, chopped; 1 tsp tamarind paste; 1/2 tsp salt

A rich and savory cooked chili paste layered with fried aromatics, shrimp paste, and dark palm sugar.

35 minEasyServes 885 cal/serving

IndonesianSauceStovetopPescatarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil
10 oz red chilies, chopped
4 oz shallots, sliced
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 roma tomato, chopped
1 tsp shrimp paste, toasted
1/2 inch fresh galangal, sliced
1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
3 kaffir lime leaves
1 tbsp palm sugar, chopped
1 tsp tamarind paste
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1

Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2

Add 10 oz chopped red chilies, 4 oz sliced shallots, 4 peeled garlic cloves, 1 chopped roma tomato, and 1 tsp toasted shrimp paste to the skillet and fry for 5 minutes until softened.
3

Transfer the fried mixture to a food processor and pulse into a coarse paste.
4

Return the paste to the skillet and add 1/2 inch sliced fresh galangal, 1 bruised lemongrass stalk, and 3 kaffir lime leaves.
5

Stir in 1 tbsp chopped palm sugar, 1 tsp tamarind paste, and 1/2 tsp salt, then simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until dark and fragrant.

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Questions

What is Sambal Bajak?

A rich and savory cooked chili paste layered with fried aromatics, shrimp paste, and dark palm sugar. This reference files it under Indonesian sauce: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 35 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for shrimp paste in Sambal Bajak?

The entry for Sambal Bajak calls for 1 tsp shrimp paste, toasted. In its place: Fish sauce, or a mashed anchovy fillet, at about the same volume. For vegetarian cooking, use a dark miso.

How hot is Sambal Bajak?

Moderately. The heat in Sambal Bajak comes from 10 oz red chilies, chopped. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the chilies, or use half; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Sambal Bajak contain shellfish?

Yes: 1 tsp shrimp paste, toasted. The full allergen list for this entry is shellfish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I freeze Sambal Bajak?

Yes. Refrigerate Sambal Bajak in a sealed jar and use it within four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

Serve it with

Ikan Bakar main
Pisang Goreng Fried Banana Fritters starter
Chicken and Cornmeal Dumpling Stew main

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