Sambal Terasi Chili Shrimp Paste Relish

Name: Sambal Terasi Chili Shrimp Paste Relish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 8 red fresno chili peppers, stemmed; 4 bird's eye chilies (Thai chilies), stemmed; 4 shallots, halved; 4 garlic cloves; 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi or belacan); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 Roma tomato, quartered; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp palm sugar or light brown sugar; 1/2 tsp salt

The quintessential Indonesian condiment: a pungent, fiery relish of toasted shrimp paste, fresh and dried chilies, shallots, garlic, and lime juice. A spoonful transforms any rice dish, grilled meat, or fried egg.

25 minEasyServes 860 cal/serving

IndonesianSauceBlenderStandardLow CarbDairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

8 red fresno chili peppers, stemmed
4 bird's eye chilies (Thai chilies), stemmed
4 shallots, halved
4 garlic cloves
1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi or belacan)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 Roma tomato, quartered
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp palm sugar or light brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1

Wrap the 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi or belacan) in a small piece of foil and toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant. Let cool.
2

Place the 8 stemmed red fresno chili peppers, 4 stemmed bird's eye chilies (Thai chilies), 4 halved shallots, and 4 garlic cloves in a blender or food processor. Add the 1 quartered Roma tomato and the toasted shrimp paste (terasi or belacan). Pulse into a coarse paste - do not over-blend; some texture is desirable.
3

Heat the 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chili paste and fry, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the color deepens and the raw smell cooks off.
4

Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp palm sugar or light brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Taste and adjust - the sambal should be hot, tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory.
5

Let cool to room temperature before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Questions

Can I make Sambal Terasi Chili Shrimp Paste Relish ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Sugar and vinegar are preservatives: in a clean sealed jar it keeps two to three weeks refrigerated.

Can I halve or double Sambal Terasi Chili Shrimp Paste Relish?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, blend in batches rather than overfilling the jar.

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