Hello Kawan Mastah! Sambal bajak is a traditional Indonesian sauce that has a spicy and savory taste. It is made by blending various ingredients, including chili peppers, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste. This sauce is a perfect complement to any dish and can be enjoyed by anyone who loves spicy food. In this article, we will guide you on how to make sambal bajak from scratch. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
The first step in making sambal bajak is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients needed to make a small batch of sambal bajak:
Ingredients |
Amount |
|---|---|
Red chili peppers |
10-15 pieces |
Garlic |
5 cloves |
Shallots |
5 pieces |
Tomato |
1 piece |
Lime juice |
1-2 tablespoons |
Kaffir lime leaves |
3 pieces |
Shrimp paste |
1 teaspoon |
Sugar |
1 teaspoon |
Salt |
1/2 teaspoon |
Oil |
1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making sambal bajak:
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
The first step is to prepare the ingredients. Wash the chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and tomato thoroughly. Slice the chili peppers, shallots, and tomato into small pieces. Peel the garlic and chop it finely. Set aside the kaffir lime leaves.
Step 2: Roasting the ingredients
Next, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chili peppers and roast them for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly charred. Add the shallots and garlic and continue to roast for another 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant.
Step 3: Blending the ingredients
Once the ingredients are roasted, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the sliced tomato, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste, sugar, and salt to the blender. Blend everything together until a smooth paste is formed.
Step 4: Adding the lime juice
Transfer the blended paste to a bowl. Add the lime juice and stir well. Give the sambal bajak a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more sugar or salt to balance the taste.
Step 5: Serving the sambal bajak
Your sambal bajak is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it with grilled meat, vegetables, or rice dishes. Store any leftover sambal bajak in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is sambal bajak spicy?
Yes, sambal bajak is known for its spicy taste. The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili peppers used.
2. Can I use other types of chili peppers?
Yes, you can use other types of chili peppers, such as bird’s eye chili or jalapeno peppers. Just adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preference.
3. What is shrimp paste?
Shrimp paste is a type of condiment made from fermented shrimp. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine to add a savory and umami flavor to dishes.
4. Can I skip the shrimp paste?
No, the shrimp paste is an essential ingredient in sambal bajak as it adds depth and complexity to the flavor. However, if you have a shrimp allergy, you can skip it and replace it with fish sauce.
5. How long can I store sambal bajak?
You can store sambal bajak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
That’s it, Kawan Mastah! We hope this article has helped you in making your own sambal bajak. Enjoy!