Sambal Nasi Lemak Recipe

Ignite your taste buds with this fiery Sambal Nasi Lemak recipe! A vibrant and flavorful sambal paste, traditionally served with Nasi Lemak, but adaptable to create delicious squid, prawn, chicken, or even tofu sambal. This recipe skips the anchovies for a versatile base you can customize to your liking. Get ready for a 45-minute culinary adventure!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 305.2 kcal
Protein 1g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Sambal Nasi Lemak 41

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Sambal Nasi Lemak

  • Dried Anchovy
  • 4-5 red chilies
  • 2 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (belacan)
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 stalks lemongrass
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 cup protein (e.g., chicken, prawns, squid, tofu)
  • juice of 1 lime (optional, as alternative to tamarind)
  • fresh coriander leaves (optional, for garnish)

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How to Make Sambal Nasi Lemak

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add 2 stalks of lemongrass (bruised), 4-5 red chilies (deseeded and roughly chopped), 2 shallots (minced), and 3 cloves garlic (minced). Sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add 1 inch ginger (grated), 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (belacan), and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 cup of your choice of protein (chicken, prawns, squid, tofu, etc., cut into bite-sized pieces). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste (or juice of 1 lime), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (optional) and serve hot with your favorite Nasi Lemak or rice. Enjoy your delicious, customizable sambal!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

41g

Fat

20g

Carbs

5g