Chili Paste Recipe: How to Make Sambal Belacan & Its Benefits

Sambal Belacan is a traditional Malaysian condiment known for its vibrant and spicy flavor profile. Made from a blend of shrimp paste, fresh chilies, and lime juice, this chili paste not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers various health benefits. Rich in vitamins such as Vitamin C from lime juice, which supports the immune system and skin health, and essential minerals from shrimp paste that aid in overall body function, Sambal Belacan can be both a flavorful addition and a source of vital nutrients. However, like any spicy food, it’s important to consume it in moderation to avoid potential digestive discomfort for sensitive individuals.

Ingredients:

• 10-15 dried red chilies
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (belacan)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the Dried Chilies: Begin by soaking the dried red chilies in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, or until they soften. Once they are pliable, drain the water and set the chilies aside. This process helps in softening the chilies and makes them easier to blend.
2. Toast the Shrimp Paste: In a hot, dry pan, lightly toast the shrimp paste (belacan) over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. The shrimp paste will begin to release a fragrant, pungent aroma, which is an indication that it is toasted and ready to use. Once done, set it aside to cool.
3. Blend the Ingredients: Place the soaked chilies, toasted shrimp paste, lime juice, sugar, and salt into a food processor or traditional mortar and pestle. Blend everything together until a smooth paste forms. The consistency should be thick but spreadable. If you're using a mortar and pestle, it may take a bit more effort to break down the ingredients into a fine paste, but the results will be just as flavorful.
4. Fry the Sambal Paste: Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the blended sambal paste to the pan and fry it for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent the paste from sticking to the bottom of the pan. As it fries, the paste will become aromatic and slightly darker in color.
5. Serve the Sambal Belacan: Once the sambal paste is cooked and aromatic, it is ready to serve. Use it as a condiment alongside steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or meats like chicken, beef, or seafood. This sambal can also be mixed into fried rice or used as a marinade for proteins to enhance the flavor with its vibrant, spicy kick.

Alternative Ways to Use Sambal Belacan:

While Sambal Belacan is often used as a condiment, it can also be incorporated into a variety of dishes to enhance flavor. Here are some additional ways to use this flavorful chili paste:

• With Rice: Sambal Belacan can be mixed with steamed rice for a spicy, flavorful addition. It pairs particularly well with coconut rice or any type of grilled meats like chicken or beef.
• With Vegetables: It can be used as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, and celery. It enhances the natural taste of vegetables with a spicy kick.
• As a Marinade: For grilled meats, fish, or tofu, you can use Sambal Belacan as a marinade. Simply rub it onto the protein of your choice and let it sit for an hour or more before grilling for an added flavor depth.
• In Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful of Sambal Belacan to your soups or stews to give them a spicy, umami-rich flavor. It’s perfect for noodle soups or vegetable stews, especially those with seafood or meat.

Note:

Precautions and Side Effects of Sambal Belacan:

While Sambal Belacan is a delicious addition to many dishes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Spiciness: Sambal Belacan can be very spicy due to the high amount of chili used. For individuals with sensitive stomachs, it may cause discomfort such as acid reflux or indigestion. It’s best consumed in moderation.
• Allergies: People with shellfish allergies should avoid using shrimp paste as a key ingredient. While you can substitute shrimp paste with other umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or miso, it will alter the traditional taste of the sambal.
• High Sodium Content: The addition of salt and shrimp paste can make Sambal Belacan quite high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. It’s important to balance it with other low-sodium foods.

Frequently Asked Questions :

What is the origin of Sambal Belacan?

• Answer: Sambal Belacan is a traditional Malaysian condiment that originated in Southeast Asia. It is widely used in Malaysian cuisine to add heat and flavor to a variety of dishes.

Can Sambal Belacan be stored?

• Answer: Yes, Sambal Belacan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination.

Does Sambal Belacan offer health benefits?

• Answer: Yes, Sambal Belacan contains beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin C from lime juice, which boosts immunity, and capsaicin from chilies, which aids digestion and metabolism.

Can the heat level of Sambal Belacan be adjusted?

• Answer: Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of Sambal Belacan by varying the amount of chili used. You can reduce the number of chilies for a milder version or increase them for a more intense heat.

Can I make Sambal Belacan without shrimp paste?

• Answer: Yes, if you prefer to avoid shrimp paste, you can substitute it with alternatives like tomato paste or soy sauce. However, these substitutions will change the traditional flavor of the sambal.

Nutritional values and benefits

Dried Red Chilies (10-15 pieces)

• Calories: 18
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamins:
• Vitamin C: 45mg (50% DV)

Nutritional Benefit: Red chilies are a great source of Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promotes healthy skin. They also contain capsaicin, which is known for its metabolism-boosting properties.

Shrimp Paste (2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 2g

Nutritional Benefit: Shrimp paste is rich in protein and essential minerals like calcium and iron, contributing to muscle and bone health. It also provides a unique umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of dishes.

Lime Juice (2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamins:
• Vitamin C: 30mg (50% DV)

Nutritional Benefit: Lime juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, supports healthy skin, and promotes the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Sugar (1 teaspoon)

• Calories: 16
• Carbohydrates: 4g

Nutritional Benefit: While sugar adds sweetness to balance the heat of the sambal, it's important to use in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake.

Salt (to taste)

• Sodium: 500mg (depends on usage)

Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for fluid balance in the body but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake, which can lead to high blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Sambal Belacan:

Sambal Belacan, while primarily known for its vibrant, spicy flavor, also offers a variety of health benefits due to the ingredients used in its preparation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its impact on health:

• Aids Digestion: The active ingredient in chili peppers, capsaicin, is known for its digestive benefits. It helps stimulate digestion by increasing the production of stomach acids, which can assist in breaking down food more effectively. This may improve overall digestive health, particularly for individuals without sensitive stomachs.
• Boosts Immunity: Sambal Belacan contains lime juice, which is a rich source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a key role in boosting the immune system, helping the body fight off infections. It also aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, which contributes to overall health.
• Energy and Metabolism: The capsaicin in chili peppers has been shown to increase metabolism and help in fat burning, potentially giving you an energy boost. Additionally, the iron in shrimp paste helps promote the production of red blood cells, contributing to improved energy levels.
• Skin Health: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, reducing wrinkles and promoting collagen production for healthier skin.